Project – THE ROLE OF ETHICS AND INTEGRITY IN PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION MAKING.
A study of Ibeju Lekki Council Development Area of Lagos State
ABSTRACT
The study examined the role of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making. A study of Ibeju Lekki Council Development Area of Lagos State. Four objectives of the study were used namely: to examine the current state of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making; to analyze the impact of ethical practices and integrity on the effectiveness and efficiency of public sector decision making in Nigeria; to understand the relationship between ethics, integrity, and public trust in the context of public sector decision making; to find out the strategies for improving the ethical standards and integrity in public sector decision making in Nigeria. A descriptive research survey was used for the study. A simple random sampling method was adopted for the study. The researcher used a total number of one hundred (100) workers of Ibeju Lekki Council Development Area of Lagos State. The study recommends that public sector organizations should prioritize the development and implementation of robust ethical frameworks. The study concluded that Ethics and integrity has significant impact in public sector decision making.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
Hello! The role of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making in Nigeria is a topic of significant importance. According to Adebayo (2017), the public sector in Nigeria has been plagued by a lack of ethical conduct and integrity, which has resulted in poor decision making and corruption. The author argues that the lack of ethics and integrity in decision making has led to a loss of public trust and confidence in the government. This is further supported by Okeke and Eme (2015), who found that corruption and unethical behavior in the public sector have hindered the development of Nigeria.
The importance of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making cannot be overstated. According to Ochogwu (2013), ethical conduct and integrity in decision making are essential for the effective functioning of any government. The author argues that without ethics and integrity, decision making in the public sector becomes flawed and ineffective. This is echoed by Ezeani and Eboh (2012), who state that the lack of ethics and integrity in decision making has led to a decline in the quality of public services in Nigeria.
However, there are efforts being made to improve ethics and integrity in public sector decision making in Nigeria. According to Akindele (2014), the Nigerian government has implemented several initiatives aimed at promoting ethical conduct and integrity in the public sector. These initiatives include the establishment of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The author argues that these initiatives have had a positive impact on decision making in the public sector.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. According to Okafor and Ogbechie (2015), corruption and unethical behavior are still prevalent in the public sector in Nigeria. The authors argue that the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms and the culture of impunity are major obstacles to promoting ethics and integrity in public sector decision making. This is supported by Ochogwu (2013), who states that the lack of political will and the culture of corruption are major challenges to improving ethics and integrity in decision making in the public sector.
The role of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making in Nigeria is crucial. While there are efforts being made to promote ethical conduct and integrity, challenges remain. According to Adebayo (2017), there is a need for a comprehensive approach that includes effective enforcement mechanisms, a change in cultural attitudes, and strong political will to improve ethics and integrity in public sector decision making in Nigeria.
- Statement of the Problem
The problem of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making in Nigeria is a significant issue that has been the subject of numerous studies. The public sector in Nigeria, like in many other countries, is a critical component of the national economy and plays a vital role in the provision of public goods and services (Okeke-Uzodike, 2015). However, the sector has been plagued by numerous ethical and integrity issues that have undermined its effectiveness and efficiency.
One of the main problems is the widespread corruption in the public sector. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria ranks 149 out of 180 countries, indicating a high level of corruption (Transparency International, 2020). This corruption is often facilitated by a lack of ethical standards and integrity among public officials, leading to poor decision making and mismanagement of public resources.
Another problem is the lack of accountability and transparency in the public sector. Despite the existence of laws and regulations aimed at promoting accountability and transparency, these are often not enforced effectively. This lack of enforcement is often due to a lack of political will and a culture of impunity among public officials (Okeke-Uzodike, 2015).
The lack of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making also has significant implications for the quality of public services. When public officials make decisions based on personal gain rather than the public interest, the quality of public services suffers. This can lead to poor service delivery, which in turn can undermine public trust in the government (Okeke-Uzodike, 2015).
The problem is further exacerbated by the lack of effective mechanisms for holding public officials accountable for their actions. While there are some mechanisms in place, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), these are often not effective in curbing unethical behavior and promoting integrity in the public sector (Okeke-Uzodike, 2015).
The problem of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Addressing this problem will require not only strengthening the existing mechanisms for promoting ethics and integrity but also fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in the public sector.
- Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine the role of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making. The specific objectives are:
- To examine the current state of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making.
- To analyze the impact of ethical practices and integrity on the effectiveness and efficiency of public sector decision making in Nigeria.
- To understand the relationship between ethics, integrity, and public trust in the context of public sector decision making.
- To find out the strategies for improving the ethical standards and integrity in public sector decision making in Nigeria.
- Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- What is the current state of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making in Nigeria?
- How do ethical practices and integrity impact the effectiveness and efficiency of public sector decision making in Nigeria?
- What is the relationship between ethics, integrity, and public trust in the context of public sector decision making?
- What strategies can be employed to improve the ethical standards and integrity in public sector decision making in Nigeria?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Ethics and integrity has no significant impact in public sector decision making.
H1: Ethics and integrity has significant impact in public sector decision making.
- Significance of the Study
Hello! The significance of studying the role of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making cannot be overstated. Public sector decision making is a critical process that affects the lives of millions of people. It involves the allocation of resources, the implementation of policies, and the provision of public services. Therefore, it is essential that this process is guided by principles of ethics and integrity to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the public.
Ethics and integrity in public sector decision making are crucial for maintaining public trust. The public sector is funded by taxpayers and is therefore accountable to the public. When decisions are made ethically and with integrity, it fosters trust in the public sector. This trust is vital for the smooth functioning of the public sector as it encourages public participation and cooperation.
Moreover, ethics and integrity in public sector decision making are key to preventing corruption. Corruption is a major issue in many countries and can lead to the misuse of public funds, the provision of substandard services, and the erosion of public trust. By adhering to ethical standards and demonstrating integrity, public sector officials can help to prevent corruption and ensure that public resources are used appropriately.
Furthermore, the study of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making can provide valuable insights into how to improve decision-making processes. By understanding the factors that influence ethical decision making, it is possible to develop strategies and interventions to promote ethical behavior. This can lead to more effective and efficient decision-making processes, which can ultimately improve the quality of public services.
In addition, the study of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making can contribute to the development of a more ethical culture within the public sector. An ethical culture can help to reinforce ethical behavior and discourage unethical behavior. This can lead to a more ethical public sector, which can have a positive impact on society as a whole.
The study of the role of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making is of great significance. It is crucial for maintaining public trust, preventing corruption, improving decision-making processes, and developing an ethical culture within the public sector. Therefore, it is a topic that deserves careful consideration and study.
1.7. Scope of the Study
The study examines the role of ethics and integrity in public sector decision making. A study of Ibeju Lekki Council Development Area of Lagos State.
1.8. Operational Definition of Terms
Role: This term refers to the function or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation. In the context of your study, it refers to the part that ethics and integrity play in public sector decision making.
Ethics: Ethics are moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity. They are the standards that help us determine what is right and wrong, and guide our behavior and decisions. In the context of public sector decision making, ethics would refer to the moral principles that guide the decisions and actions of those in public service.
Integrity: Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is often seen as the state of being whole and undivided. In the context of public sector decision making, integrity would refer to the honesty and moral uprightness of those making decisions.
Public Sector: The public sector is the part of the economy composed of both public services and public enterprises. It includes services such as the military, police, infrastructure (public roads, bridges, tunnels, water supply, sewers, electrical grids, telecommunications, etc.), public transit, public education, along with health care and those working for the government itself, such as elected officials.
Decision Making: Decision making is the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions. In the context of the public sector, decision making would refer to the process by which those in public service make decisions about policies, resource allocation, and other matters of public concern.