Question

Using the list of six ethical pressure points in The picture , explain which pressures are mainly internal (from within the individual) and which are mainly external (from outside sources such as a supervisor).

explain your answer in detail

It is important for those working in the public sector to understand their ethical responsibilities. A good strategy is to think in terms of "ethical pressure points" to identify situations in which there is significant pressure to act unethically. Some of these apply to workers in the private and NFP sector, while others are more specifically relevant to those in the public sector 1.Pressures to suppress or distort relevant information to prevent legitimate public scrutiny, for example the case discussed above 2. Pressures to protect oneself or colleagues from legitimate scrutiny or criticism, for example covering up for a colleague who has been negligent in their work 3.Overload, time pressure and lack of resources making it difficult or impossible to carry out assigned responsibilities (Management assigns responsibilties to employees but fails to provide the resources necessary. This can lead to cynicism and burnout on the part of employees.) 4. Conflicts of interest including shirking duties and slacking off as well as pursuit of personal interests in place of the public interest, for example leaking confidential budget information to a family member who does business with the government 5. Acting beyond one's competence or skill-set and not requesting expert help 6. Working in an environment where there is a lack of leadership and support structures This list contains a mix of internal (character and motivation) and external (failures of leadership and inadequate resources) factors that combine to undermine ethical performance. Think about what you would do in this situation, and what leadership should do

Answer 1

1. Pressure to suppress or distort relevant information to prevent legitimate public scrutiny is External pressure. Because employees must do what the management ask them to do. So employees are bound to suppress or distort the information of the public which will be ordered by the management. Management put the pressure on employees to suppress the information.

I would not encourage such things like suppression or distortion. I will act ethically in my work.I will do my work in the  legal manner.

Leaders must not put pressure on employees.They must motivate the employees to do work in the legal way.

2. Pressures to protect oneself or colleagues from legitimate scrutiny or criticism is the Internal pressure. Protecting oneself or colleagues is within us and our colleagues, which is covering ourselves or colleagues who are negligent. To protect ourselves from management pressures we act unethical.

I will do my work sincerely and I will be responsible for my negligence. I will not defend myself or for my colleagues. I will go in the ethical manner.

Leaders must review the work of each individual regularly so that they cannot be negligent in their work and they can work ethically.

3. Overload, time pressure and lack of resources making it impossible to carry out assigned responsibilities is External pressure. Because management has not provided adequate resources and due to lack of time employees will be under pressure and they try to do their work in unethical manner.

I will go to the management and explain the situation regarding lack of resources and time and proceed according to it.

Leadership must provide adequate resources, so that employees can work comfortably. Leadership must also give employees ample of time to work without any pressure.

4. Conflicts of interest including shrinking duties, slacking off as well as pursuit of personal interest in place of public interest is Internal pressure. Due to some family relations employees may leak some important information to the family members which conflicts their interest.

I will not disclose any confidential matters to the family members or anyone else because this may lead to severe consequences.

Leadership must observe the employees towards their employees and keep a regular check on them.

5. Acting beyond one's competence or skill-set and requesting expert help is Internal pressure. One should not depend more on oneself, which is beyond his competence. He must take the help of the expert to smoothen the work.

I will not work beyond my skill set because it may lead to misleading the work. I will take the help of expert in case of necessity.

Leadership should not assign work beyond the competence of the employees.

6. Working in an environment where there is a lack of leadership and support structures is External pressure. Due to lack of proper leadership employees are put under pressure. Employees must be given proper support in their work culture.

Leadership must be reviewed properly. They must support employees in their work.