ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the term 'Competency' for references to sets of specific skills, knowledge, and attitudes that are components of competence among: the ability to perceive ethical problems; the possession of ethical analysis skills; knowledge of ethical theories; an understanding of how organization design encourages or impedes ethical decision making and conduct; the strength of character to act on one's ethical conclusions; and the holding of positive attitudes toward the importance of ethical conduct. It examines social work, law, and public administration highlight the diversity of context and its importance in framing the parameters of ethical competence. There are many pauses-opportunities to stop and take stock-in the journey to achieving ethical competence. There are a growing number of ethics sensitivity and reasoning training opportunities provided by local and state governments, university institutes, state associations of public administrators, private consultants, and professional membership organizations such the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
