Analyzing ASPA Code of Ethics: Hatch Act, Ethics in Government Act (Essay Sample)

Ethics and Governance
Name
Institution
ASPA Codes of Ethics
Typically, ASPA can be defined as a declaration of the desire and high anticipation of employees or public servants. It acts as a guidance tool to its members, from which they are expected to behave. Ethics, on the other hand, are essential to the personality since they stipulate steering principles on which a character is built. Ideally, there are three major components of American Society for Public Administration codes of ethics. They include training, politics or law and personal honesty (Cooper, 1987).
Whereas law and organization guidelines provide a clear picture of how not to learn administrative roles, there are some major loopholes that are left for the public servants to make an ethical decision, depending on what is at stake. As such, ASPA codes of ethics allow these servants to make ethical decision. The process of making ethical decision starts with the identification of an ethical problem, followed by the description of the issue and eventually the definition of the ethical issue. Lastly, possible solutions are identified by projecting the consequences of each decision, on the basis of moral guidance, self appraisal themes and ethical principles, among others (Cameron, 2004).
Consequently, there are both positive and negative outcomes for ASPA codes of ethics. Perhaps one of the notable advantages of these code of ethics and is the enhancement of the organization, profession or career’s reputation, inspiring the public confidence. They signal to the suppliers and the public of what to expect when dealing with the organization. Moreover, these codes demonstrate a culture of excellence by showing commitment of similar ethical behavior in various institutions. Additionally, these codes can save an organization, person or a servant from litigations.
On the other hand, the introduction of these codes can result to skepticism is it is perceived as only a manuscript exercise. More so, without proper interpretation mechanism, these codes are exposed to exploitation which might have far reaching consequences to the organization. Lastly, ASPA codes of ethics can raise the public and clients expectations to a level beyond the organization, resulting to conflict.
Hatch Act
The Hatch act of 1939 was officially formed to prohibit malicious political activities. Particularly, it was formed to limit the political activities of public servants in the federal, local and state government. The main objective of this act is to ensure that politicians working within these governments are neutral in service delivery. This acts bars civil servant from holding public elective positions, influencing elections or campaigning, as well as manipulating the hiring process civil servants.
Even though there has been a long debate about the Hatch act, one of the accomplished objectives is cleaning up the government to some degree. It has completely prevented the act of hiring government workers due to political reasons, rather than merits and academic qualifications. More so, the act has succeeded in removing the federal executive branch from enthusiast political affairs. In other words, this act plays a critical role in ensuring that public services and job opportunities are accessible to all without political discrimination. This increases the quality and efficiency of government institutions to the citizens of the United States.
Ethics in Government Act
Subsequently, the ethics and government affair is often viewed with great public interest in modern times. This is because what happens in the government has a direct impact to common citizens. Ethics in government act of 1978 is incorporated within the law in the United States of America. It was legitimized during the Saturday night massacre and Nixon Westgate Scandal. Typically, this act made it mandatory for all civil servants and their immediate to disclose their financial sources, status as well as employment history. On top of this, it prevented the public officers from lobbying for other people before leaving their terms expires. Last of all, it created an oversight...