Everyday Ethics for Practicing Planners

by Carol Barrett

"This book is on the suggested reading list for planners preparing to take the AICP exam. As veteran planner the author points out, the most troublesome conflicts for planners aren't between good and bad, they're between competing good, neither of which can be fully achieved. The 54 real-world scenarios described here typify the tough moral dilemmas that confront today's practioners. The author offers planners a way to recognize the ethical conflicts that arise in everyday practice, analyze them using ""practical moral reasoning,"" apply relevant sections of the AICP Code of Ethics and the APA/AICP Ethical Principles in Planning (both of which are included in full), and decide on the best course of action. The author tells a series of stories-each one a sticky situation that could confront a typical planner. Barrett points out the ethical issues, identifies possible alternatives, and cities relevant sections of the AICP Code. Finally, the author discusses the pros and cons of each alternative. Five particularly complex scenarios are especially intended for group discussion. Individuals studying for the AICP exam will find this book indispensable. But it also should be required reading for every planner who struggles to act ethically and for planning student who wants to understand how professionals define and serve the public interest. Planning agencies, private consulting firms, and planning commissions can use its realistic scenarios to jump start group discussions and workshops on ethical planning."

Genres: Urban Planning

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Christian Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent case studies on ethics scenarios. My one minor critique is that I wish, for the purpose of this book, that there had been only 1 "right" answer (knowing full well that there is always more than one answer in real life). Having only one answer makes it easier to review the scenarios within the appropriate context. There were often times where Barrett didn't even provide the right answer... I guess life imitates art!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought my graduate class on public sector ethics was lame. I'm sure that if we would have read this book my thoughts on ethics would have changed! This is a great book for any planner in the public or private sector. It's written in a choose your own adventure format. The author writes the dilemma then give you a couple of options to choose from and then you learn about what option(s) you should have picked. Sometimes, all options are correct, sometimes there's a order to them..... I've never had so much fun practicing my ethics.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

AICP Exam read.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting ethical scenarios for AICP exam studying. Somewhat repetitious, which isn't necessarily a bad thing in studying for the exam.