PUB3707 – Ethics - Preparing for the exam (2017 Lecturer Notes)

STUDY GUIDE 1 2. Define the following concepts, distinguish them from one another and explain how they are related to public administration: ethics / Ethics [10] See sections 3.2 and 3.3 of Study Guide 1 (pp 29- 31) as well as the following parts in the book "Reflective Public Administration: Ethics, 2014": pp 4 – 7. ethics The concept ethics refer to a set of moral obligations that define right and wrong in our practices and decisions. Many professions have a formalized system of ethical practices that help guide professionals in the field. The concept of ethics: ‘‘Ethics is concerned not only with distinguishing right from wrong and good from bad but also with the commitment to do what is right or what is good. The concept of ethics is inextricably linked to that of values, that is, enduring beliefs that influence the choices we make from among available means and ends’’ The word ethics is frequently used with the word morality. Often these two words are used as if they have the same meaning and are the same concept. The concepts ‘‘right’’ and ‘‘wrong’’ or ‘‘ought’’ and ‘‘ought not to’’, clearly form the core of any discussion about ethics or morality. Ethics Ethics , that start with a Capital letter at all times, is the academic subject that studies, inter alia, the ethical actions undertaken by people and reflects on them. Ethics is related to Public Administration in the following way: The ethical behaviour in the authorities would enhance the democratic process by ensuring that, “representatives and officials respect the rights of citizens and uphold those values which have been agreed as essential to a particular democracy.” If we accept that ethics refers to the moral standards in public service, then, there are implications for the professional standards of all role players (politicians as well as officials). The ethics in public administration are important for good business conduct based on the needs of a specific town, city or country. Ethics provide accountability between the public and the public officials providing public administration services. Adhering to a code of ethics ensures that the public receives what it needs in a fair manner. It also gives the administration guidelines for integrity in their operations. That integrity, in turn, helps foster the trust of the community. By creating this atmosphere of trust, the administration helps the public understand that they are working with their best interests in mind. Around the world ethics is regarded as an important dimension of public administration. This is why it has always been part of academic discourse in the subject Public Administration. Ethics refers to the evaluation and application of morality through philosophy, attitudes, beliefs, standards, rules or conduct within professions, companies and governmental institutions within a specific country. For sustainable service delivery ( Uys 2012:3) Andrew ( 1998:35) defines ethics as standards that guide the behaviour and actions of public officials in public institutions, and which