Ethical considerations in the public sector: What is acceptable behaviour?

This chapter explores the reasons for the current emphasis on ethics and standards of conduct in the public sector, the spectrum of unethical behaviour, from corruption to minor infringements of ethical codes, the rationale behind the recent move to strengthened codes of conduct in the UK and elsewhere, the pros and cons of control-oriented and prevention-oriented approaches to ensure ethical behaviour and the role for transparency as a mechanism for fighting unethical behaviour. It argues that the standards and conduct of public representatives and officials significantly affect the standing in which they are held, which in turn affects the confidence and respect in which governmental systems are held. High standards of conduct and public confidence go hand in hand. Many people in public life maintain these standards most of the time. Nevertheless, the need to remain vigilant and alert remains as important today as ever. At the same time, there is a need to balance transparency with the right to privacy of individuals, even those in public office.