Towards the end of the century the vortex of argumentation is accentuated on the administrative branch of government.  Scandals involving elected officials prompted the reform initiatives; yet; there is less consensus on the suitable elements of the reform agenda.  The reformed era occurred up to early 1970’s wherein it was the threshold of the separation of politics from administration and the establishment of a professionalized public service.  The next era known as the ethics reform depicted the social, political and cultural changes geared toward a greater individual responsibility.  The next period was the rediscovery of the ethical principles of the reformed era.  It occurred in the late 1980’s.  It grappled with the contentions on maintaining an affirmative viewpoint in an anti-government era.  This reconstruction period attempts to make the classic ideals of progressive public administration relevant.  1990’s was perceived as a challenge to the values and ethics of neutral public administration.  This is known as the reinvention period.

To correct lack of responsiveness and accountability, reinventionists call for decentralized government, flattened hierarchies, labor-management collaboration and empowered public servants.

The current crisis in government ethics is confined to elected officials.  Professionals, career public servants are held to the highest ethical standards and expectations and for the most part, their performance is quite good.  Public administration theorists and practitioners continue to struggle with establishing the proper balance between democratic control of the bureaucracy and the professional discretion and choice that is essential to effective administration.  From the ethical standpoint, taking personal responsibility for bureaucratic discretions and actions implies and demands administrative discretion that composes the principle of personal responsibility for public servants.

At present, public administration upholds good governance and e-governance for the future. Good governance and sustainable development are indivisible.  Without good governance – without the rule of law, predictable administration, legitimate power and responsive regulation – no amount of funding, no amount of charity will set us on the path to prosperity.  We are fully engaged in efforts to improve governance around the world.  Good governance is indispensable for building peaceful, prosperous and democratic societies.

KEYWORDS: governance, capitalism, technology, humanization, administration