Fostering and Maintaining Responsible Conduct within Public Organizations: A Case Study

Abstract

This paper explores the need for and importance of fostering and maintaining responsible conduct in public or- ganizations. The author uses a case study approach by looking at ethical misconduct by several board members, adminis- trators, and managers in one of the nation's largest public school districts. Education is seen as one of the most important public goods and the need for ethically responsible conduct in educational organizations at the public school district and school board levels underscores the important role of an institution seen as vital to ethical progress, well-being, and pos- terity. The causes of ethical failure are explored from the perspective of leadership and culture, and the author recom- mends strong ethical and strategic leadership, trust-building, and ethical monitoring as important steps toward fostering and maintaining ethical conduct in the particular case in question, and for public organizations in general.