ETHICS IN POLITICS

Politicians cannot be expected NOT to be political. It makes good policy sense to take precautions against unethical forms of political conduct. The path of distrust leads to greater and greater public accountability of politicians, with many external accuntability agencies holding the line against formal breaches of ethical rules and expectations. But it also makes good policy sense to promote higher forms of ethical political conduct, beyond simple compliance with the rules. This alternative path of trust opens up possibilities for more substantial ethical responsibility, in the traditional sense represented by the political virtues of prudence as the driver of ethical responsibility in public life. In its most expansive sense, being ethical for politicians means acting prudently- taking prudence to mean the political virtue of practical wisdom so necessary for the sound management of official relationships. Actions speak louder than words, and political actions that build relationships can be more effective in promoting ethical policies than any number of fine words in a formal code of conduct.

According to the Public Management Committee to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Council ; the Principles for Managing Ethics in the Public Service are as follows:

1. Ethical standards for public service should be clear
2. Ethical standards should be reflected in the legal framework.
3. Ethical guidance should be available to public servants
4. Public servants should know their rights and obligations when exposing wrongdoing.
5. Political commitment to ethics should reinforce the ethical conduct of public servants.
6. The decision-making process should be transparent and open to scrutiny.
7. There should be clear guidelines for interaction between the public and private sectors.
8. Public service conditions and management of human resources should promote ethical conduct.
9. Adequate accountability mechanisms should be in place within the public service.
10. Appropriate procedures and sanctions should exist to deal with misconduct

Political leaders should use these principles to review ethics management regimes and evaluate the extent to which ethics is operationalized to adapt to national conditions, and to find their own ways of balancing the various aspirational and compliance elements to arrive at an effective framework to suit their own circumstances. These principles are not sufficient in themselves- they should be seen as a way of integrating ethics management with the broader public management environment.

Political leaders must exhibit the old-fashioned virtues of HONESTY, RESPECT, INTEGRITY, PROFESSIONALISM, ACCOUNTABILITY, FAIRNESS, COMPETENCE, AND RESPONSIBILITTY.