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To what extent should federal employees push back against directives they believe are unlawful?
How should agencies balance intergovernmental coordination with statutory boundaries?
What are the limits of executive authority when it conflicts with law?
The Acting IRS Chief’s decision serves as a case study in ethical governance.
Step 14: Maintaining Institutional Integrity
The IRS relies on institutional norms and legal boundaries:
Protecting taxpayer confidentiality preserves public trust
Leaders must ensure employees follow ethics and compliance protocols
Resignations or whistleblowing can be a tool to signal breaches in law or policy
The integrity of federal agencies depends on adherence to law, not expediency.
Step 15: Crisis Management
Following the resignation, the IRS must:
Ensure continuity of operations
Reassure taxpayers that data remains secure
Communicate transparently with Congress and the public
Review policies to prevent similar conflicts in the future
Effective crisis management strengthens public confidence and institutional stability.
Step 16: Media Coverage and Public Awareness
Media coverage framed the resignation in multiple ways:
Ethical stand against unlawful directives
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Clash of federal policy priorities
Spotlight on privacy protections in the digital age
Coverage can influence public understanding, congressional oversight, and agency accountability.
Step 17: Lessons for Federal Employees
Key takeaways:
Understand legal obligations for your role
Maintain ethical standards even under political pressure
Know when to resist directives that violate the law
Seek counsel and use proper channels when conflicts arise
This episode illustrates the real-world application of ethics in governance.
Step 18: Preparing for Future Policy Conflicts
Government agencies can mitigate similar conflicts by:
