Indeed, the argument that ethics in public enterprise management aims to establish consistency and

ensure adherence to organizational rules and codes of conduct, with the objectives of promoting
transparency, permanence, neutrality, and confidentiality, is indeed valid. To substantiate this claim and
delve into the prevalence of unethical and misconduct behaviors in the public sector, let's explore the
root causes of this phenomenon:

1. Complexity of Public Sector Operations: Public sectors often deal with multifaceted issues and diverse
stakeholders. The complexity can create opportunities for unethical behavior, especially when oversight
is insufficient or regulations are unclear.

2. Bureaucracy and Red Tape: Bureaucratic structures in the public sector can lead to inefficiencies and
frustration among employees. This may foster unethical conduct as individuals seek shortcuts to
navigate bureaucratic obstacles.

3. Political Interference: Political influence can interfere with ethical decision-making in the public
sector. Public officials may prioritize political interests over the public good, leading to corruption and
misconduct.

4. Lack of Accountability: In some cases, there's a lack of proper mechanisms to hold public officials
accountable for their actions. This absence of accountability can embolden unethical behavior.

5. Resource Scarcity: Limited resources can lead to unethical practices such as embezzlement, kickbacks,
or favoritism in the allocation of resources. The pressure to secure resources for personal gain can drive
unethical conduct.

6. Whistleblower Retaliation: Fear of retaliation can deter employees from reporting unethical behavior.
When whistleblowers are not protected, it becomes easier for misconduct to go unchecked.

7. Inadequate Training and Awareness: Employees may not receive adequate ethics training or be
unaware of the consequences of unethical behavior. This can contribute to misconduct.

8. Lack of Transparency: A lack of transparency in decision-making processes can breed suspicion and
mistrust. When people perceive that decisions are made behind closed doors, they may be more
inclined toward unethical actions.

9. Cultural Factors: In some regions, there may be cultural norms that tolerate or even encourage
certain unethical behaviors, making it challenging to enforce ethical standards.

10. Inadequate Ethics Infrastructure: Public sector organizations may lack robust ethics programs, codes
of conduct, or clear reporting channels for ethical concerns, leaving employees without proper
guidance.