Proposed Tenet 8 and 10 and associated Guidelines Revisions for Member Consideration and Feedback

In 2013, the ICMA Executive Board approved a plan to engage the membership in a structured review of the Code of Ethics (Code).

This survey provides the opportunity for all ICMA members to provide feedback on potential revisions to the final two tenets to be reviewed: Tenets 8 and 10 and their associated guidelines of the ICMA Code of Ethics.

As background, the Tenets in the Code express the values of the profession while the Guidelines assist members in understanding how to meet their ethical obligations as outlined in the tenet.
Members had the opportunity last year to provide input at conferences, state association meetings and via an online survey. The CPC incorporated the feedback into the proposed revisions found in this survey for members’ consideration.

Your input will help the CPC to further refine their recommendations to the ICMA Executive Board before potential revisions come to the membership for a vote via election ballot.

 

Background on Tenet 8. The first statement of emphasis on professional development appeared in the Code’s 1952 version, “The city manager considers it his duty continually to improve his ability and his usefulness and to develop the competence of his associates in the use of management techniques.” That principle was restated three times with the last revision occurring in 1976:

1969: Make it his duty continually to improve his ability and his usefulness and to develop the competence of his associates in the use of management techniques.

1972: Make it his duty continually to improve his ability and to develop the competence of his associates in the use of management techniques.

CURRENT Tenet 8 language: 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.

PROPOSED Tenet 8 Language: Continually improve professional capabilities while fostering growth and development through ethical leadership and effective management practices.

Proposed Changes in associated Guidelines under Tenet 8. Tenets in the Code express the values of the profession while the Guidelines assist members in understanding how to meet their ethical obligations as outlined in the tenet.

In 1995, the current guidelines were added under Tenet 8.

CURRENT Guideline Language:
[[ Guideline #1]] Self-Assessment. Each member should assess his or her professional skills and abilities on a periodic basis.

[[ Guideline #2]] 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.

PROPOSED Guideline Language:
[[ Guideline #1]] Self-Assessment. Members should evaluate and enhance their professional skills and competencies annually through self-reflection and by proactively soliciting feedback.

[[ Guideline #2]] Professional Development. Members should stay informed about emerging issues, practices, and challenges, actively engage in development activities year-round, and support others in enhancing their professional and ethical competencies.

Background on Tenet 10. This principle was first included in the Code’s 1938 version, “The city manager, in order to preserve his integrity as a professional administrator, resists any encroachment of his control of personnel, insists on the exercise of his own judgment in accomplishing council policies, and deals frankly with the council as a unit rather than secretly with its individual members.” It has been amended over the years with the 1995 version reflecting the current language:

1952: The city manager, in order to preserve his integrity as a professional administrator, resists any encroachment on his responsibility for personnel, believes he should be free to carry out council policies without interference, and deals frankly with the council as a unit rather than with its individual members.

1969: Resist any encroachment on his responsibilities, believing he should be free to carry out official policies without interference.

1972: Resist any encroachment on his responsibilities, believing he should be free to carry out official policies without interference, and handle each problem without discrimination on the basis of principle and justice.

CURRENT Tenet 10 language: 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.

PROPOSED Tenet 10 Language: Uphold and defend the integrity of the profession and the council-manager form of government by carrying out official duties, policies, and processes with a commitment to equitable public service.