21.11 Upholding Ethical Standards

As you explore your career options in public service, it’s crucial to ask yourself: Are you committed to upholding the ethical standards expected of a public servant? Are you prepared to navigate the complex ethical dilemmas that may arise?

Ethics in public administration involves the moral principles and standards that guide the actions of those working in government. These principles are fundamental to ensuring that public servants act with integrity, transparency, and accountability, always prioritizing the public’s best interests. Ethical behavior builds trust between government officials and the communities they serve. When this trust is compromised, public support and cooperation weaken, hindering the effective functioning of government.

Learn more by reading ICMA’s code of ethics.

Reference

Svara, James. 2022. The Ethics Primer for Public Administrators in Government and Nonprofit Organizations. 3rd ed: Jones & Bartlett.