The ethical implications of altering public sector accountability models: The case of the Atlanta cheating scandal
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2018
Department/School
Political Science
Publication Title
Public Performance and Management Review
Abstract
Outcome based policies promote the use performance accountability models. However, the impact these policies have on the ethical culture of public sector organizations has not been adequately assessed. This research examines performance accountability reforms by examining the City of Atlanta’s implementation of federal and state performance policies. The analysis reveals the use of performance models in vulnerable organizations negatively impact employees’ ethical behavior. Teachers and administrators altered test results, delivered threats, misled parents and students about performance outcomes, and were dishonest with state investigators to give the illusion that performance goals had been met or exceeded.
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Patrick, B., Plagens, G. K., Rollins, A., & Evans, E. (2018). The ethical implications of altering public sector accountability models: The case of the Atlanta cheating scandal. Public Performance & Management Review, 41(3), 544–571. https://doi.org/10.1080/15309576.2018.1438295