Print this page Ethics for Executive Branch Employees
Mark P. Rossow, PhD, PE Retired
Course Outline
This three-hour online course discusses ethical rules to be followed by executive branch employees in seven specific areas arising in the workplace. The principles of ethical conduct specified in Executive Order 12731 are listed and applied to common situations in which employees are likely to find themselves.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Knowing when gifts from outside sources can be accepted;
- Knowing when gifts between employees can be accepted;
- Understanding conflicting financial interests;
- Understanding impartiality in performing public duties;
- Knowing the rules for seeking other employment;
- Understanding restrictions on former employees;
- Being aware of possible misuse of position;
- Understanding limits on outside activities; and
- Knowing the rules for special government employees and procurement officials.
Intended Audience
This course is intended primarily for engineers employed in the executive branch of the Federal Government and for engineers employed by Government contractors.
Benefit to Attendees
An attendee of this course will be familiar with the rules governing ethical issues for employees of the executive branch of the Federal government and will be able to act appropriately.
Course Introduction
Most Federal employees are honest, loyal, and hardworking men and women who are eager to meet the high standards the public expects of its public servants. Understandably, these men and women may ask why they need to study the Office of Government Ethics handbook on ethical standards. The answer is that although many of the standards of conduct are highly intuitive, some are not.
Course Content
This course is based on the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (http://www.usoge.gov) document, “An Ethics Handbook for Executive Branch Employees,” January, 1995.
An Ethics Handbook for Executive Branch Employees
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Course Summary
Standards of ethical conduct to be followed by employees of the executive branch are stated. Applications to many realistic situations are described, and the applications of the standards to each situation are discussed.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
