ABSTRACT
This chapter inspires by Samier's conceptual study of administrative ethics in education that focused on how 'moral passivity' among those who witness but fail to respond to administrative wrongdoing is conditioned by the 'cruelties and moral lapses taking place within the ranks of administrators'. It outlines a theoretical framework based on Jurgen Habermas' critical theory of social action to shed light on the strategies malfeasant administrators use to systematically distort communication, sense-making, and relationships to conceal their acts of maladministration, draw in potential colluders, neutralise dissenters and promote moral passivity. The chapter illustrates the framework using publicly accessible information on some cases. The chapter argues that Jurgen Habermas' theory of discourse ethics, complemented with an ethic of care, provides insights on how to ward off maladministration. Discourse ethics provides a framework that incorporates the first two by prompting critical questions about power, access and voice, how problems are framed, and what is fair and just for all concerned.
