TARIRO G CHIDAUSHE
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 1.2
BUSINESS ETHICS HBM122
M250283
Discuss ethical issues that are prevalent from the case study citing
how best public institutions can be managed in order to improve
service delivery. (20 marks)
Ethics is fundamental to good governance and effective public
administration. In Zimbabwe, ethical issues in the public sector are evident
in both local and international surveys, revealing problems such as
corruption, misuse of power, and weak accountability. This case study
illustrates how ethical failures in the civil service hinder service delivery and
diminish citizens' trust in government institutions. This essay will discuss the
main ethical issues identified in the case study and suggest ways to manage
public institutions better to improve service delivery.
Ethical Issues in Zimbabwe’s Public Sector
A significant ethical issue in the case study is corruption. According to
Transparency International (2013), Zimbabwe ranked 157 out of 177
countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating widespread
unethical behavior. Similarly, Afrobarometer (2013) listed Zimbabwe as the
third most corrupt country in Africa, with 81% of citizens believing that
corruption is prevalent. Ongoing scandals, such as those involving Hwange
Colliery, Unki Platinum, and Chisumbanje Ethanol Plant (The Herald, 2014),
highlight the seriousness of institutional corruption.
Another ethical concern is the prioritization of self-interest over the public
good. The case study describes public officials as acting primarily for
personal gain, rather than serving the community (UCAN, 2009). This
undermines the trust inherent in public service. Nepotism and favoritism
within public institutions further exacerbate ethical issues, as appointments
and promotions are often based on personal relationships rather than merit.
This practice undermines the professionalism of the civil service and
diminishes the effectiveness of governance, as unqualified individuals may
occupy key positions (World Bank, 2012).
Public officials often possess significant discretionary powers that can be
abused for personal gain. This abuse can lead to unjust decisions that
negatively impact citizens, such as favoritism in the allocation of resources
or services. The lack of checks on these powers further encourages unethical
behavior (UCAN, 2009).
Additionally, a lack of transparency and accountability is a critical issue. The
World Bank (2012) noted that Zimbabwean politicians and high-ranking
public officials have significant discretionary powers without sufficient
oversight, which allows for abuse of authority. The absence of effective
monitoring has led to a decline in public trust.
Poor service delivery is both a cause and a consequence of these unethical
practices. Reports from NewsDay (2014) indicate a decline in essential
services such as health, water, and electricity, which disproportionately
affects ordinary citizens. This aligns with findings from Transparency
International Zimbabwe (2000), which ranked the public sector as the most
unethical in the country, with the police and judiciary perceived as highly
corrupt.
Ways to Manage Public Institutions to Improve Service Delivery
Enhancing ethics in the public sector and improving service delivery requires
a comprehensive approach.
First, it is essential to strengthen accountability mechanisms. Oversight
bodies like the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Auditor-
General’s Office need to be given more independence and resources to
monitor public officials effectively (World Bank, 2012). Enforcing anti-
corruption laws and imposing penalties on offenders will deter unethical
behavior.
Second, increasing transparency can limit corruption opportunities.
Implementing digital platforms, such as e-procurement systems, can reduce
discretion and enhance public access to information (Afrobarometer, 2013).
Making tenders, budgets, and audit reports publicly available will allow
citizens to hold officials accountable.
Third, ethical leadership and training should be prioritized. Public officials
need training on professional conduct, integrity, and the values of public
service (UCAN, 2009). Establishing and enforcing codes of ethics will help
define acceptable behavior and prevent abuses of power.
Fourth, citizen participation in governance should be encouraged.
Mechanisms like complaint hotlines, community monitoring committees, and
civic education campaigns can empower citizens to report corruption and
advocate for better services (Transparency International Zimbabwe, 2000).
Introducing performance-based assessments for public officials can
incentivize ethical behavior and improve service delivery. By tying
promotions and rewards to measurable outcomes in service provision and
ethical conduct, public institutions can foster a culture of accountability.
Utilizing technology, such as data analytics and monitoring systems can
enhance oversight of public services. By analyzing patterns and identifying
discrepancies in service delivery, authorities can quickly address potential
misconduct and ensure that resources are allocated appropriately.
Finally, checks and balances must be established. Reducing excessive
discretionary power requires strengthening parliamentary oversight and
ensuring judicial independence (World Bank, 2012). Recruitment and
promotion in the civil service should focus on merit rather than political
connections to improve efficiency and trust.
Conclusion
The case study reveals that corruption, misuse of power, and lack of
accountability are the main ethical issues undermining Zimbabwe’s public
sector. These problems lead to poor service delivery and erode public trust.
To tackle these challenges, Zimbabwe must enhance oversight, improve
transparency, foster ethical leadership, empower citizens, and establish
effective checks and balances. Ultimately, ethical governance is crucial not
only for public trust but also for sustainable socio-economic development.
Reference List (Harvard Style)
Afrobarometer. (2013) Public attitudes on corruption in Africa.
NewsDay. (2014) Service delivery in Zimbabwe under threat.
The Herald. (2014) Rautenbach scandal rocks parastatals.
Transparency International. (2013) Corruption Perceptions Index 2013.
Berlin: Transparency International.
Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ). (2000) Public perception
survey on corruption in Zimbabwe. Harare: TIZ.
UCAN. (2009) Public administration and ethics. Harare: UCAN
Publishers.
World Bank. (2012) Human Resources Management Actionable
Governance Indicators. Washington, DC: World Bank.