A word for public servants

Development administration and administration of development are crucial in public service.

The former embodies the skills acquired for one’s competency in a particular field while the latter is the actual implementation of development using the acquired skills.

Public service is the cornerstone of any functional and equitable society.

It encompasses the efforts of government employees, from the highest levels of leadership to local municipal workers, in providing essential services and maintaining the infrastructure that supports daily life.

Given its profound impact on the public, public servants must uphold the highest professional standards as they are entrusted with the stewardship of taxpayer money and national aspirations.

Public servants are funded by taxpayers. Their salaries, benefits and office resource comes from citizens’ collective contributions.

This underscores a fundamental ethical obligation to use these resources wisely, transparently and efficiently.

Mismanagement or unethical behaviour not only wastes taxpayer money but also erodes public trust in government institutions.

The effectiveness of public service is deeply rooted in the professionalism of its workforce. Public servants must be dedicated to serving all citizens impartially, regardless of political affiliations.

Their primary allegiance should be to the principles of public administration and the welfare of the populace, not their political masters.

This distinction is crucial for maintaining the integrity and neutrality of public services.

Partisanship in public service leads to biased decision-making, favouritism, and the implementation of policies that serve the interests of a few rather than the common good.

To prevent this, public servants should be hired based on their qualifications, expertise and ability to perform their duties effectively.

Competency must be the foremost criterion in the recruitment and appointment processes to put the most capable hands in positions of responsibility.

Public appointments must be transparent and merit-based.

When influenced by political affiliations or personal connections, they undermine the quality  and credibility of public service.

Competency-based appointments allow the best equipped candidates to take charge of the complexities of public administration.

This not only improves the efficiency and effectiveness of public services but also boosts public confidence in government institutions.

Systems that respect merit encourage a culture of excellence where public servants are motivated to perform their best, knowing that their career advancement is based on outstanding performance, not political loyalty. This leads to more innovative solutions, better policy implementation and a more dynamic and responsive public service sector.

Leaders in public service have a special responsibility to model ethical behaviour and professional integrity.

Their actions set the tone for the organisation behaviour and influence the conduct of their subordinates.

Ethical leadership involves making decisions in the best interest of the public even when they are difficult or unpopular.

It requires transparency, honesty and a commitment to upholding the values of public service.

When leaders prioritise ethics and competency over politics, public servants can focus on their duties without undue pressure to conform to partisan expectations.

This creates a more stable and effective public service that can better serve the needs of all citizens.

Public service is a noble calling that requires the principle of subsidiarity, dedication, professionalism and a steadfast commitment to the public good.

Public servants must remember that they are accountable to the taxpayers who fund their positions and that their primary duty is to serve the public impartially and effectively.

By prioritising competency and ethical behaviour over political affiliations, we can ensure that public service remains a force for positive change and a pillar of democratic society.

Only through such commitment can public trust be maintained and the true potential of public service be realized.

Those who know they are not capable to pursue their own good and the good of the nation should not accept responsibilities in public service. God bless Mother Malawi.