Ethics for Bureaucrats

"Ethics for Bureaucrats: An Essay on Law and Values" by John Rohr is a seminal work in the field of public administration ethics. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Integration of Ethics into Public Management Training: The book integrates the study of ethics into public management training, providing a unique approach to understanding the ethical dimensions of bureaucratic decision-making.
2. Constitutional Values: It focuses on three specific constitutional values—equality, freedom, and property—and highlights Supreme Court opinions related to these values.
3. Pedagogical Aspects of Law: The text emphasizes the pedagogical aspects of law, posing challenging questions to help readers apply theoretical concepts to concrete situations.
4. Case Studies and Index: The book includes a case index for further research, covering a wide range of topics such as abortion, affirmative action, bureaucratic bashing, civil disobedience, the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, the Iran-Contra scandal, moral absolutism, privileged communications, religious fundamentalism, and whistle blowing.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a traditional narrative plot. Instead, it is structured as an essay that explores the ethical dimensions of bureaucratic behavior. It delves into the legal and philosophical underpinnings of ethical decision-making in public administration, providing a framework for understanding and addressing ethical dilemmas faced by bureaucrats.

Critical Reception

1. Academic Praise: The Midwest Review of Public Administration has praised the book as "…a unique teaching tool," highlighting its effectiveness in integrating ethics into public management training.
2. 30th Anniversary Celebration: The book has been celebrated on its 30th anniversary for its enduring impact on the field of public administration ethics. A book review published in Sage Journals noted that it honors and celebrates Rohr's work in this area.

Additional Context

John Rohr's approach to ethics for bureaucrats rejects reliance on codes of ethics, religious traditions, or political philosophies as suitable guides for governing officials. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the legal and constitutional framework within which bureaucrats operate.

"Ethics for Bureaucrats" remains a foundational text in the field of public administration ethics, providing a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the ethical challenges faced by bureaucrats. Its focus on constitutional values and pedagogical aspects of law makes it a valuable resource for both students and practitioners of public administration.