The Responsible Administrator: Chapter Nine - Essay Example

Again the chapter advocates that ethical issues should be reflected on so that the best alternatives for the solutions can be arrived at. It does not advocate for set standards or guidelines for any ethical situation ( Cooper, 2012). Consequently, this chapter arrives at three key points, the first one being that all ethical problems have solutions, only the alternatives differs and as such the implications.

Secondly, the public administrative role ought to have an appropriate approach and lastly, a well-designed approach is very significant while solving any ethical problem. In the Journal of Public Affairs Education (2011), it has been spelt out that the American constitution is the foundation for public administration theory and practice. In this constitution lies the basic code of conduct by a public administrator. Hence this is the basic approach applied while solving ethical issues. In addition, the author notes that if the utilization and misuse of administrative discretion are thoroughly evaluated then it results as being another positive relationship between the rule of law and competent public sector management methods ( Sharpe, 2011).

However, the constitution should not be a limiting factor for any public administrator. There are those situations that call for individual judgment. As such, those entitled to train public administrators should enlighten the students on where the limits of the constitution lie. In essence, the above points are very much in line with the three key points outlined in this chapter by Cooper. The approaches need to solve an ethical situation is very important. In fact, these approaches are embedded in the constitution and other codes of conduct that the public administrator abides by.

However, there are other factors that should be looked into apart from the constitution and these ethical codes. Such approaches are personal; and will in most instances differ from one situation to another. Moreover, public administrators should be aware of their work environments so that they can apply the most appropriate approach. This chapter has brought insight into the applicability of different approaches and how a public administrator should organize or design such approaches so that they can have the best conclusion on a given ethical situation.

Consequently, this insight will be very useful while practising administrative duties because it is very clear that the constitution alone cannot safeguard the interest of the citizens. In fact, while one is in administrative opposition, conscience and personal judgments are equally important while seeking to find the best approach to apply for a given ethical situation.