Main topics of study:

Introduction

• The Comparative Dimension
• Theory and Practice
• Managerial Focus
• Regime Values

Ethical Issues

• Issues Enduring and Universal
• UK Experience
• Managers’ Perspectives

Ethical Theory and Public Service Principles

• Theory
• Principles in the Public Services

The Public Service Ethos

• Is There a Public Service Ethos?
• The Threat to the Public Service Ethos
• Implications of the Undermining of the Public Service Ethos

Roles, Relationships and Rules

• Concept of Trust
• Minister-Civil Servant Relationship
• Professional Relationships and Trust
• Managing Across Organisational Boundaries and Partnerships
• Rules and Non-governed Behaviour

The Organisational Dimension

• Organisational Forms and Structures
• The Fabric of the Organisation
• Organisational Culture and Control
• Organisational Control and Individual Morals
• Whistleblowing

Ethics and Evaluations

• The Ethical Context
• Models of Performance Measurement
• Performance Appraisal
• Performance and Control

Ethical Training for Decisions

• Ethical Decisions in the Short Term
• The Moral Development of the Individual
• The Learning Organisation
• The Learning Society

Conclusions

• The Purpose of Government
• Theory and Practice
• Obligations and Relationships
• Ethical Enforcement
• Traditions and Practices
• Learning, Evaluation and Ethics

Reading List

Main Text:
Alan Lawton, Ethical Management for the Public Services, (Open University Press, 1998, ISBN 0335199194)