More than Writing on a Wall - Evaluating the role that codes of ethics play in securing accountability of public sector decision makers

This article argues that the essential factors of a public service code of ethics can be divided

into five categories. These categories or principles are fairness, transparency, responsibility,

efficiency and conflict of interest. These principles are identified in this article as being the

basic elements of democratic accountability in relation to public sector decision making.

The issues explored are not only the obstacles that the public service decision maker faces

in internalising these principles but also, the challenges for a pro-active management in

fostering such internalisation.