ABSTRACT
The teaching of ethics in public administration is a multifaceted and often controversial enterprise. It is multifaceted because the field of public administration ranges broadly within and across organizations, nations, and cultures. It is often controversial because there is little agreement on what to teach and how to teach ethics. Indeed, some persons believe that ethics cannot be taught to others in a traditional class or course context. Rather, the best that can be hoped for is to teach about ethics. Still, there is a widespread view among practicing public administrators and educators in the United States and abroad that an ethical public service is essential to a well-functioning democracy. According to this view, the teaching of ethics to men and women who occupy positions of public trust should and must be pursued, regardless of the arguable outcomes.
