Elizabeth Webb, a Montana State University Graduate student and employee of MSU's Extension Local Government Center recently conducted a 38 item survey with randomly selected employees of the city of Bozeman and the city of Kalispell. The items were designed to answer questions about the effectiveness of an ethics program. Does the presence of a formal ethics program effect how employees observe and report misconduct or the perception of an ethical culture?

Results from Ms. Webb's research will help guide the development of the next yearly ethic's training for city employees, elected officials and board members. The Bozeman City Charter, voted in by the citizens in 2008, mandates ethics training annually. This year's training will be conducted once again by the Local Government Center, but with a more hands on approach. Case studies will help participants use critical thinking and group participation to work through ethical solutions.

Presentation slides explaining Ms. Webb's research and results

Ms. Webb's research paper titled 'What is Good and What is Right: Ethics in Montana Municipal Government'.