Perceptions of professional ethics in labour relations at the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), South Africa

Abstract

Ethics is not a new phenomenon under investigation. Countries worldwide are concerned with how workers conduct themselves while on duty and have developed mechanisms to promote ethical behaviour in both the private and public sectors. It is, furthermore, of essence to promote ethical behaviour in the public services because of the nature of services that are delivered to communities. Although the South African government has done much to provide a legislative milieu for public officials to operate in, the unethical behaviour within the public service continues as if no legislation exists. In the South African public service, ethics and promotion of ethical behaviour have become a topical debate following the institution of several commissions of inquiry such as the arms deal, allegations for impropriety regarding the public investment corporation, Mokgoro and recently the Zondo commissions. The GDE is not immune to unethical behaviour because there is a steady increase in misconduct cases, grievances, and disputes. These ultimately affect the mandate of the institution to deliver effective service delivery, to promote professionalism, and to clamp down on loss of state finances. The current measures to curb unethical behaviour do not seem to have a positive influence on employees’ behaviour and conduct. This negatively impacts the image of the institution and the relationship between managers and employees which in return affects their operations. The study followed a quantitative approach to explore whether the existing measures of promoting ethical behaviour enhance professionalism and effectiveness, and ultimately promote sound labour relations between managers and employees at the GDE. A questionnaire was utilised to gather data and following the implementation of the questionnaire, ideas and themes were identified in the data. The research presented the findings and recommendations in response to whether the existing measures of promoting ethical behaviour enhanced professionalism and effectiveness, and sound labour relations between managers and employees at the GDE. The most important findings are that despite the presence of effective measures of promoting ethical behaviour and the existence of sound labour relations at the GDE, there are employees and managers who are still involved in unethical behaviour. There are instances where unfair labour practices are recorded at the GDE, and often not v reported in fear of victimisation. The study recommends that the GDE may have to adopt several cardinal ethical standards that would guide all employees and managers on how to act accordingly. Finally, the study recommends that the GDE may have to involve trade unions (representing employees) in different labour relations committees where decisions related to labour relationship are concluded.