(8) Employees shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any private
organization or individual.
(9) Employees shall protect and conserve Federal property and shall not use it for other
than authorized activities.
(10) Employees shall not engage in outside employment or activities, including seeking or
negotiating for employment, that conflict with official Government duties and responsibilities.
(11) Employees shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to appropriate authorities.
(12) Employees shall satisfy in good faith their obligations as citizens, including all just
financial obligations, especially those imposed by law, such as Federal, State, or local taxes.
(13) Employees shall adhere to all laws and regulations that provide equal opportunity for all
Americans regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.
(14) Employees shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance that they are
violating the law or the ethical standards set forth in this part.
Because they are intended to answer questions about the ethical conduct of more than a million
individuals employed by more than 100 different Federal agencies, the new "Standards of Ethical
Conduct" are detailed. Where a situation is not covered by a specific rule in the "Standards of Ethical
Conduct," personnel should apply the general principles stated above in determining whether their
conduct is proper.
The following synopsis of the "Standards of Ethical Conduct" will provide you with enough information
to recognize ethical issues when they arise, and of the need to seek guidance from an ethics counselor.
2. General Provisions (Synopsis of Subpart A)
A violation of these regulatory standards may be cause for corrective action or for disciplinary action
against an employee. There are criminal penalties for violations of criminal statutes referred to in the
regulations.
Employees are encouraged to seek the advice of agency ethics officials. Disciplinary action for
violation of regulatory standards will not be taken against an employee who relies on such advice.
There are special rules for determining which standards apply to employees detailed to other agencies,
to other branches of the Federal government, to State or local governments or to international
organizations.
MP1022
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