American Society for Public Administration Code of Ethics

• Published date: 01 July 2023
• Date: 01 July 2023
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/puar.13684

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.13684

724 © 2023 by The American Society for Public AdministrationPublic Admin Rev. 2023;83:724.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/puar