12.5 Values & Expectations in Public Service

Pursuing a career in public service requires a commitment to a set of core ethical values that are essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring effective governance. These values include integrity, responsibility, honesty, respect, and fairness. Public servants are expected to adhere to these principles in all aspects of their work, from decision-making to interactions with the public and colleagues. By upholding these values, public servants help build a government that is transparent, accountable, and trustworthy.

Ethical behavior in public service is not just about following laws and regulations, but also about adhering to a higher standard of conduct. As one official once said, “Ethics is adherence to the unenforceable.” This means that public servants must act with integrity and honesty even in situations where there are no explicit rules. For example, they must avoid conflicts of interest where personal or financial interests could influence their professional decisions. Transparency and objectivity are critical in all actions, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the public rather than for personal gain.

Reference

Emerson, Sandra, Royce Menkus, and Kathy Van Ness. 2010. Chapter 3 – Ethics in The Public Administrator’s Companion: A Practical Guide. Washington, DC: CQ Press.