Abstract
The study aimed to explore the need for organisational ethics management to promote good governance in the South African public service in general and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) in particular. Guided by an interpretive research paradigm, the study employed a qualitative research approach with an exploratory and descriptive research design. A review was undertaken of relevant literature and documents for data collection. The study utilised documentary and conceptual analyses as data analysis methods. The study considered that despite the legislative and institutional frameworks that have been implemented, various forms of misconduct persist in the public service and the DPWI, the causes of which could be social, political, economic and/or institutional and these are explored and described in detail in the dissertation. Other causes that include poor control and lack of accountability, lack of ethical awareness among the public and public officials and lack of transparency and weak civil society are also discussed. Based on the findings, the study offers meaningful recommendations for the DPWI that can also be considered by other South African government departments to combat misconduct and promote good governance.
Keywords: Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, good governance, misconduct, organisational ethics management, South African public service.