Ethical dilemmas arise when moral responsibilities come into conflict for a decision maker. Let's assume that the moral responsibilities of public officials
include (1) being truthful with the public and, so, in the absence of very strong moral reasons to the contrary, avoiding deceptive public communications, and
(2) supporting the policies of the administration (federal, state, or local) they serve, helping to gain and maintain public support for those policies. With
regard to discharging the latter responsibility, public officials often engage in "spin," playing up or favorably framing information that benefits the
administration and playing down or sliding over information that is not helpful to the administration.
Describe (with at least one example) some of the ethical challenges public officials experience in trying to balance (1) and (2)? Provide suggestions about
how officials can meet those ethical challenges while maintaining their public integrity--effectively resolving the dilemmas. Please include discussion of
when and what kind of "spin" is--and is not--consistent with public integrity. Also, please be sure that, in your paper, you directly and fully address the tasks set out here.
Sample Solution