Summative Assessment Tasks for Module 1:

1. Explain the core ethical values of your department by critically analysing the Departments vision and mission and values. (LO1)
2. Evaluate how your own values fit in with the departments 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 persons values must be compatible with the organisations 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 Kotanes wife. Mr Kotane apparently asked to be excused from following the states 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 Kotanes 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)