The Office of Government Ethics has called attention to rules against misuse of position, the latest in a series of summary reminders to federal employees about key elements of the Standards of Ethical Conduct.
The rule against misuse of position “reflects a view, which has gained currency in the international community, that one definition of corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain,” OGE said. “Consistent with that view, the rule against misuse of position prohibits employees from:
“Using public office for their own private gain for the private gain of friends, relatives, or persons with whom they are affiliated in a non-government capacity;
“Endorsing any product, service, or company;
“Engaging in financial transactions using nonpublic information, or allowing the improper use of nonpublic information to further private interests; and
“Misusing government property or official time.”
“It is important that every executive branch employee be aware of the rule against misuse of position. For this reason, OGE’s regulations establishing the executive branch ethics program require agency ethics officials to cover the subject of misuse of position in mandatory government ethics training. By focusing on this rule and their other basic ethical obligations, employees can truly honor the principle that public service is a public trust,” it says.