Comparative studies of public-service ethics at the central governmental level in the EU Member
States have a rather short history. Particularly only a few studies have discussed the
institutionalisation of ethics and the effectiveness of ethics instruments. Filling this gap
and taking one step further this particular comparative study analyses to what extent the
transition towards a new and more complex concept of ethics and governance has proved effective
and fruitful. The authors argue that discussions about ethics should be better integrated into
other policy areas that affect the behaviour of public officials. These include public
management reforms human resource policies and leadership styles perceptions of
organisational fairness impact of the ongoing financial crisis as well as cost-and-benefit
considerations. The book provides a comprehensive view and analysis of the developments in the
field of public-service ethics.
