Spring Seminar

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Ethics

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The AGA New Orleans Chapter is proud to host the Audio Conference “Ethics”

All of us know the importance of a good reputation. An organization’s reputation, whether in business or government, is built on a foundation of ethical practices. This audio conference will examine questions related to putting such a foundation in place.

Does an organization’s culture foster development and promotion of ethical behavior? Does an organization’s ethical code of conduct arise naturally from the organization’s stated values? Should the code of conduct provide detailed guidance for handling ethical challenges? Does an organization which promotes general principles without specific provisions risk being perceived by employees as just window dressing? If that is the case, does the code of ethics breed cynicism rather than commitment?

What is our responsibility as individuals? What drives our ethical decision making? What determines how we will deal with ethical challenges? When does our value system begin? What are the differences between values, morals, integrity, and ethics? These terms are used interchangeably. Do you know the differences? What is the association between ethical decision making and our value system? Many have said that America has a severe lack of ethics. It has been said that Americans are far less ethical than previous generations and more willing to accept unethical behavior in their leaders. Most of us believe that society operates more smoothly if people adhere to certain core values and do not lie, cheat, or steal. Most would prefer for our leaders, coworkers, and neighbors to be honest, fair, considerate, and trustworthy. What motivates our ethical behaviors? These are some of the issues and questions that will be addressed during this audio conference on ethics.

The speaker is Bobby A. Derrick, MBA, CGFM, Former Director, Network Compliance and Business Operations, Standards and Compliance Directorate, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Mr. Derrick is also a Past National President of AGA and currently serves as Field Representative for AGA’s chapters.

This is a live event, so in addition to the speaker’s presentation, about 20 minutes is set aside for questions and answers.

Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Time: 1 – 2:50 p.m. CENTRAL Time

Learning Objectives: To understand how organizational culture and guidelines promote ethical behavior and to understand the relationship of ethical concepts and professional decision making.

Prerequisite: None

Advance Preparation: None required
Location: NASA Auditorium

Cost: $30/AGA Members and $50/Nonmembers. NFC members can submit payment by SF182 or payment by check to the AGA PO Box 29186, New Orleans, LA 70189-0186
CPE: Two credit hours

Field of Study: Behavioral Ethics

Please contact Patrick Nedd, Education Chair, by Friday, May 17, 2013 (patrick_nedd@msn.com) or 504.293.4702 if you are interested attending this audio conference.

Join Us for Hurricane Sandy Community Service Project
in Atlantic City June 10-14, 2013

Below is an article by Jeff Hart, Past National President, that will appear in an upcoming issue of TOPICS. In addition to his participation in the New Orleans Habitat project, Jeff will also lead a group of chapter volunteers to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to work with Habitat for Humanity to rebuild a home that was lost in Hurricane Sandy. If you would like to register for this project, or want additional information on this project, please contact Jeff Hart (jeffhart@comcast.net) 303-907-4664.

I hope you will join me, SVP Eric Elefante, and several RVPs and Presidents of the AGA chapters in the areas hardest hit by devastating Hurricane Sandy, in Atlantic City, June 10-14. We will be working together with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for someone that lost theirs in Hurricane Sandy.

All AGA members, as well as their family and friends are encouraged to join us for a day, or two, or the whole week. No prior experience or special skills are required. We will be supervised by professionals from Habitat.

Many members on the East Coast can easily take the train or drive to Atlantic City. Those farther away can fly directly into Atlantic City, or fly into Philadelphia and take a shuttle, train, or rental car on to Atlantic City. Low-cost lodging is being arranged in a local church and nearby hotels, and we are seeking low cost or donated meals from nearby restaurants.

Some chapters and private firms have sponsored 1 or 2 chapter members to participate in similar Habitat community service events in New Orleans and in our national AGA-PDC cities in recent years, so please encourage your local chapter or firm to participate in any way they can.

If you’d like to register for this important project, or would like additional details before deciding, please email me jeffshart@comcast.net or give me a call at 303-907-4664.

- Jeff Hart, Past AGA National President