Topic Guide: Public Sector Integrity

Public sector ethics are, broadly speaking, the core values and behavioural standards expected of state employees, both in the civil service and in elected public office.[1] Ethical behaviour is essential in public office, as the violation of these shared ethical norms brings public office into disrepute. Once public trust in the ethical standard of public officials disappears, the moral authority to govern crumbles and democratic governance falters.  

Public servants are assigned authority to implement laws and public policies, govern state assets and provide services to the public. The abuse of this entrusted power to further private interests is, according to Transparency International, the very definition of corruption.[2] Building a culture of integrity in the public sector can be challenging as the unique combination of state authority and large discretionary power means that opportunities and incentives for large illicit gains can be plentiful. Officials must learn to appropriately manage competing loyalties to the state, the current government, their institution and their public duties, all of which can overlap or contradict their own private interests.[3]