Misconduct Impeding Good Governance in The South African Public Service

Abstract

This study aims to explore corruption as a form of misconduct recorded in the South African public service in general. The systematic analysis of literary sources and methods for addressing the misconduct issue suggests that there are reasons for the wrongdoing that impede good governance and hinder efficient public sector governance. The reasons could be socio-economic, political, and institutional. The article explicitly explores institutional reasons for misconduct in public service. This study emphasises that encouraging good governance in the South African public service would remain difficult if the everyday occurrences of wrongdoing and corruption are not properly handled, making this scientific problem decision-relevant. The investigation in the article is carried out in the following order: the conceptual framework of the South African public service is described, followed by a discussion of the contextual framework and a detailed examination of the institutional reasons for corruption. Corruption is examined as a kind of wrongdoing that may obstruct good governance in the public service. Conceptual and document analysis were the methodological tools used in the study procedures. A desktop review of the available literature and the official legislation and regulatory papers necessary for the research are included in the methodological instruments of the research procedures. Corruption as misconduct is contextually analysed using qualitative research approaches. The results show that in every organisation and department of public administration are recalcitrant elements that oppose the order of authority and policy due to differences of opinion or outlook, and if no precautionary or reactionary measures are taken, management may be compromised. The article’s conclusion makes suggestions for policy modifications and remedial actions tailored to South Africa’s circumstances. Although corruption is not a new problem, there has to be continual discussion and involvement between stakeholders in order to develop solutions that are country-specific.