3.5 Conclusion

This chapter explored the core values that guide public service and how they shape decisions, policies, and daily work. Together, these principles provide a framework for making choices, balancing competing priorities, and building stronger, more responsive institutions. Let’s summarize these concepts in the order they appeared:

Democratic Values that Provide Institutional Safeguards

• Rule of law means following established rules and procedures.
• Due process means government must follow fair and established procedures before taking action.
• Accountability means being answerable for your actions.
• Transparency means making information open and accessible.
• Fairness means treating people equally.
• Ethics means acting with integrity and responsibility.
• Deliberation and pluralism mean valuing debate and multiple voices.

Professional Values

• Altruism is about putting others first.
• Pragmatism means focusing on what works.
• Cross-sector public value means all sectors can contribute to the public good.

Administrative Values

• Economy means using resources carefully.
• Efficiency means getting the most out of resources.
• Effectiveness means reaching the intended goals.
• Social equity means fair access to opportunities and outcomes.

Leadership and Relational Values

• Trust means confidence in government actions.
• Vision means having a clear picture of where to go.
• Citizen engagement means involving the public in decisions.
• Inclusiveness means making sure all voices are heard.
• Responsiveness means acting quickly and accurately.
• Flexible leadership means adapting to the situation.
• Empathy means understanding other people’s experiences.

Together, these values do more than guide decisions; they sustain the legitimacy of government itself. By practicing them, public servants build trust with the people they serve and reinforce the democratic foundations that make government authority both rightful and effective.