While integrity is the cornerstone of effective public service, public officers play a key role in upholding it.
Their actions and decisions more often directly impact the lives of citizens and the well-being of the society they serve.
Upholding integrity is not just a moral obligation but a fundamental requirement for any thriving democracy worldwide.
There are various ways public officers can maintain and promote integrity in their day-to-day work to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Leading by example is one of the basic ways public officers can set high ethical standards for themselves and their colleagues.
Embodying integrity in their conduct, communication, and decision-making sends a powerful message to the entire organization and the public. This virtue encourages a culture of honesty, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.
Public officers are also obligated to exercise transparency and openness. This entails being open about their processes, actions, and the use of public resources.
Transparent decision-making builds trust and confidence among citizens, as they can understand how and why certain choices are made.
Proactive disclosure of information helps combat rumours and misinformation, fostering a more informed and engaged public.
Public officers must at all times endeavour to be accountable. This can be achieved by taking responsibility for mistakes and learning from them.
When errors occur at workplaces, accepting accountability rather than deflecting blame demonstrates integrity and a commitment to improvement. Public officers should welcome independent evaluations and audits, which enhance the accountability framework.
To tame situations that can erode public trust, public officers should avoid conflict of interest. They must be diligent in identifying and avoiding situations where personal interests conflict with their official duties.
Transparency regarding potential conflicts and recusal from related decisions are essential steps to mitigate this risk.
As a fundamental principle, resisting corruption is the cardinal rule of promoting transparency in public service.
Corruption remains one of the most significant threats to integrity in public service.
Public officers must shun all forms of corruption such as bribery, nepotism, and embezzlement.
Implementing robust anti-corruption measures, promoting a culture of integrity, and offering whistleblower protection are crucial steps in preventing and combatting corruption.
Furthermore, fostering fairness and equity is an essential component of a transparent public service.
Treating all individuals and groups fairly and equitably restores trust and confidence in institutions.
Bias and discrimination have no place in public service.
Upholding integrity requires a commitment to ensuring equal access to services and opportunities for all, irrespective of their background, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity.
Public officers must also endeavour to always engage with the members of the public.
This will enable them to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations.
Involving citizens in decision-making processes and seeking public input fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.
By being receptive to feedback and acting upon it, public officers demonstrate their commitment to serving the public interest.
Being open to continuous learning and improvement is also a key way of enhancing transparency in public service.
Integrity is not a static quality but an ongoing commitment to self-improvement and growth.
Public officers should invest in continuous learning, staying updated on best practices, emerging issues, and new technologies relevant to their field.
This dedication to improvement enhances their expertise and effectiveness in delivering public services.
Above all, public officers must always adhere to codes of conduct and ethics.
Many public organizations have established codes of conduct and ethics that outline the expected behaviours of public officers.
Adherence to these codes is crucial in maintaining integrity. Public officers should familiarize themselves with these guidelines and strive to embody them in their daily work.
Upholding integrity is not an option but a fundamental duty for public officers.
It is the bedrock upon which trust, transparency, and accountability are built, fostering a resilient and thriving society.
By leading with integrity, public officers can set a positive example for their peers and inspire public trust, hence ensuring effective and ethical public service for the betterment of the communities they serve.
Ahmed Sadik works with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in the South Rift region.
