Making public comment: when is it acceptable?

Article Abstract:

Civil servants should not make public commentary about issues related directly to their area of employment. A Canadian federal-level case and one in British Columbia are cited to illustrate the dilemmas faced by public employees who speak out. Courts and arbitrators in both instances upheld the government's right to restrict employees' public commentary and criticism. Employee criticism of the government is most acceptable when it is not related to employee responsibilities. Low-level workers should be more free to speak out than senior officials. Public comment by civil servants is more acceptable when made in the capacity of spokesperson for a public interest group or consumer organization. Criticism of government policy is more likely to be accepted than criticism aimed at an individual official. Constructive phrasing and discretion increase the likelihood that public comment by civil servants will be accepted.

Canada, Laws, regulations and rules, Ethical aspects, British Columbia, Public administration

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The public servant as God: taking risks with the public

Article Abstract:

Public policy decisions are all accompanied by some risk. Government is naturally associated with areas of real or perceived risk. Public officials must reconcile their own views of what constitutes the public interest with constituency pressures. To do so requires clear and early framing of decision problems and serious consideration of the public servant's educational role. Information programs and market regulation will often be needed to encourage an environment within which people can make rational choices and express well-formed preferences. The government employee's responsibility is to base decisions and advice on normative, scientific consideration of the public interest rather than on public opinion polls.

Decision-making, Decision making, Analysis, Management, Public interest, Risk-taking (Psychology), Risk taking

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