Question

Consider the case outlined below. In 1-2 pages (double spaced, 12 pt font, Times New Roman), using Cooper's decision-making model, answer the question at the end of the case study. (Note: three alternative courses of action are included in the case study, however, you are welcome to consider additional options.) Make sure to apply content from this module, as well as prior modules, if applicable.

Case: Mayors as Exemplars?

Elected officeholders can be, but too often are not, exemplary leaders. Suppose you are the mayor of a city, population 31,580, and ran successfully for office on a platform of bringing ethical government to the community. You are a genuinely committed mayor and you are also a devoted father. You find yourself in a situation in which you need to get your daughter to summer camp and at the same time, attend a meeting to negotiate an agreement for a local sales tax. As you are trying to determine what to do, your assistant speaks up, "Oh, I can get your daughter to summer camp. No big deal!" You take your assistant up on this offer. Done! Daughter is at summer camp and you are able to get to your meeting. 45 minutes later you realize that you have violated the city's ethics code by allowing your assistant to transport your daughter to camp while on duty. You are embarrassed by your lapse in ethical judgment. (from Richter and Burke, Combating Corruption)

Case Study Question What should you do? Should you a. file an ethics complaint against yourself; b. talk the matter over later with your assistant and resolve not to allow this sort of situation to happen again; or c. shrug it off as an innocent mistake and just avoid doing it again; or d. some other course of action?

Answer 1

According to Cooper's decision-making model, the mayor in the case study should choose the option of talking the matter over with his assistant and resolving not to allow similar situations to happen again.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Cooper's decision-making model, the mayor should consider the ethical dilemma he is facing and evaluate the potential consequences of each course of action. In this case, the mayor's options are:

1. File an ethics complaint against himself
2. Talk the matter over later with his assistant and resolve not to allow this situation to happen again
3. Shrug it off as an innocent mistake and avoid doing it again
4. Consider other possible courses of action

Based on the information provided, the mayor should choose option b. By talking the matter over with his assistant, he can address the ethical violation and make a commitment to avoid similar situations in the future. This approach allows for reflection, learning, and personal growth.