Cynthia E. Lynch

Productivity and the Moral Manager

In this article, the authors argue that there is a positive relationship between productivity and morality in public-sector organizations. If there are ethical problems such as corruption in such organizations, the administrative answer typically is added rules, more complex procedures, and greater sanctions. In other words, we increase organizational red tape to confront our ethical problems rather than address the real problem directly. Using a systems modeling approach informed by Kohlberg’s moral development theory and Friedrich’s view of “inner controls,” we suggest (a) a more direct method to assess the level of ethical development in organizations and (b) a technique by which to improve public-sector organization productivity that places greater emphasis on individual morality rather than on more administrative controls.

Spiritual wisdom and public administration: Are they compatible?

This article argues for the use of spiritual wisdom in the profession of public administration. Given the problems emerging from the information age, this article projects some likely challenges of the new millennium and recommends that we should use all the wisdom available to humankind including the common spiritual wisdom found the primary literature of all the religious traditions. This article argues a fundamental shift has occurred in the paradigm that is needed to guide our actions in the twenty-first century. Fortunately, the existing spiritual wisdom can help us more intelligently meet those challenges especially in the area of ethic

IS A GLOBAL ETHICS POSSIBLE

This article addresses the question: Is a global ethics possible? The authors suggest developing a global ethics is a subject of critical importance to the practice of public administration. Ethics is important in public administration, especially at the international level. However the form and pace of globalization—rapidly changing the very nature of work in both the public and private sectors—are removing many familiar organizational, regional and even cultural norms and ethics. Considering the world’s diversity, is it even logical to assume that a universally accepted global ethics is possible? The authors propose that it is both logical and possible. The article first summarizes the ideas of the most noted scholar on global ethic—Hans Kung. It next presents an abbreviated explanation of the common spiritual wisdom literature, which is built on the five largest religious traditions. The article then applies the Kung criteria set to the spiritual wisdom literature and concludes that it is a viable candidate for being considered a universal global ethics.

Public virtual organizations

This article argues that the virtual organization model (also called web-enterprises by the former U.S. Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich in The Work of Nations) can meet the challenge for our new age. This model is already in place in the U.S. federal government in the form of Cooperative Administrative Support Units (CASU’s). These organizations bear a close resemblance to Reichs model and have documented significant successes. The article also argues that the implications and applications of the CASU in public administration are far reaching. This creative and innovative approach to responsible government warrants expanded use into new and diverse areas. Organizational designers should not restrict its use simply to rote administrative activities. This article draws heavily from the work of former Secretary Reich and Warren Master, Director of the National CASU Program in the U.S. General Services Administration. Both provide new paths of possibilities for administrators. Their leadership forges new and often brighter expectations for future organizational performance.

Public Sector Value and Virtue and the OECD

The values and virtues of a society are imbedded and communicated through the words and actions of its organizations and institutions. When these organizations and institutions are global in nature and government related, they have enormous scope and influence over all people. This chapter is about the values and virtues established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Between its member states and non-member states, the OECD has influence over 100 nations.