Reviewing Tenets 8 and 10 of the ICMA Code of Ethics

Reviewing Tenets 8 and 10 of the ICMA Code of Ethics
Background
In 2013, the ICMA Executive Board approved a plan to engage the membership in a structured review of the Code of Ethics (Code). The Code celebrates 100 years of guiding the membership in 2024, and this approach ensures its continued relevance for those working in service to local government.

Only Tenets 8 and 10 remain for review and feedback in this effort. Responses to the questions below will provide information to consider in potential revisions to the language in Tenets 8 and 10.
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.
1. Is Tenet 8 still relevant to the profession?*

YesNo
2. As you review the language of the Tenet, what areas would you like to see addressed that are not?
3. Do you think it is an ethical issue when a manager fails in the obligation to continued professional development by lacking competency the governing body and community expect of a member working in the local government management profession?
4. What recommendations do you have for changes to the existing guidelines on self-assessment and professional development (see text below)? Are any additional guidelines needed?
Self-Assessment. Each member should assess his or her professional skills and abilities on a periodic basis.

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 mem-bers of ICMA.
Tenet 10: Resist any encroachment on professional responsibilities, believing the member should be free to carry out official policies without interference, and handle each problem without discrimination on the basis of principle and justice.
1. Is Tenet 10 still relevant to the profession?*

YesNo
2. As you review the language of the Tenet, what areas would you like to see addressed that are not?
3. What ethical challenges have you encountered regarding professional responsibility encroachment?
4. What recommendations do you have for changes to the existing guideline on information sharing (see text below)? Are any additional guidelines needed?
Information Sharing. The member should openly share information with the governing body while diligently carrying out the member’s responsibilities as set forth in the charter or enabling legislation.
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Reviewing Tenets 8 and 10 of the ICMA Code of Ethics

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.

Tenet 10: Resist any encroachment on professional responsibilities, believing the member should be free to carry out official policies without interference, and handle each problem without discrimination on the basis of principle and justice.