Public Administration Ethics and Accountability PDF

  UNIT III PUBLIC  ADMINISTRATION  ETHICS  AND  ACCOUNTABILITY         Ø   INTENDED  LEARNING  OUTCOMES:       By  the  time  the  students  finished  the  learning  experie...

  UNIT III PUBLIC  ADMINISTRATION  ETHICS  AND  ACCOUNTABILITY         Ø   INTENDED  LEARNING  OUTCOMES:       By  the  time  the  students  finished  the  learning  experience,  they  should  have:         Cultivate  a  commitment  to  ethical  behavior  by  identifying  moral  and       accountable  practices  in  public  administration  and  promoting  a     culture  of  ethical  behavior  and  transparency  in  public  service.           INTRODUCTION       In  the  field  of  public  administration,  ethics  and  accountability  are  foundational  principles  that   guide   the   behavior   and   decision-­‐‑making   processes   of   public   officials   and   agencies.   This   unit   delves  into  the  importance  of  ethical  standards  and  accountability  mechanisms  in  maintaining   public  trust  and  ensuring  effective  governance.   Ethics  and  accountability  are  critical  components  of  effective  public  administration.  By  upholding   ethical  standards  and  ensuring  accountability,  public  servants  can  enhance  public  trust,  improve   service  delivery,  and  contribute  to  the  overall  well-­‐‑being  of  society.     LECTURE  NOTES   THE  MEANING  OF  PUBLIC  SERVICE   One  of  the  most  difficult  times  to  define  is  public  service.  It  is  a  nebulous  term  for  one  has  to  write   miles  of  words  before  it  can  be  successfully  defined.     Government   and   public   service.   There   has   to   be   a   clear   distinction   between   what   the   government   is   and   what   public   service   means.   Government   is   the   political   organization   comprising  the  individuals  and  institutions  authorized  to  collectively  formulate  public  policies   for  society  and  conduct  affairs  of  state  [Hague  2013;  Aruego  and  Aruego-­‐‑Torres  1981].   Governments  are  empowered  to  establish  and  regulate  the  interrelationships  of  people  within   their   territorial   confines,   the   relations   of   the   people   with   the   community   as   a   whole,   under   community’s  dealing  with  other  political  entities.  Public  service  is  the  arm  of  the  government  in   carrying  out  the  will  of  the  state.  Public  service  carries  out  the  programs  and  courses  of  action  to   set  out  by  the  people  in  power.   Bureaucracy   and   Public   service.   Public  service   is  used   interchangeably  with   the   bureaucracy.   Bureaucracy  refers  to  the  personnel  and  administrative  structure  of  an  organization.  Business,   labor,   religious,   educational   and   governmental   systems   depend   on   a   large   workforce   are   arranged  in  a  hierarchy  to  carry  out  specialized  task  based  on  internal  rules  and  procedures.  The   term   is   used   mainly   in   referring   to   government   administrations   especially   those   in   civil   service   who  are  involved  in  formulating  public  policies  and  implementing  them  [Hague  2013;  Cozzeto  et   al  1996].   However,  if  the  term  bureaucracy  would  be  used  to  substitute  for  public  service,  it  would  limit   the  concept  of  public  service  into  an  organizational  one.  Public  service  is  more  than  a  corporate   philosophy.   In   a   more   critical   sense,   governmental   systems   depend   on   bureaucracy,   without   which  no  more  than  government  can  function.  In  some  nations,  a  hindrance  to  development  has   been  an  organized  public  services  system.   Throughout   history,   public   service   has   been   recognized   as   an   essential   undertaking   that   contributes   to   the   betterment   of   society,   supported   by   citizens  and   politicians   alike.   It   has   been   recognized  that  the  government  could  not  act  out  the  people’s  will  without  public  service.  Public   service,  therefore,  is  seen  here  as  the  arm  of  the  government  in  carrying  out  the  will  of  the  people.   Public  service,  therefore,  must  be  responsive  to  the  political  will  of  the  people.   Public  service  generally  refers  to  activities  or  roles  aimed  at  serving  the  community  or  the  public  at   large,   often   performed   by   government   employees   or   organizations.   It   encompasses   a   range   of   functions,  from  delivering  essential  services  like  healthcare  and  education  to  ensuring  public  safety   and  maintaining  infrastructure.   Key  Aspects  of  Public  Service:   §   Purpose  and  Goals:  Public  service  is  fundamentally  about  serving  the  common  good.  The   primary   goal   is   to   improve   the   quality   of   life   for   the   community   and   address   societal   needs.  This  often  involves  balancing  competing  interests  and  addressing  issues  of  equity   and  access.   §   Ethics   and   Values:   Public   servants   are   expected   to   uphold   high   ethical   standards,   including  transparency,  accountability,  and  fairness.  Their  work  should  reflect  the  values   of  integrity  and  respect  for  the  public  trust.     §   Scope   and   Impact:   Public   service   can   span   various   sectors,   including   health,   education,   emergency  services,  and  more.  Its  impact  is  widespread,  affecting  communities  on  a  local,   national,  and  even  global  level.   §   Challenges  and  Opportunities:  Public  service  roles  often  come  with  unique  challenges,   such   as   working   with   limited   resources,   navigating   complex   bureaucracies,   and   addressing  diverse  and  sometimes  conflicting  needs.  However,  these  roles  also  offer  the   opportunity  to  make  significant  and  positive  changes  in  society.   Discussion  Points:   o   Effectiveness  vs.  Efficiency:   How  should  public  service  organizations  balance  the  need  to   be  effective  in  meeting  public  needs  with  the  need  to  use  resources  efficiently?   o   Accountability:  In  what  ways  can  public  service  organizations  ensure  they  are  accountable   to  the  public  and  maintain  transparency?   o   Role   of   Innovation:   How   can   innovation   and  technology   enhance   the   delivery   of   public   services  while  still  maintaining  a  focus  on  accessibility  and  inclusivity?   o   Public  Perception:  How  does  the  perception  of  public  service  impact  its  effectiveness,  and   what  can  be  done  to  improve  public  trust  in  these  institutions?     These  points  can  serve  as  a  basis  for  deeper  exploration  into  the  meaning  and  implications  of   public  service.   ETHICAL  PRINCIPLES  IN  PUBLIC  ADMINISTRATION   Definition   of  Ethics:   Ethics   refers   to  the   moral  principles   that   govern   behavior   and   decision-­‐‑ making.   In   public   administration,   ethics   involves   principles   of   fairness,   integrity,   and   accountability  in  managing  public  resources  and  serving  the  public.   Importance:   Ethical   behavior   in   public   administration   ensures   trust,   promotes   fairness,   and   enhances  the  effectiveness  of  public  institutions.   Key  Ethical  Principles:   §   Integrity:   Adhering   to   moral   and   ethical   standards,   being   honest,   and   ensuring   transparency  in  all  actions.     §   Accountability:  Taking  responsibility  for  actions  and  decisions,  and  being  answerable  to   the  public  and  oversight  bodies.   §   Impartiality:   Making   decisions   based   on   fairness   and   objectivity,   without   favoritism   or   bias.   §   Respect  for  the  Law:  Complying  with  legal  standards  and  regulations,  and  upholding  the   rule  of  law.     §   Public   Service:   Prioritizing   the   public   interest   over   personal   gain,   and   ensuring   that   actions  and  decisions  benefit  the  community.   Ethical  Dilemmas  in  Public  Administration   §   Conflict  of  Interest:  Situations  where  personal  or  financial  interests  may  compromise   the  ability  to  act  impartially.     Example:  A  public  official  awarding  a  contract  to  a  company  owned  by  a  family  member.   §   Corruption:   Abuse   of   power   for   personal   gain,   including   bribery,   embezzlement,   and   fraud.   Example:  Accepting  bribes  to  influence  a  decision  or  bypass  regulations.   §   Nepotism   and   Favoritism:   Preferential   treatment   of   relatives   or   friends   in   hiring   or   promotion  decisions.   Example:  Appointing  a  less  qualified  candidate  to  a  position  due  to  personal  connections.   §   Transparency   and   Disclosure:   Balancing   the   need   for   public   transparency   with   the   protection  of  sensitive  or  confidential  information.   Example:  Deciding  whether  to  disclose  internal  audit  results  that  might  cause  public  concern  but   are  essential  for  accountability.   Ethical  Decision-­‐‑Making  Frameworks   §   Utilitarian   Approach:   Evaluating   decisions   based   on   the   greatest   good   for   the   greatest   number   of   people.   This   involves   assessing   the   outcomes   and   impacts   of   decisions   on   different  stakeholders.      §   Deontological  Approach:  Focusing  on  the  adherence  to  duties,  rules,  and  principles.  This   approach  emphasizes  doing  what  is  right  according  to  ethical  principles,  regardless  of  the   consequences.   §   Virtue  Ethics:  Emphasizing  the  development  of  moral  character  and  virtues.  Decisions   are  guided  by  what  a  virtuous  person  would  do  in  a  similar  situation.   §   Principle-­‐‑Based  Approach:  Using  established  ethical  principles,  such  as  those  found  in   codes  of  ethics,  to  guide  decision-­‐‑making.     ACCOUNTABILITY  IN  PUBLIC  ADMINISTRATION   Definition:   Accountability   in   public   administration   refers   to   the   duty   of   public   officials   to   justify   their  actions,  decisions,  and  use  of  resources.  It  encompasses  the  obligation  to  report,  explain,   and  be  answerable  for  their  performance,  ensuring  that  they  act  in  the  public  interest.   Importance:   §   Public  Trust:  Accountability  builds  and  maintains  public  trust  in  government  institutions.   When  citizens  see  that  officials  are  held  responsible  for  their  actions,  they  are  more  likely  to   have  confidence  in  the  system.     §   Good  Governance:  It  ensures  that  government  actions  align  with  legal  and  ethical  standards,   promoting  fairness  and  integrity.   §   Performance   Improvement:   Accountability   mechanisms   can   highlight   inefficiencies   and   promote  improvements  in  public  service  delivery.     Principles  of  Accountability   §   Transparency:   The   principle   that   decisions   and   actions   should   be   conducted   openly,   allowing  stakeholders  to  see  how  and  why  decisions  are  made.   Implementation:   Public   officials   should   provide   access   to   information   about   their   decisions   and   performance.   This   could   include   publishing   reports,   budgets,   and   performance  metrics.     §   Responsiveness:  The  ability  of  public  institutions  to  address  and  adapt  to  public  needs  and   concerns.   Implementation:   Government   agencies   should   establish   channels   for   feedback   and   complaints,  and  respond  to  them  in  a  timely  and  effective  manner.   §   Responsibility:  Public  officials  are  responsible  for  carrying  out   their  duties  effectively  and   adhering  to  established  policies  and  laws.   Implementation:  Officials  should  be  clear  about  their  roles  and  responsibilities,  and  there   should  be  systems  to  monitor  and  evaluate  their  performance.   §   Answerability:  The  obligation  to  explain  and  justify  actions  and  decisions  to  stakeholders.     Implementation:   Officials   should   provide   explanations   for   their   actions   and   be   prepared   to  defend  their  decisions  in  public  forums  or  through  formal  reports.   §   Enforcement:   Mechanisms   to   ensure   that   accountability   is   maintained   and   violations   are   addressed.    Implementation:   There   should   be   procedures   for   investigating   misconduct,   imposing   sanctions,  and  taking  corrective  actions  when  necessary.   Mechanisms  for  Accountability   Internal  Mechanisms   Internal  Audits:   §   Purpose:  To  review  and  evaluate  an  organization's  operations  and  financial  activities.       §   Function:   Internal   audits   help   ensure   compliance   with   policies   and   regulations,   detect   inefficiencies,  and  prevent  fraud.   Performance  Reviews:   §   Purpose:  To  assess  the  effectiveness  and  efficiency  of  public  services  and  programs.   §   Function:   Performance   reviews   help   identify   areas   for   improvement   and   ensure   that   services  meet  their  objectives.   Management  Controls:   §   Purpose:  To  establish  systems  and  procedures  for  ensuring  adherence  to  policies.     §   Function:  Management   controls   include   financial   controls,   operational   procedures,   and   risk  management  strategies.     External  Mechanisms   Public  Oversight:   §   Purpose:  To  involve  the  public  in  monitoring  and  evaluating  government  activities.   §   Function:   Public   oversight   can   be   exercised   through   media,   civil   society   organizations,   and  public  forums,  promoting  transparency  and  accountability.   Legislative  Oversight:   §   Purpose:  To  provide  a  check  on  executive  actions  through  parliamentary  or  congressional   committees.   §   Function:  Legislative   bodies   review  and   approve   budgets,   hold   hearings,  and   investigate   government  activities  to  ensure  compliance  with  laws  and  policies.   Judicial  Review:   §   Purpose:   To   adjudicate   disputes   and   ensure   that   government   actions   adhere   to   legal   standards.     §   Function:  Courts   can   review  administrative  decisions,   enforce   legal   rights,   and   provide   remedies  for  violations.     Challenges  in  Accountability   Corruption:   §   Impact:  Corruption  undermines  transparency,  diverts  resources,  and  erodes  public  trust.    §   Mitigation:   Anti-­‐‑corruption   measures   include   stricter   regulations,   whistleblower   protections,  and  independent  auditing.   Lack  of  Resources:   §   Impact:   Limited   financial   or   human   resources   can   impede   effective   monitoring   and   enforcement.   §   Mitigation:   Improving   resource   allocation,   increasing   efficiency,   and   leveraging   technology  can  address  resource  constraints.   Political  Interference:   §   Impact:  Political  actors  may  obstruct  accountability  processes  to  avoid  scrutiny  or  gain   personal  advantages.     §   Mitigation:  Ensuring  independence  of  oversight  bodies,  enforcing  legal  frameworks,  and   promoting  a  culture  of  integrity  can  counteract  political  interference.   Complexity  of  Bureaucracy:   §   Impact:   Large   and   complex   bureaucratic   structures   can   make   it   difficult   to   track   performance  and  hold  officials  accountable.   §   Mitigation:   Streamlining   processes,   improving   organizational   transparency,   and   enhancing  communication  can  simplify  accountability  mechanisms.   SYNTHESIS     Ethics   and   accountability   form   the   bedrock   of   effective   public   administration,   ensuring   that   public  officials  act  with  integrity  and  transparency.   Ethics  in  public  administration  revolves  around  core  values  such  as  integrity,  impartiality,  and   transparency.   These   values   are   upheld   through   ethical   frameworks   and   guidelines,   including   codes   of   conduct   and   legal   standards,   which   provide   a   clear   directive   for   public   servants'   behavior.  Understanding  these  principles  is  crucial  for  identifying  and  resolving  ethical  dilemmas   that  may  arise  in  the  course  of  public  service.   Accountability,   on   the   other   hand,   is   the   mechanism   through   which   public   officials   are   held   responsible  for  their  actions.  Various  forms  of  accountability—political,  legal,  administrative,  and   social—work   in   tandem   to   ensure   that   public   servants   answer   to   the   citizens   they   serve.   Mechanisms   like   audits,   evaluations,   and   oversight   bodies   are   essential   in   maintaining   this   accountability,  thereby  preventing  corruption  and  enhancing  transparency.   REFERENCES   §   Dubnick,  M.  &  Frederickson  H.  (2011).  Public  accountability  performance  measurement,  the   extended  state  and  the  search  for  trust  .  Kettering  Foundation   §   Cooper,  T.  (2001).  Handbook  of  administrative  ethics.  Marcel  Dekker,  Inc.