Question
Accountability and ethical conduct are important concepts in public administration. In Tennessee, recent political stakeholders and some bureaucratic stakeholders have been caught up in various scandals (Operation Tennessee Waltz, Operation Rocky Top etc.). Based on the readings, what could Tennessee do to make political and bureaucratic functionaries more accountable?
Sample paper
Accountability and Ethical Conduct
In recent years, the explosion of new technology has allowed for quick, international distribution of ideas and practices; and open requests for higher benchmarks of morals, straightforwardness, and responsibility in people in the general area. These basic estimations of good administration and practical improvement not just help fast to react open approach and elevated amounts of open segment execution, yet in addition acts an indispensable part in keeping the origin of foundational debasement. The ideas of uprightness, straightforwardness, and responsibility have been distinguished by the UN nations, all in all and separately, as a major aspect of the establishing standards of open organizations (Milakovich & Gordon, 2013). The post will discuss accountability; bureaucratic accountability; ethics; political scandals in Tennessee; and recommendations for more functional political and bureaucratic accountability.
The bureaucracy of the United States is based on the assumption of liberty and the public interest and is best served if the government has restraints and guidelines for accountability. Accountability is defined as the condition of having to answer to someone for one’s actions. According to Milakovich and Gordon bureaucratic accountability are the principles of political accountability applied to control bureaucratic power. Bureaucratic accountability is enforced through legislative and executive channels. The system of checks-and-balances assists with accountability between political entities and agencies. The concept of bureaucratic accountability implies the degree that such an element practices appointed specialist and circumspection in basic leadership, it additionally has some obligation to cling to the wide will of the administered, however that will have been communicated (Zindel, 2017).
Related: American Constitution
Tennessee Political stakeholders and bureaucratic stakeholders scandals
In Tennessee, political stakeholders and bureaucratic stakeholders were caught up in some scandals. One of the scandals includes the Operation Tennessee Waltz. According to an article by Branston (2005), this operation was set up by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). On May 26, 2005, nine people were indicted in connection with bribery. Amongst those arrested, there were seven Tennessee state legislators, two county commissioners, and former county administrator. Notably, Corruption can take various forms depending on the political and economic pattern. The recommendation to this discussion board is to revise federal, state and local government regulations which will consist of more stringent guidelines and consequences if the regulations are breached. There is a great need to monitor and guide the process of competition. New reform strategies to address illegal activities should be underway (Zindel, 2017). Corruption undermines the political and economic systems of a country considering that it hinders economic, social and political growth and development. The purpose of the bureaucracy as a whole is to try to bring harmony and cooperation among the leaders or citizens in a region by taking into consideration the views and the opinions of the majority in a region.
In Tennessee’s cases, to bring more political and bureaucratic accountability to their government screenings should be conducted on any potential candidates as part of the electoral process. Extensive and comprehensive screening and evaluation of the candidates help to eliminate accountable and transparent legislators from the corrupt leaders. Legislative votes should have solid justification on why the lawmaker made such decision (Milakovich & Gordon, 2013). It would also be beneficial to separate duties and authority. New processes and guidelines should encompass transparency, accountability factors, and integrity of the politicians. Policymakers need to know that it is important to understand that straightforwardness and responsibility without respectability may not wind up serving general society intrigue.
References
Milakovich, M. E., & Gordon, G. J. (2013). Public administration in America.
Zindel, B. (2017). The Tennessee Waltz. Psychoanalytic Perspectives, 14(2), 261-263. doi:10.1080/1551806x.2017.1304131
