Work and Human Ethics in Public Service in Malawi

Abstract

The effectiveness of the public service in most of the least developed countries (LDCs) is highly questionable. Malawi is not
an exception. The government of Malawi launched a code of ethics and conduct in 2013, basically to enhance the delivery of quality
services to the public. Despite that, the media has been almost daily reporting a lot of misconduct and malpractices in the public service, including non-adherence of the Public servants' work ethics, embezzlement of public resources, corruption, among others. This article discusses work ethics and human ethics in Malawi. A documentary research method was used in collecting relevant information from peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, and the media. Different search engines and databases were used in the information search. The search strategy involved keywords such as work ethics, human ethics, public service, Malawian public service, misconduct and malpractices in the public service, Public servants' work ethics, embezzlement of public resources, corruption, among others. The literature search identified a total of 2,132 references related to a set of specified search terms. Only Sixty (60) studies met the final criteria for review. The study found out that most of these misconducts are taking place because of the low salaries civil servants receive, lack of knowledge about the work ethics and code of conduct, weaker structures enforcing the code of ethics, shortage of staff, lack of resources in the government and also because of a lack of proper channels for reporting unethical behaviour. Non-adherence to work ethics has resulted in poor services being delivered. This, therefore, calls for the need for the government to sensitization of staff on work ethics and improve working conditions in the public service. In recruitment, the government has to make sure that it employs those who have a good reputation for work ethics in their previous employment, and there has to be a routine performance appraisal.