Vertrauen in die öffentliche Verwaltung

: Strategien zur Förderung von Ethik und Integrität im öffentlichen Dienst Österreichs

Abstract

This master’s thesis addresses the question of how ethics and integrity can be promoted in the Austrian civil service. The thesis aims to identify national and international legal frameworks, compliance measures and guidelines used in the Austrian civil service. Furthermore, it seeks to evaluate their practical relevance. Also, this thesis aims to investigate the role that managers play in promoting ethics and integrity in the Austrian civil service. For this purpose, a written survey of public administration institutions in Austria, expert interviews, and interviews with managers were methodologically combined. The results show a solid legal foundation. However, their implementation often fails due to a lack of resources and a lack of proper monitoring. Many organizations employ codes of conduct, compliance guidelines and trainings. The success of these measures generally depends on the commitment of leadership. Experts and managers underline the importance of open communication, role-model function on the part of managers, and an organizational culture that is oriented on values. The study reveals that it is not sufficient to only establish formal regulations to strengthen ethics and integrity in the public service. Instead, clear responsibilities, transparent communication, a leadership culture aligned with ethical and transformational leadership principles, and regular training are key to sustainably integrating ethics and integrity in the public sector. Managers should be specifically trained in their role as role models and supported with sufficient resources to accomplish this function effectively. This underlines the importance of a cultural shift within the public service, as well as the expansion of supporting structures within public organizations.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Brigitta Nöbauer (Supervisor)