Statesmanship & Ethics in PA 2
The Imperative of Ethical Leadership in Public Governance
Statesmanship plays a vital role in upholding ethical standards within regulatory
frameworks and should be a central focus in discussions on policy administration. The
foundation of a robust representative democracy, both in theory and practice, supports the
advancement of state interests through the effective implementation of policies. State officials,
despite encountering ethical challenges, bear significant decision-making responsibilities
critical to maintaining essential state functions. Additionally, the leadership skills necessary for
navigating organizational or group challenges are imperative in defining effective state
governance (Dresang, 2017). Statesmen, often recognized as politicians or esteemed public
figures holding significant governmental positions, play a pivotal role in this context (Dresang,
2017). This paper delineates state management as encompassing the skills and duties essential
for the effective administration of public affairs.
The Essential Role of Statesmanship in Contemporary Public Governance
While leadership has historical origins, modern administration requires leaders who can
adapt to evolving forms of governance. The ethical aspect of leadership is particularly crucial
today, given prevalent pretentious and self-centered behavior among many leaders and public
officials. With governance becoming increasingly decentralized, the primary duty of leadership
is to exemplify service to citizens (Sendjaya et al., 2016). Instilling moral authority in an
increasingly immoral society presents a significant challenge for statesmanship in public
administration. Political leaders often grapple with balancing personal ambitions against public
obligations. Despite societal expectations of fairness and justice from leaders, politicians may
struggle to uphold these values when their own interests are at stake. Therefore, promoting
Statesmanship & Ethics in PA 3
morality among leaders and citizens alike is a critical role of statesmanship in contemporary
society.
Another vital governmental function is to promote the overall welfare of the
populace. Equitably distributing resources within the state using fair and just methods is
essential for lawmakers. Direct democracy, constitutional governance, and regulatory
administration methods all contribute to ensuring the optimal well-being of all citizens. Biblical
precedents emphasize the accountability of political leaders for the socioeconomic development
of their communities, underscoring the importance of meeting the financial needs of the
population. Those who prioritize personal luxury over the public good are depicted as corrupt
(King James Bible, 1769/2017, Ecclesiastes 10:16-17).
Ultimately, democracy represents a significant achievement in modern governance.
Statesmanship empowers the public to elect trustworthy leaders deeply committed to their
constituents' welfare. However, contemporary governance often lacks representation from
various sectors, highlighting the need for leadership to cultivate and enhance democracy
through multilevel governance.
Exploring Ethics in Public Administration: Approaches and Perspectives
In the last century, there has been a growing interest in sovereign wealth and ethical
considerations, with numerous studies highlighting philosophical and ethical dilemmas within
public administration ethics. While literature on the specific components of administrative ethics
and moral values within the realm of new public governance remains limited, significant
attention has been devoted to the evolution of organizational ethics since the 1970s, reshaping
the framework of public administration in contemporary times (Menzel, 2015).
Statesmanship & Ethics in PA 4
Transparency, accountability, reliability, civility, and professionalism constitute
foundational ethical principles that underpin the values of all Member States. Despite the
universal recognition of these core values, the ethical framework has been significantly
challenged by emerging governments grappling with corruption. New public administration
emphasizes privatization as a means to foster skill-building and efficiency, ultimately enhancing
the delivery of quality services to the public (Menzel, 2015). Key motivations driving the
widespread adoption of privatization include reducing government expenditure and altering
public perceptions of governance, while also reshaping strategies to mitigate the direct impact of
public employee actions.
During Bill Clinton’s administration, public administration witnessed the introduction of
novel concepts focusing on governance outcomes and the implementation of clearly defined
vision and mission policies (Byrkjeflot et al., 2018). Despite arguments by some researchers that
extensive privatization may not alleviate the public responsibility of the state, Socrates posited
that ethical considerations, rather than external circumstances, significantly shape ethics. He
emphasized the importance of moral education in cultivating enduring moral character, asserting
that knowledge influences morality and humanity (Dresang, 2017). The ability to discern
between good and evil forms an integral aspect of ethical awareness, ultimately leading to
happiness.
By the early 20th century, many nations and governmental institutions transitioned from
authoritarian regimes to more consultative and inclusive forms of social interaction between
administrators and citizens (Byrkjeflot, 2018). The promotion of public service morale and
engagement with the social fabric of each state significantly influences the establishment of
democracy, law, integrity, and motivation. Consequently, changes and advancements in public
Statesmanship & Ethics in PA 5
administration are pertinent both locally and globally in fostering a civilized society and effective
governance. In essence, ethics should afford reasonable latitude in matters of government and in
the formulation of judicious decisions.
Biblical Principles of Ethics and Statesmanship
The ethical dimension of our livelihood is a fundamental aspect underscored by biblical
teachings. Throughout the Bible, from its inception to Revelation, there are distinct orders,
cautions, rules, and guidelines that direct our lives towards honoring God, upholding justice, and
fostering righteousness. In his message to Timothy, Apostle Paul emphasizes the Scriptures as
guiding paths towards salvation and equipping individuals for "every good work" (King James
Bible, 1769/2017, 2 Timothy 3:14-17). Moreover, believers are sanctified through God's Word,
providing them with moral instruction and enlightenment. God Himself exemplified integrity
from the very beginning, declaring His work as good (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Genesis 1)
and entrusting Adam and Eve with tasks to fulfill and values to uphold (King James Bible,
1769/2017, Genesis 2:15-19).
The concept of governance serves as a forward-looking voice, urging individuals and
nations to assess their choices through the lens of ethics and sustainable development.
Increasingly, people are advocating for long-term principles aimed at maximizing resources for
the benefit of the greatest number of individuals, while also addressing social and economic
challenges within countries that necessitate transformative governmental action in times of crisis.
Ethical Consideration in Federal Procurement for Pandemic Response
The distribution of COVID-19 equipment at the federal level exhibits two significant
shortcomings: inequitable allocation of medication to patients and a missed opportunity to
Statesmanship & Ethics in PA 6
enhance understanding to potentially mitigate morbidity and mortality. Following notable
shortcomings in the allocation of healthcare materials to medical facilities, the responsibility was
shifted from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to state health service
departments (White & Angus, 2020). For instance, the New Jersey Remdesivir Advisory
Committee recommended criteria for distributing the medication to eligible patients (Finkenstadt
& Handfield, 2021). However, the first-come, first-served approach disadvantages patients with
limited healthcare access, such as those with disabilities requiring special transportation
arrangements to hospitals. Such approaches also impede countries from achieving significant
ethical health objectives.
The absence of a strategy to utilize COVID-19 government supplies to gain further
insights into the drug's effectiveness represents another major failure in addressing the outbreak
in the United States. For instance, under the FDA's Remdesivir Emergency Use Authorization,
hospitals are solely mandated to report adverse reactions to the drug (Finkenstadt & Handfield,
2021). With minimal reporting requirements in place, crucial data aren't gathered to address
specific pressing issues, such as the overall mortality benefit of the medication and whether
certain clinical subgroups stand to benefit more from it than others.
Moreover, the lack of comprehensive data collection hampers efforts to optimize
the distribution and efficacy of COVID-19 treatments. By gathering detailed information on
patient outcomes and treatment responses, policymakers and healthcare providers could tailor
interventions more effectively, ensuring equitable access to care and maximizing health
outcomes for all individuals.
Statesmanship & Ethics in PA 7
Conclusion
Public Administration ethics underscores the importance of timely and informative
communication with the community (Dresang, 2017). This transparency is crucial for building
trust and mitigating potential issues that can arise from external disclosures. The aim of studying
the public administration profession is to advocate for a reformative approach to public service
centered on ethics and public interest guidelines, as outlined by the American Society for Public
Administration (ASPA) Code of Ethics and other sources (Chilton, 2019, p.410).
According to Dresang (2017), statesmanship is instrumental in fostering effective service
within modern public administration. Public administration involves the execution of
government policies, which are principles and regulations designed to foster positive community
development (Newbold, 2005). Effective statesmanship requires more than just principles; it
necessitates decisive action (Dresang, 2017). Statesmanship also helps public administration
officials strike a balance between restraint and proactive measures. These officials possess
unique powers derived from their public office responsibilities (Newswander, 2012). Practicing
statesmanship enables them to observe the boundaries of their authority while fulfilling their
duties. Failure to implement government policies with strong action results in subpar public
administration that fails to meet public expectations (Newbold, 2005). Modern public
administration faces numerous challenges, including conflicts among officials and unethical
practices like corruption (Dresang, 2017). The primary cause of these challenges is often the
failure of public administration officials to adhere to their power limits. Thus, statesmanship
compels officials to respect these boundaries in every aspect of their work.
Statesmanship & Ethics in PA 8
Ethics in public administration refers to specific codes of conduct that guide officials
based on their moral compass and commitment to public welfare (Newswander, 2012). Key
elements of administrative ethics encompass democratic accountability, legal compliance, civil
society engagement, and professional integrity. McGeough (2018) points to King David in the
Bible as an exemplary leader who embodied statesmanship. Despite facing overwhelming odds
in battle, King David acted in service to his people and in accordance with God's will
(McGeough, 2018). In conclusion, ethical public administration hinges on transparent
communication and principled action, guided by a commitment to public service and respect for
institutional boundaries.
Statesmanship & Ethics in PA 9
References
Byrkjeflot, H., du Gay, P., & Greve, C. (2018). What is the 'Neo-Weberian State as a Regime of
Public Administrations? In The Palgrave handbook of public administration and
management in Europe (pp. 991-1009). Palgrave Macmillan, London.
Dresang, D. L. (2017). The public administration workbook (8th ed.). London, UK: Routledge.
Finkenstadt, D., & Handfield, R. (2021). Blurry vision: Supply chain visibility for personal
protective equipment during COVID-19. Journal Of Purchasing and Supply
Management, 27(3), 100689. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pursup.2021.100689
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
(Original work published 1769)
Menzel, D. C., (2015). Research on ethics and integrity in public administration: Moving
forward, looking back. Public Integrity, 17(4), 343-370
Sendjaya, S., Pekerti, A., Härtel, C., Hirst, G., & Butarbutar, I. (2016). Are authentic leaders
always moral? The role of Machiavellianism in the relationship between authentic
leadership and morality. Journal of Business Ethics, 133(1), 125-139.
White, D., & Angus, D. (2020). A Proposed Lottery System to Allocate Scarce COVID-19
Medications. JAMA, 324(4), 329. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.11464
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