PUB3707
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2025
Unique Number: 235001
Due Date: September 2025
INTRODUCTION
Ethical conduct in public administration is a cornerstone for good governance, accountability,
and service delivery. In South Africa, codes of conduct and statutory frameworks have been
introduced to guide public officials in maintaining integrity. Scholars such as Clapper and
Robson give important perspectives on how codes of conduct can shape ethical behaviour
in the public service. At the same time, national statutes and policies provide practical tools
to reinforce values of transparency, fairness, and accountability across all levels of
government. This essay will firstly compare the arguments of Clapper and Robson on
directional and aspirational codes of conduct. Secondly, it will identify and describe five key
statutes and policies that aim to strengthen ethical conduct in South African public
administration.
1. DIRECTIONAL AND ASPIRATIONAL CODES OF CONDUCT
Terms
Clapper (2014: 9–12) sees ethics as central to the identity of public officials, not asof ause
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
INTRODUCTION
Ethical conduct in public administration is a cornerstone for good governance,
accountability, and service delivery. In South Africa, codes of conduct and statutory
frameworks have been introduced to guide public officials in maintaining integrity.
Scholars such as Clapper and Robson give important perspectives on how codes of
conduct can shape ethical behaviour in the public service. At the same time, national
statutes and policies provide practical tools to reinforce values of transparency,
fairness, and accountability across all levels of government. This essay will firstly
compare the arguments of Clapper and Robson on directional and aspirational
codes of conduct. Secondly, it will identify and describe five key statutes and policies
that aim to strengthen ethical conduct in South African public administration.
1. DIRECTIONAL AND ASPIRATIONAL CODES OF CONDUCT
Clapper (2014: 9–12) sees ethics as central to the identity of public officials, not as a
separate activity but as part of everything they do. He highlights the tension between
personal morality, professional ethics, and formal codes of conduct. Clapper argues
that directional and aspirational codes of conduct should not only restrict behaviour
but guide and inspire officials towards virtuous service. He warns that when codes
are too rigid, they can limit discretion and reduce moral responsibility. In his view,
codes should function as instruments that align personal morality with professional
standards, steering officials toward decisions that benefit the public interest
(Wessels, Pauw & Thani 2014).
Robson (2014: 23–24) takes a more practical approach, stressing that codes of
conduct are necessary tools to clarify expectations in daily practice. He explains that
public administrators need clear guidance because they exercise significant power
and are responsible for decisions that affect citizens directly. According to Robson,
codes serve as boundaries for acceptable behaviour, offering standards that the
public and colleagues can rely on. However, he also warns that codes should not be
overly general or reduced to symbolic statements; they must be formulated carefully,
supported by training, and applied consistently. For Robson, codes are part of a
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2025
Unique Number: 235001
Due Date: September 2025
INTRODUCTION
Ethical conduct in public administration is a cornerstone for good governance, accountability,
and service delivery. In South Africa, codes of conduct and statutory frameworks have been
introduced to guide public officials in maintaining integrity. Scholars such as Clapper and
Robson give important perspectives on how codes of conduct can shape ethical behaviour
in the public service. At the same time, national statutes and policies provide practical tools
to reinforce values of transparency, fairness, and accountability across all levels of
government. This essay will firstly compare the arguments of Clapper and Robson on
directional and aspirational codes of conduct. Secondly, it will identify and describe five key
statutes and policies that aim to strengthen ethical conduct in South African public
administration.
1. DIRECTIONAL AND ASPIRATIONAL CODES OF CONDUCT
Terms
Clapper (2014: 9–12) sees ethics as central to the identity of public officials, not asof ause
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
INTRODUCTION
Ethical conduct in public administration is a cornerstone for good governance,
accountability, and service delivery. In South Africa, codes of conduct and statutory
frameworks have been introduced to guide public officials in maintaining integrity.
Scholars such as Clapper and Robson give important perspectives on how codes of
conduct can shape ethical behaviour in the public service. At the same time, national
statutes and policies provide practical tools to reinforce values of transparency,
fairness, and accountability across all levels of government. This essay will firstly
compare the arguments of Clapper and Robson on directional and aspirational
codes of conduct. Secondly, it will identify and describe five key statutes and policies
that aim to strengthen ethical conduct in South African public administration.
1. DIRECTIONAL AND ASPIRATIONAL CODES OF CONDUCT
Clapper (2014: 9–12) sees ethics as central to the identity of public officials, not as a
separate activity but as part of everything they do. He highlights the tension between
personal morality, professional ethics, and formal codes of conduct. Clapper argues
that directional and aspirational codes of conduct should not only restrict behaviour
but guide and inspire officials towards virtuous service. He warns that when codes
are too rigid, they can limit discretion and reduce moral responsibility. In his view,
codes should function as instruments that align personal morality with professional
standards, steering officials toward decisions that benefit the public interest
(Wessels, Pauw & Thani 2014).
Robson (2014: 23–24) takes a more practical approach, stressing that codes of
conduct are necessary tools to clarify expectations in daily practice. He explains that
public administrators need clear guidance because they exercise significant power
and are responsible for decisions that affect citizens directly. According to Robson,
codes serve as boundaries for acceptable behaviour, offering standards that the
public and colleagues can rely on. However, he also warns that codes should not be
overly general or reduced to symbolic statements; they must be formulated carefully,
supported by training, and applied consistently. For Robson, codes are part of a
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
