American Society for Public Administration Code of Ethics

Published date01 March 2023
Date01 March 2023
DOIhttp://doi.org/10.1111/puar.13622
American Society for Public Administration Code of Ethics
The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)
advances the science, art, and practice of public adminis-
tration. The Society affirms its responsibility to develop
the spirit of responsible professionalism within its mem-
bership and to increase awareness and commitment to
ethical principles and standards among all those who
work in public service in all sectors. To this end, we, the
members of the Society, commit ourselves to uphold the
following principles:
1. Advance the Public Interest. Promote the interests of
the public and put service to the public above service
to oneself.
2. Uphold the Constitution and the Law. Respect and
support government constitutions and laws, while
seeking to improve laws and policies to promote the
public good.
3. Promote Democratic Participation. Inform the public
and encourage active engagement in governance. Be
open, transparentand responsive, and respectand assist
all persons in theirdealings with public organizations.
4. Strengthen Social Equity. Treat all persons with fair-
ness, justice, and equality and respect individual differ-
ences, rights, and freedoms. Promote affirmative action
and other initiatives to reduce unfairness, injustice, and
inequality in society.
5. Fully Inform and Advise. Provide accurate, honest,
comprehensive, and timely information and advice to
elected and appointed officials and governing board
members, and to staff members in your organization.
6. Demonstrate Personal Integrity. Adhere to the high-
est standards of conduct to inspire public confidence
and trust in public service.
7. Promote Ethical Organizations. Strive to attain the
highest standards of ethics, stewardship, and public
service in organizations that serve the public.
8. Advance Professional Excellence. Strengthen per-
sonal capabilities to act competently and ethically and
encourage the professional development of others.
Approved by the ASPA National Council March 16, 2013,
along with Practices for carrying out the Code available at
www.aspanet.org/CodeofEthics.In 2014, the Ethics and
Standards Implementation Committee was created to
advance awareness of ethics in public service, provide
advice and assistance to members in handling ethical prob-
lems, and review and seek to resolve ethics complaints
regarding members who may have violated the Code.
DOI: 10.1111/puar.13622
228 © 2023 by The American Society for Public Administration Public Admin Rev. 2023;83:228.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/puar

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