Commissions of inquiry as vectors for change in public sector ethics: A few thoughts for further research

Abstract

AbstractThis article addresses the question whether public commissions of inquiry have the potential for driving constructive change in ethical behaviour within the public sector. It suggests two hypotheses. One is that the climate of discussion that often accompanies commissions of inquiry, and the systemic approaches that commissions are encouraged to take in their recommendations, negatively affect the receptiveness of public sector members to change in matters of ethics. The other hypothesis is that highly politicized commissions create a dynamic that may press governments to take courses of action that may not be conducive to constructive change in public sector ethics.