Read the article Ethical Principles for Policy Analysts; comment and give your own

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Commentary
This article presented is the correct ethics for policy analysis, both on moral and
practical grounds. The enforcement of such a code of ethics, however, requires the
analysts of policy to develop a greater sophistication and analytical competence.
Commonly, policy analysis usually defines its objectives and constraints too narrowly. It
rarely includes consideration of social justice, and more seldom such values as
integrity, competence, responsibility, respect, concern, honor and dignity. Because
these broader considerations are so difficult to introduce, the tendency instead to rely
on the wisdom and sensitivity of decision-makers, as well as analysts who may be only
modestly endowed with these characteristics. yet the limitations in the ability to acquire
or impart wisdom are severe. Hence, the scope of benefits on policy studies should be
widened to include these broader considerations. Any value can be included provided
we have the ingenuity to specify its importance relative to other values. There are trade-
offs among social values just as there are trade-offs among private values. The tools
and concepts of economic price theory are potentially applicable to the analysis of
ethical issues. The opportunity costs associated with any single ethical value must be
identified and evaluated when one chooses among alternative courses. The ethics of
policy analysis can be viewed from two distinct frameworks: that of the attorney and that
of the scientist. The former would require each analyst to serve his sponsor or cause as
his primary duty. Ethical public policy is presumed to derive from an adversary process
in which the contending parties use all means possible to gain a favorable outcome. In
the latter framework, the discovery of truth is the primary duty of the analyst,
independent of its consequences for his clients.

Partly from this article also described a policy analysis as providing informed
advice to those clients related to a decision in public policy, including recommendations
of actions that are within the client’s power and standards. When developing a policy
analysis it is important to be thorough and offer the necessary guidance, yet
trustworthiness of the analyst may be difficult to assure. These characteristics or ethics
as stated in this article, noted to offer a complete basis for how policy analysts can
promote ethical behaviors in the process of advising lawmakers. Policy analysts have
significant discretion when considering how to define a problem and the nature of the
analytical work that flows from there. They also face many choices when they develop
their policy reports and present their advice to their clients. Further, policy analysts face
choices over the extent to which they consult with stakeholders during the policy
development process. Even when requirements are made for consultation, everyone
knows that stakeholder engagements can be perfunctory. Sometimes, consultation can
be used primarily for pushing specific solutions rather than for genuinely listening to
stakeholders and understanding their concerns.
Among other things, policy analysts acting ethically must strive to promote
outcomes that are good and beneficial for society. They must also be transparent about
the choices embodied in their work. Contemporary notions of ethical practice are
informed by a variety of philosophical and religious ideas that have been discussed and
developed through the ages.
Conclusively, drawing from that tradition to develop the five ethical principles for
policy analysts – integrity, competence, responsibility, respect and concern that can
guide the practices of individual policy analysts required a solid foundation of social,
political and moral values.