A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ETHICAL CODE OF CONDUCT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: THE CASE OF MALAWI

Abstract

This thesis intended to comparatively analyze the factors that affect the implementation of the ethical code of conduct in the public sector. The study was conducted in two government institutions which were purposively selected and the main focus was on how the code is implemented, its enforcement practices, the organizational (both internal and external) variables that affect its implementation and assessment of the possible solutions to address the impeding factors. This case study used Mixed Research Methods to collect, analyze and integrate quantitative and qualitative data. This involved analyzing and synthesizing similarities, differences, practices, procedures or patterns followed by these two organizations so as to provide an in-depth, multifaceted understanding of the issue in its real-life context. The successful implementation of a policy depends on the context in which it is implemented and the behavior of the implementers (actors) hence the study used the Normative Institutional Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) respectively. The findings of the study showed that outdated code of conduct, unethical Leadership, poorly laid out procedures and structures, lack of Whistleblower Protection Law and political interference or influence were among the factors that negatively affect the implementation of the ethical code of conduct. The thesis suggested that having well-structured units and procedures for handling grievances, disciplinary actions and rewarding employees, making the code of conduct an integral part for employment contracts, establishing a clear demarcation of the roles of politicians and bureaucrats among others may lead to effective implementation of the Malawi Public Service code of conduct. The study proposed other areas of further study that require deeper investigation on how they impact on the implementation of the code of conduct for the public sector.