BSM
ARTICULATE & APPLY PERSPECTIVE
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The fourth core competency set forth by NASPAA is the ability to articulate and apply a public service perspective. This involves: the ability to understand the different ethical systems and perspectives that have been applied in public administration and, based on one or more of these theories, to act ethically at all times in performing duties and responsibilities; to serve the public, not just passively by considering what appears to be the "objective" public interest but actively by engaging citizens to discover their viewpoints and promote "deliberative democracy;" to follow professional norms in acting effectively and efficiently while working in the public and non-profit sectors; to determine the major stakeholders affected by policy and organizational decisions and ensure that their viewpoints are actively solicited and considered before action is taken; and to understand and act on both normative values and applied ethics for bureaucrats and public administrators. To illustrate this competency, I've chosen the following coursework:
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Cultural competency is an organization's ability to integrate the many individual cultures that exist within it successfully. Cultural competency ensures that employees of various perspectives are heard on a regular basis. If an organization has been actively working toward equity, diversity, and inclusivity, many different cultures and backgrounds should be represented at every level of the organization. Additionally, if an agency/organization is not culturally competent, it is not only a disadvantage to the interior of the organization, but would also impact the citizens that they serve on the exterior. If the employees do not equally represent the demographics of the constituents, why would they have confidence that the agency will really look out for their best interest? During my time in the MPA program, I composed a memo that required me to create a cultural competency assessment that I could implement as a leader of an organization. The purpose of this assignment was not only to create a cultural competency assessment but also to ensure that the individuals in my organization knew the future of cultural competency within the organization and thoroughly understood the fight against discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudicial comments, as well as inclusivity of diverse cultural and social groups and inclusion of the community. This assignment gave me the skills to articulate and apply cultural competency regardless of which organization I could be leading. In my opinion, cultural competency is one of the most important things in an organization. I am able to apply everything This assignment directly demonstrated and supported my beliefs to respect and appreciate the culture of my colleagues. This assignment helped me realize that not all work environments are the same, and using this tool will help grow my understanding of new surroundings so that my time spent there is more meaningful.
As a public administrator, it is imperative to understand the fundamental concepts of public administration, what it takes to be an ethical, efficient, and effective public administrator. In my opinion, integrity, honesty, truth, fairness, equity and having strong moral principles are the most critical ethical values within public service. Thinking about the evolution of public service has been pivotal to me as a professional in the field of public service. It has provoked me to research and understand major frameworks that have existed and still exist in public administration today. During Seminar in Public Administration, I delved into the book, chapter by chapter, so that as an administrator, I can avoid common mistakes or mishaps that have occurred in the past and be the most effective and efficient public administrators as possible. While dissecting this book, I had to go through public frameworks: The Old Public Administration, The New Public Management and The New Public Service and identify the parts that I thought were pertinent, significant, or even achievable and then apply those to my public service philosophy. This assignment taught me the history, current take, and the future of public administration, and it helped shape my understanding and perspective on my role in local governments. Moreover, Seminar in Public Administration fashioned the solid foundation of my understandings of public administration.
