Ethics

Ethics Training Supplement for Research Personnel

This manual was prepared as a component of a developmental assignment conducted by Dr. Joyce G. Foster during her participation in the Office of Personnel Management's Executive Potential Program. The need for a supplemental training manual that would address specific ethical concerns of research personnel was identified by ARS Ethics Advisor, Patricia A. Tippett. The project materialized under the auspices of Jane L. Giles, Deputy Administrator for ARS Administrative and Financial Management. Ideas for case studies came from discussions with: Ms. Tippett; Patricia A. Frick, Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Manager (who formerly served as an Ethics Advisor); David L. Spradlin, Department Deputy Ethics Official; Designated Area Ethics Advisors; Agency Administrators; and research personnel across the United States. The willingness of these individuals to share their thoughts and concerns regarding issues of ethics within their respective assignments enabled the author to target topics of major concern to Agency research personnel. Ms. Tippett's guidance throughout the project was invaluable, and the learning opportunities provided by Administrative and Financial Management, Dr. Herbert L. Rothbart, ARS North Atlantic Area Director (deceased), and Dr. R. Paul Murrmann, Director of the Appalachian Soil and Water Conservation Research Laboratory (retired), are gratefully acknowledged.

Dr. Foster is a Research Biochemist with the USDA, ARS, Appalachian Soil and Water Conservation Research Laboratory in Beckley, West Virginia.

• Introduction

• Special Note for Clients Outside ARS

• Special Note on the Honoraria Ban & Statutory Prohibitions

• Special Note on Outside Employment & Outside Activities

• Additional Restrictions on Outside Employment & Outside Activities

• Code of Scientific Ethics

• Definitions

• Disqualfication Notification Letter

• Acceptance of Gifts: Exclusions & Exceptions

• Request for Approval to Accept an Award from an Outside Source

• Guidelines for Acceptance of Awards from Outside Sources

• Key Points for Review

• Regulations for the Acceptance of Outside Awards

• Synopsis of the Standards of Ethical Conduct

• Executive Order 12821 of November 16, 1992

• Case Studies

• Agency Ethics Advisors & Ethics Assistants