GRM802 - Ethics, Advocacy and Managing the Government Relations Function

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2024-01-29 00:12:00.982
Last review date 2024-02-05 00:15:08.459

Subject Title
Ethics, Advocacy and Managing the Government Relations Function

Subject Description
While government relations practitioners share similar skill sets across sectors, much of what they do it shaped by, and reflects, the nature of their work environment. This course examines how the GR function is managed in different environments, from the business/corporate sector, to private consultancies ranging from local sole practitioners to regional, national and international service agencies and "issue" and non-profit associations.
 
The course also explores the underlying rationale behind the ethical and legislative constraints on certain types of actions to which all participants - politicians, political staffers and party supporters at all three levels of government - in the process are held accountable. 
Employing cases and examples as the foundation for understanding and analyzing the intersection between principles, theory and practice, this course explores the underlying management and ethical expectations to which management, or clients, hold GR practitioners

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  1. Understand how different client needs and expectations are anticipated and managed;
  2. Identify how business models driving public affairs consultancy work affect the work environment;
  3. Identify the ethical choices driving public affairs in the private sector and consultancies, and their impact on managing the GR function;
  4. Recognize and understand the principles and standards of ethical behaviour required in the Government Relations function at all three levels of government;
  5. Understand the relationship between ethical and legal theory and practice in overseeing a Government Relations function;
  6. Identify and assess the role of independent officers of Parliament and the provincial legislatures as they affect GR activities;
  7. Understand and identify when GR practitioners may be placing themselves and their employers or clients or political contacts in breach of ethical requirements;
  8. Analyze strategic choices and tactics and their application when making appropriate ethical choices.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.