Values and ethics enter the real world: a framework for public leadership and governance

Abstract

Indications are that an ethical problem exists regarding the internalisation of norms and values in the public sector. This results in an unacceptable number of public scandals related to malfeasance and it indicates that mechanisms to curb ethical violations are not always effective. All over the world governments experience such ethical violations.

This article argues for a paradigm shift in public leadership and governance. What is required is a framework for the internalisation of values, ethics and norms to accentuate accountability. It is argued that answers to malfeasance do not lie in the ordinary process of education and training to conscientise public leaders about their role and compliance to policies, rules and regulations. Instead the solution is contained in the internalisation of values and ethics of public leadership and governance, and ensuring that these are upheld at all times. There should also be sanctions for unaccountability. Negotiating the reasons for not meeting set goals after the fact is a practice that compromises accountability. It is emphasised that accountability can thrive only in situations wherein values and ethics are rendered practical through public leadership and governance.