The ethical responsibilities of local government employees

Abstract

This article discusses the ethical responsibilities of a local government employee. The authors argue that an official, as a representative of a state institution, performs a service function. Civil service is a profession of public trust. The employee of local government can affect citizens’ trust in the state. Therefore, she/he is required to be honest, reliable and deserving of trust. She/he should behave with dignity. In his work she/he should rely on the principles of good administration, which is a fundamental right of the individual in a democratic state of law. Citizens expect politicians and public officials to abide by ethical standards of integrity in a more rigorous manner than other professional groups, and to work for the common interest. The actions of persons who perform social functions related to the exercise of power should always be transparent and pure from this perspective, and should raise no doubts.