Zara Angeli Rasco
Abstract
Abuse of official position
is a recurring ethical issue faced by employees in both public and private
organizations. Still, it carries greater consequences in government service
where public trust is at stake. This article examines the abuse of official position
as a moral choice faced by employees, particularly in local and national
government offices in the Philippines. Drawing on workplace ethics, public
service values, and classroom discussions on ethical decision-making, the paper
explains how authority abuse manifests in subtle and overt ways, how it affects
employees and citizens, and why moral judgment and integrity are essential for
government workers. The discussion emphasizes accountability, moral courage,
and ethical leadership as necessary responses to this ethical challenge.
Keywords: Moral
dilemma, government services, abuses of official position
Introduction
Ethical issues in the
workplace often arise not from dramatic scandals but from everyday situations
in which employees face difficult moral choices. One such issue is the abuse of
official position, which occurs when authority or power is used for personal
benefit, favoritism, or to intimidate others. In government institutions, this
issue is especially sensitive because public office is considered a public
trust.
As government employees in
the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, we may sometimes experience or
witness the abuse of authority. This may also be observed in interactions with
national government agencies. These experiences place employees in a moral
dilemma: whether to remain silent to protect their position or to uphold
ethical standards despite possible risks. This article explores the abuse of
official position as an ethical issue in business and government, focusing on
the moral choices employees face in the workplace and their impact on society.
Understanding Abuse of Official Position
Abuse of official position
refers to the misuse of authority entrusted to an individual for personal gain
or improper advantage. This can include favoritism in hiring or promotion,
using government resources for personal purposes, pressuring subordinates to
comply with unethical requests, or bypassing established rules and procedures.
In many cases, abuse of
authority is not apparent. It may appear in subtle forms such as undue
influence, preferential treatment, or intimidation disguised as regular
workplace instruction. Because these actions often come from superiors,
employees may feel powerless to question them, making the ethical issue more
complex and personal.
Moral Choices Faced by Employees
Employees who witness or experience abuse of
official position face difficult moral choices. On one hand, reporting or
resisting unethical behavior may lead to conflict, isolation, or fear of
retaliation. On the other hand, remaining silent may contribute to the
normalization of unethical practices and weaken institutional integrity.
For government employees, this moral choice
is tied to the values of public service, accountability, and fairness. Choosing
to act ethically often requires moral courage, especially when unethical
behavior is embedded in workplace culture. Employees must balance loyalty to
their organization with their responsibility to the public they serve.
Abuse of Authority in Government Workplaces
In government settings,
abuse of official position directly affects public trust. When authority is
misused, it can result in inefficiency, corruption, and unfair treatment of
citizens. In local governments such as the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte,
ethical conduct is crucial because officials and employees interact closely
with the community.
Even subtle abuse of
authority, when tolerated, can create a culture where unethical behavior
becomes acceptable. Over time, this undermines employee morale and damages the
credibility of government institutions. Ethical leadership and clear policies
are therefore essential in preventing abuse of official position.
Ethical Responsibility and Accountability
Ethical responsibility in
the workplace involves recognizing that authority is a responsibility, not a
privilege. Government employees are expected to follow laws, policies, and
moral standards, regardless of rank or position. Accountability mechanisms such
as codes of conduct, grievance procedures, and ethical training play an
essential role in guiding employee behavior.
At a personal level,
ethical decision-making requires self-reflection and commitment to integrity.
Employees who choose to act ethically, even in difficult situations, contribute
to a culture of professionalism and respect within the organization.
Conclusion
Abuse of official position
is a serious ethical issue that presents a difficult moral choice for
employees, particularly in government service. While such abuse may occur
subtly in both local and national government offices, its impact on public
trust, workplace morale, and organizational integrity is significant. Employees
are often faced with the challenge of choosing between silence for
self-preservation and ethical action in defense of public interest.
This discussion reflects
the ethical issues examined in class, where moral choices are rarely simple and
often involve personal risk. Ethical behavior in government work is not only a
professional obligation but also a moral responsibility. By choosing integrity,
accountability, and fairness, employees help strengthen public institutions and
uphold the principle that public office is a public trust.
Personal Reflection as a Government Employee
As an employee of the
Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, I have personally observed how ethical
challenges related to authority can arise in subtle ways. These situations may
not always involve direct violations of the law but can include pressure to
comply with questionable decisions, favoritism, or the misuse of influence.
Such experiences reflect our class discussions on moral choice, in which
employees must decide whether to remain silent or act in accordance with
ethical principles.
This reality highlights
the importance of moral courage in public service. While speaking up or
resisting unethical practices may be uncomfortable, choosing integrity
contributes to a healthier workplace and strengthens public trust. This
reflection reinforces my belief that ethical governance begins with the daily
choices made by government employees, regardless of rank or position.
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Sharpe.
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Jossey-Bass.
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Denhardt, R. B., &
Denhardt, J. V. (2015). The new public service: Serving, not steering.
Routledge.
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C. (2012). The ethics challenge in public service. Jossey-Bass.
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management for public administrators. Routledge.
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