Approaches to Ethics Management in the Public Sector: A Proposed Extension of the Compliance-Integrity Continuum

Abstract

The compliance-integrity continuum is the dominant framework for conceptualizing approaches to ethics management. This article proposes extending it in the form of a fourfold typology inspired by grid-group theory. An application to gift policies shows how the typology can support managers in their creative search for an appropriate approach. It also shows how the typology helps to avoid the deterministic thinking that is almost inherent in the use of a continuum. The article concludes with a recommendation as to how the four types should be combined in practice.