Whether elected, appointed or nominated, or a member of government staff, all public officials are bound to some ethical principles which dictate their conduct in their various responsibilities. On receiving a public responsibility as a government official, one gets into a covenant with the people who become their sole concern and interest. They are ethically mandated to promote and put the public interest at the forefront in whatever activity they partake at all times. Since the people becomes their major interest, public officials are required to follow some ethical obligations which guide their official duties to ensure the public interest is supreme during service delivery and provision. The ethical duties include
The Duty of Care
Public officials are ethically mandated to execute their duties competently and faithfully. Public offices and government duties are regulated by particular laws, as a public official, one is expected to respect the rules and observe at each instance without breach even for personal interest (Blore & Booth Maxsorn, 2022). The laws should be followed to the latter and not comprised for any reason. In addition, as a custodian of public assets, public officials are ethically compelled to manage the properties properly and ensure they remain safe at all times. While carrying their duties, a government official should always be guided by the law and uphold the constitution.
The Duty of Loyalty
After getting into the public office, the public interest becomes the major concern. As a result, public officials under obligation to always put the interest of the people ahead of personal interest. Activities that inspire conflict of interest such as the use of public resources for individual benefits should be avoided (Blore & Booth-Maxsorn, 2022). For instance, an elected leader should not carry out business with the government because that may inspire them to consider personal interest over public interest. Under the ethical duty of loyalty, a public official should stay loyal by avoid conducts which goes against the public interest.
Duty of Impartiality
As a public official, a person is obligated to serve all members fairly without bias. Social distinction such as ethnicity, race, or social class should not dictate their service delivery and provision, but instead consider everyone as worthy (Iheanachor & Tim, 2022). Equality and fairness should be the guiding principle at all times, and avoid favoritism based on nepotism and tribalism. For instance, government opportunities such as tenders and employment should be given on merit.
Duty of Accountability
Public officials are mandated to conduct their businesses transparently to facilitate monitor and provide information to citizens. Individuals holding public offices should be ready to be held accountable for all the mistakes they commit and successes they contribute (Iheanachor & Tim, 2022). The transparency and accountability is intended to enable the members of the public to see what the government is doing.
References
Blore, K., & Booth-Marxson, B. (2022). Breathing life into the’Human Rights Act 2019′(QLD): The ethical duties of public servants and lawyers acting for government. TheUniversity of Queensland Law Journal. Web.
Iheanachor, N., & Etim, E. (2022). Ethical dilemmas and the changing reality in Africa’s Public sector. Ethics and Accountable Governance in Africa’s Public Sector, 1, 19-37. Web.