Because ICMA members hold positions of public trust, their conduct influences public confidence in the organization as well as in the local government management profession. Keep in mind that demonstrating the highest standard of personal and professional conduct requires a commitment that goes beyond what may be legally required. 

For members working as managers, there is the added responsibility of understanding that their personal and professional conduct sets the ethical tone for the entire organization.  Each of the articles below offers guidance and advice on strengthening this commitment to ethical leadership.  

Applicable Tenets and Guidelines

Tenet 1. We believe professional management is essential to effective, efficient, equitable, and democratic local government.

Tenet 2. Affirm the dignity and worth of local government services and maintain a deep sense of social responsibility as a trusted public servant.

Tenet 3. Demonstrate by word and action the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in all public, professional, and personal relationships in order that the member may merit the trust and respect of the elected and appointed officials, employees, and the public.

Guideline on Public Confidence. Members should conduct themselves so as to maintain public confidence in their position and profession, the integrity of their local government, and in their responsibility to uphold the public trust.

Tenet 8.  Make it a duty continually to improve the member’s professional ability and to develop the competence of associates in the use of management techniques.

Guideline on Self-Assessment. Each member should assess his or her professional skills and abilities on a periodic basis.

Guideline on Professional Development. Each member should commit at least 40 hours per year to professional development activities that are based on the practices identified by the members of ICMA

PM Magazine Articles

• More Than Words: Your Communications Are a Reflection of Your Leadership (September 2023)
• Observations from the Balcony (June 2023)
• What’s on Your Wall? (May 2021)
• Do You Take the Code of Ethics for Granted? (December 2020)
• Ethical Leadership in the Time of COVID-19 (May 2020)
• Building an Ethical Culture (January 2020)
• Make Ethics Your Career Sidekick (April 2019)
• Ethical Blind Spots (March 2018)
• The Duty of Candor (October 2017)
• The Fundamental Connection (August 2017)
• Don't Let Your Goals Get in the Way of Your Ethics (March 2017)
• Cookingham’s Legacy (September 2016)
• Honor and Integrity (March 2016)
• Celebrate Ethical Conduct (February 2015)
• Creating Ethical Dilemmas for the Staff (March 2014)
• A Leader’s Three Levels of Ethical Responsibility (February 2014)

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