Ethical Decimation Making Model - California Parks Department Scandal - Essay Example

In fact, Cooper is very clear that the consequences are in four broad categories, that is, Moral Rule, Ethical Principle, Rehearsal of Defenses, and Anticipatory Self-Appraisal (Cooper, 2012). Moral RuleThese are the virtues that an individual holds, in most cases they are propelled by religious convictions, evolution of the conscience, and the fear of being caught and being exposed. Lopez was faced with an ethical problem whose first alternative would have had a moral rule that he had a criminal record in the past and in that he participated in hiding the park's funds.

In whatever way the Lopez would try to justify his deeds, the moral judgment in either case would be that he be fired and prosecuted for having a hand in mismanaging public money. It was apparent that Lopez even had a share of the funds for himself. Ethical principles by far fall under the category of the outlined codes of conducts in this case those of a public officer. In fact, these codes are extensively spelled out in the constitution, which public officers must obey or else be prosecuted.

It is expected that any public officer is conversant with these laid down guidelines. As such, Lopez acted contrary to the ethical codes he is expected to safeguard and uphold. Consequently, being delegated for such an office is an honor and the public officer is expected to serve the public’s interest first rather than act on personal gains. Lopez, has the alternatives named earlier, however, whatever alternative he chooses will lead to on ethical principle consequence; be fired from holding any public office and be prosecuted for acting centrally to the ethical codes knowingly.

Rehearsal of DefensesIn this element the administrators is expected to assess and align the alternatives they have and this should be guided by the norms of the organization as well as the involved political forces. The results of cases that are precedent to such a situation in the past should be a guide as to the best alternative to act on. However, in this case either alternative for Lopez leads to one major consequence. He should be fired and barred from holding any public office in the future.

Anticipatory Self-AppraisalThis element pegs itself on how the administrator feels about the ethical issue and how it reflects on their personality. In this case, the administrator should seek to know if the final alternative will meet their self-satisfaction and if they can live with the implications. Lopez has indeed embezzled public funds knowingly. He did not report the loophole once he noticed it but he continued withholding the public funds for his personal benefits with the aid of other officer.

As such his anticipatory self-appraisal should be to confess to his evil deeds and surrender all funds that he is withholding. Therefore, In the California state park scandal is very clear that Lopez did not practice many ethical codes of conduct as expected of him. In this regard, he should be fired and prosecuted for these acts. Moreover, it would only be prudent that he does not hold any public office duty in future