Ethical Leadership in Action - United Nations Public Administration ...

Free service
Although free service is regarded as an “unrestricted”
advantage under the AAN for the purpose of Section 3 of
the PBO, an officer should ensure that he has no official
dealings with the service providers or their business before
accepting the service so that he will not be obligated to
abuse his official position or power.
If an official relationship between the officer and the
service provider or his business arises after acceptance
of the service, it is advisable for the officer to report the
acceptance to the department to avoid a perceived conflict
of interest.
Advice to your staff on acceptance of entertainment
and free service
• Observe the relevant CSRs and departmental
guidelines
•
Avoid accepting frequent or lavish entertainment
and free service from colleagues, especially
subordinates or people with whom they have
official dealings
• Anticipate the perception of the public when
accepting frequent or lavish entertainment in
official capacity
• Avoid placing oneself in a position of obligation
•
Report to the department after entertainment
or free service has been accepted from people
having official dealings if prior notice to the
department is not possible
• Consult supervisors for advice when in doubt
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