ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the development in public administration and only one specific aspect of this development the ethical moment. It argues for the use of a so-called 'first person perspective' on the question of ethical standards of conduct. The chapter examines the number of general standards of ethical conduct to identify what can currently be identified as 'public values'. It discusses that every area of public values is situated in relation to current stages of developments in the organization of public administration. The chapter explains how new public management (NPM) has initiated new dilemmas and conflicts and compelled civil servants to make decisions in situations void of legal instructions. It explores that this confrontation of values and trends is explored to create a tentative catalogue of moral doctrines. Ethical moments are also the case that public authorities use marketing techniques when they advertise their own services in competition with other providers.
