The public sociology of ethics, corruption and public administration : a South African case study

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between the public sociology of ethics, public administration and corruption. The significance of public sociology in understanding ethics, ethical dilemmas and possible solutions in the municipal sphere is explored by articulating the relationships between different areas of knowledge created through social science research and public administration realities, as exemplified in a South African municipal case study. In this context, the relationships between human behavioural elements and the concomitant psychological and sociological considerations in public administration are important, because the reality is that, despite the fact South Africa has abundant anti-corruption legislation and institutions, the plague of corruption is increasing. Hence, the article provides a number of steps to creating and implementing an ethical code that can make a positive difference to municipalities and other state institutions, and that can serve as a shield against corrupt practices. These steps are rooted in ethical awareness, ethical reasoning and consciousness, the development of skills combined with practice, and decisive ethical action.