Codes of ethics in public governance systems: a comparative study Brazil, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand and South Korea

Abstract

This study aims to analyze comparatively the core elements of public servants’ codes of ethics from Brazil United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand and South Korea, as a fundamental instrument in public governance systems. Therefore, the authors focus the literature review on the relationship between ethics and discretion in public administration in the scope of New Public Management. The review is concentrated on the concepts of code of ethics and ethics management systems. Through a bibliographical and documentary research, the paper presents a focus on the ethical codes of these countries, based on analytical categories identified by some international research. The results indicate differences in content between the codes investigated - such as the motivation of codes and the way sanctions are handled -, and, final considerations outline contributions for the revision or extension of the code of ethics in Brazilian public administration in order to contribute to public governance.