CHAPTER I THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS
This chapter covers the role of government and characteristics of the public service. Participants are expected to analyze how the public service may best be operated and reach a deeper understanding of their responsibilities as government officials performing public functions.
1-1 Role of Government
Many governments intermittently review their own roles. It is therefore useful if government officials themselves think about and discuss the role of their government.
(Discussion Points)
・In your country, how has the role of government changed ?
・In what direction do you think the role of government should change ?
Sheet 1 Changes in the Role of Government
1-2 Status of Government Officials
In many countries, government employees are regarded as public servants. Their status has changed and evolved over the years and this "service" concept has only been established quite recently. Let's think about this change in status and discuss what government employees should be like.
(Discussion Point)
・In your country, how has the status of government employees changed ?
Sheet 2 History behind the Status of Government Officials
1-3 Politicians and Career Officials
Basically, there are two types of government officials; political appointees who are elected by popular vote or who are appointed because of their political affiliation at the discretion of politicians, and career officials who serve the government irrespective of changes in power. These two must complement each other. Let's discuss the relationship between political appointees and career officials.
(Discussion Points)
・What do you think about the relationship between political appointees and career officials ?
・In your country, what is the reality concerning the relationship between these two types of officials ?
Let's discuss the following case.
Sheet 3 "No More Publicity Mongering"
Sheet 4 Guide to the Case "No More Publicity Mongering"
