Short Answer 
This guide details three main violations of Executive Orders 12674 and 12731 regarding federal employee conduct: conflicts of interest, misuse of position, and improper gifts. Maintaining ethical standards is vital for public trust, as these violations can lead to personal gain at the expense of integrity and impartiality in federal service.
Understanding Violations of Executive Orders
This guide outlines the three main types of violations related to Executive Orders 12674 and 12731, which govern the ethical conduct of federal employees. Recognizing these violations is essential for upholding public trust and ensuring that federal employees act in the best interest of the public.
1. Conflicts of Interest
Federal employees must steer clear of situations where their personal financial interests could conflict with their official responsibilities. This prevents any potential manipulation of decisions that could benefit them personally over the public good.
- Examples include accepting bribes or engaging in insider trading.
- Employees should disclose any potential conflicts to maintain transparency.
2. Misuse of Position
It is strictly forbidden for federal employees to exploit their official position for personal benefits or to give undue advantage to others. This helps maintain integrity within the federal workforce and ensures fairness in public service.
- Using government resources for personal tasks or favors.
- Providing preferential treatment to family or friends violates this ethical standard.
3. Improper Gifts
Federal employees are prohibited from accepting gifts that could sway their judgment or create an appearance of impropriety. This is crucial to avoid any influence from external parties that may undermine their impartiality in official duties.
- Accepting expensive gifts from contractors or lobbyists is a clear violation.
- Employees must be aware of gift limits and disclose any accepted gifts properly.