Ethics and its types
Ethics refers to the process through which people determine what is right and wrong (Dunn, 2015). Also, it comprises the actions that stem from the conclusions made regarding right and wrong. Ethics is a vital aspect of all professions, including planning and analysis. Each profession has a code of conduct that defines how professionals are supposed to act or behave in their line of duty. Ethics promote professionalism and ensure that individuals act based on what is right.
Three types of ethics discussed during the course work include descriptive ethics, normative ethics, and meta-ethics (Dunn, 2015). Normative ethics is a branch of ethics that attempts to determine the qualities or standards that make actions ethical. It determines whether it is correct to act in a certain way or if an action is good. The
results help to pass judgment and justify behavior. Descriptive ethics is a branch of ethics that aims to understand people’s moral beliefs based on human nature (Denhardt & Denhardt, 2006). Meta-ethics deals with the study of ethical questions to determine their morality and meaning (Dunn, 2015).
The importance of ethics to policy planners and analysts
The study of ethics is essential for planners and analysts because people in both professions need to act morally and by the code of conduct developed for their respective areas of work (Denhardt & Denhardt, 2006). Besides, the study helps them to make good decisions that enhance the credibility of their actions and professions. Planners and analysts who act ethically improve the quality of their decisions, create effective and trustworthy leadership, exercise fair and honest judgment, protect their integrity, and create enhance professional honesty that is important for both individuals and organizations (Denhardt & Denhardt, 2006).
References
Denhardt, R., & Denhardt, J. (2006). Public Administration: An Action Orientation (5th Ed). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth Co.
Dunn, W. N. (2015). Public Policy Analysis. New York, NY: Routledge.