Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) Essays

Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) Essays Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) Essay Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) Essay Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) 2. According to Hugh Helco, to ‘think institutionally’ means, learning about an institution and having utter most respect for it. Instead of thinking about an institution, one should focus on thinking within it. This means that one personalizes the institution’s values within themselves, not only sharing the views and values of the institution, but also believing in them as their own. Completely assimilating the institutional values makes one work diligently because their selflessness creates a hard-working culture within individuals. They make conscious efforts to give their best in their duties because they have a sense of belonging and work with a high level of responsibility and awareness. Therefore, people are more likely to go out of their way to ensure that the objectives are effectively accomplished. For example, if the institution wants to cut down on the energy costs, one can be proactive and suggest using solar generators as opposed to only campaigning that the lights should be switched off when not in use. Good stewardship is fostered from thinking institutionally. Why is it difficult to think institutionally in this current era? In the wake of capitalism, what appeals the most to organizations is the idea of increasing their profit margins. These organizations are run by people who by nature always want more. Without proper morals and character within them, the selfish aspirations of personal gain become apparent. Whether for personal, social political or financial reasons, the selfishness to gain institutional benefits at the expense of others makes thinking institutionally extremely difficult. Embezzling of funds by a board member discourages those working for the betterment of the organization. Such ulterior motives by individuals cause increased levels of mistrust thereby making intuitional thinking pointless. Therefore, selfish motives, which consequently lead to mistrust, hinder people from thinking institutionally. 1. According to Terry Cooper, ‘high citizenship’ is a disciplined level of social structure that enables equal power sharing opportunities among its members. In such a case, there is absolute equality among peers and respect is given to ethical values and customs within the structure. High citizenship embraces the aspect of democracy, which means exercising the power vested in the leadership to better the society. It encompasses observing a set of rules and principles that follow ethical practices thereby governing the people. For this to happen, the citizens need to be fully aware of their rights, duties and responsibilities. Here, an element of legal awareness is effected. Legal awareness is providing the necessary set of rules and principles that will help society obey the expected ethical code of conduct. This provides a platform to which understanding the ethical values will help individuals carry out their obligations rightfully. Utilitarian techniques embrace the essence of majority rule. If majority of the people will benefit from the process, then it is adapted despite the repercussions it might have on the minority. Cost benefit analyses are an example of a utilitarian technique. The pros and cons of a process or situation are taken into account. If the benefits outweigh the costs, then the process is considered and amended to suit the majority. However, this method is not suited for our political heritage because it embraces the rule of the majority, therefore, sidelining the individual liberties of the minority group. Our political heritage respects the individual rights and liberties of everyone. Implementation of utilitarian techniques, though beneficial to the greater good, contrasts the political heritage that embodies the harmony of all individuals.