1. Explain the core ethical values of your department by critically analysing the Department’s vision and mission and values. (LO1)
2. Evaluate how your own values fit in with the department’s values. (LO3)
3. Section 195 of the Constitution, 1996, requires public administration to be governed by democratic values and principles as contained in the Constitution. What is the implication of this on your Department and yourself? (LO2)
4. Organisations, like people have values. To be effective in an organisation, a person’s values must be compatible with the organisation’s values. They do not need to be the same, but they must be close enough to coexist. Otherwise ethical conflict within individuals will develop. Describe the areas of ethical conflict for public sector employees. (LO3)
5. The following report was, however, published in the Eastern Province Herald of February 2, 1999. (LO3)

“The Auditor-General has reprimanded the head of the South African Communication services for signing a contract with a printing company without following the official procedures for tendering. The Auditor-General said that if Solly Kotane had followed the proper procedures, the state could have saved R1,69 million. Network Radio News said that the printing company employs Mr Kotane’s wife. Mr Kotane apparently asked to be excused from following the state’s tender board requirements when he signed the contract because he stated that he did not have time. He also stated that his wife had nothing to do with the contract.”

Questions

• What are the key issues in the case? Why?
• What do you think is the role of Mr Kotane’s wife in this case?
• Can time be accepted as an excuse for not adhering to the Code of Conduct?
• Explain why ethical values and standards are important to the public sector.
  1. What is the importance of ethical values and standards within your own department and what role do you play to ensure it is upheld. Give examples. (LO4)

Time Management

LEARNING OUTCOMES	GUIDELINES
LO5: Identify time management profiles.	5.1 Current time management techniques and processes used by the learner to manage him-/ herself and his/ her division/ department/ section are identified to aid future time management of the section. 5.2 Weaknesses in current work processes are identified in terms of poor time management. 5.3 The top time wasters that impact on the organisation’s productivity are identified with a view to minimizing their negative influence. 5.4 The external forces that affect time utilization are identified and an explanation is given of their effect with examples.
LO6: Understand the principles of time management.	6.1 The 80/20 principle in identifying key tasks is explained with examples. 6.2 Delegation as a means of utilizing time and human resources correctly is explained with examples of good and bad practice. 6.3 Prioritising as a technique to manage the work of a team/group/section is explored in relation the work of the specific group and a decision made as to which tasks are of greater priority for the group. 6.4 The principle of balance between the various aspects of one’s life is understood in terms of creating time for them all so as to optimize one’s life.
LO7: Draw up time efficient work plans to carry out department/division work functions.	7.1 The organisation’s objectives are understood and clearly defined in terms of the work that has to be done by the department/ division/ section. 7.2 The objectives are translated into work plans for the department/ division/ section. 7.3 The key activities required to complete a specific project are identified and all tasks and work procedures are analysed and assigned to a specific time frame. 7.4 Persons to whom tasks can be delegated are identified and included in the plan. 7.5 Plans eliminate and/or manage time wasters in the department/division/ section. 7.6 Tasks are prioritised in terms of urgency and importance for the department/ division/ section/ organisation.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Ethical Values in Public Administration LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 Departments Ethical Values Vision Mission and Values Analysis The core ethical values of our department are rooted in democratic principles as m... View the full answer