Notwithstanding government policies that can shape, raise or lessen nationalism, globalization, or glocalization, civil servants allegiance and loyalty to serve their country with pride in public service remains an unshakeable expectation. While change brought by reforms, modernization and renewals is the norm, there remains a well entrenched overarching set of principles at the apex of public institutions that guide decisions and actions serving a nation’s people. Typically, civil servants are called to understand and respect the rule of law and good governance in public services. Integrity, objectivity, impartiality, trust, respect, quality, office secrecy, equality, professionalism and honesty – are some of the principles and values that are embraced by civil servants, public officers and public servants whether in Canada or abroad.
Some of the most critically acclaimed strengths contributing to the endurance of civil service management principles include:
1. A civil service code of conduct with solid implementation and reporting mechanisms
2. Legislation that enables the application of values (e.g. Human Rights)
3. Institutions with powers to investigate and resolve conflicts pertaining to value-based legislation
4. Institution of government specializing in ethics and anti-corruption
5. Institution of government responsible for conducting performance and financial audits reporting directly to the legislative branch of government
6. Ad-hoc and permanent institutions of government with investigatory powers reporting directly to the legislative branch of government
7. Decentralized accountability frameworks and performance measurement systems that produce public reports containing the right information, at the right time and in the right format.
8. Reward and recognition systems that celebrate exemplary performance in public service.
Some of the most critically acclaimed strengths contributing to the endurance of civil service management principles include:
1. A civil service code of conduct with solid implementation and reporting mechanisms
2. Legislation that enables the application of values (e.g. Human Rights)
3. Institutions with powers to investigate and resolve conflicts pertaining to value-based legislation
4. Institution of government specializing in ethics and anti-corruption
5. Institution of government responsible for conducting performance and financial audits reporting directly to the legislative branch of government
6. Ad-hoc and permanent institutions of government with investigatory powers reporting directly to the legislative branch of government
7. Decentralized accountability frameworks and performance measurement systems that produce public reports containing the right information, at the right time and in the right format.
8. Reward and recognition systems that celebrate exemplary performance in public service.
Photo: Rock of Gibraltar, UK, June, 2006
