مجلة المفكر
Volume 21, Numéro 1, Pages 162-186
2026-06-10

The Normative Framework Of Public Employee Ethics And Codes Of Conduct: Towards Building An Institutional Integrity System In The Public Sector

Authors : Bouchria Fatima . Bekkar Fethi .

Abstract

Integrity is a fundamental value in public administration and public sector institutions. It entails a public employee’s commitment to honesty, transparency, and impartiality. It is an integral part of public service ethics, which include trustworthiness, respect for the law, avoidance of conflicts of interest, protection of confidential information, and fair treatment of citizens and colleagues. Codes of ethics constitute an essential regulatory instrument for the aforementioned principles. They define the standards of conduct to be followed within institutions, clarify rights and duties, establish professional behavioral guidelines, and set out accountability mechanisms in cases of misconduct. These codes also contribute to strengthening trust between public administration and the public, while fostering an institutional culture grounded in transparency and accountability. Thus, integrity, employee ethics, and codes of ethics form an integrated framework that ensures responsible job performance, supports good governance, and helps combat corruption.

Keywords

Corruption ; employee behavior ; Job performance ; Codes of ethics ; Behavioral Guidelines