Ethical Values in Public Administration
Keywords:
ethics, axiology, public administration, social values, analysisAbstract
The present paper focuses on the ethical values applied in the public administration. Since there is some intersection of public values with the legislation, we considered it appropriate to highlight the root of the ethical/axiological values and at the same time to analyze the way in which they are applied in the public administration. The present paper is theoretical, but it involves the explanation of the concepts from the ethical perspective as well. Given the complexity of modern governance, ethical principles like transparency, accessibility, and equity play a pivotal role in fostering public trust and ensuring effective service delivery. Transparency, for instance, is not only about providing citizens with access to public information but also about ensuring participatory governance and accountability, preventing abuses, and maintaining democratic stability. Accessibility emphasizes the removal of barriers - physical, digital, or procedural - so that all citizens, irrespective of their background or abilities, can engage with public institutions effectively. Equity, closely linked to fairness, addresses the need for equal access to resources and services, thus reducing social inequalities and fostering a more inclusive society. These values contribute to the overall improvement of public sector performance, creating a system in which public officials are held accountable and citizens feel empowered to voice their concerns. By exploring these values, the paper underlines their significance in shaping ethical behavior within public administration, ultimately aiming to contribute to better governance and enhanced civic engagement. In this context, ethical governance is not just a matter of fulfilling legal requirements but of aligning public administration with the moral and social expectations of a democratic society.
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