Conflictos de valores, límites cognitivos y malas prácticas organizativas como riesgos para la utilidad de los códigos éticos en la Administración pública

Manuel Villoria

doi:10.24965/gapp.11331

Authors

Manuel Villoria Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Departamento de Derecho Público I y Ciencia Política (España – Spain) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1055-1995

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24965/gapp.11331

Keywords:

ethical codes, value conflicts, emotions, moral motivation, socialization

Abstract

Objectives: At a time when thousands of ethical codes are beginning to be approved in Spanish public administrations, this article tries to shed light on their possibilities and limitations, especially considering the cognitive challenges they represent and their insertion in organizational environments that sometimes socialize their employees in bad practices. Methodology: This is a theoretical and reflective text based on applied moral theory, focusing on the so-called administrative ethics, to which recent research in cognitive science is added. Results: The text highlights the important role of moral motivation and character formation for the success of codes. But it also allows us to understand the problems arising from value conflicts in public service and how to deal with them. The role of emotions, feelings, and intuitions in shaping ethical decisions is demonstrated, as is the risk of cognitive biases in decision making in the face of moral problems. Finally, the problem of the risks of socialization and normalization of corrupt practices in organizations is addressed. Conclusions: Recommendations for individuals and public organizations in the development and use of codes are derived from the results.

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Author Biography

Manuel Villoria, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Departamento de Derecho Público I y Ciencia Política (España – Spain)

Manuel Villoria es catedrático de Ciencia Política en la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, donde dirige el Observatorio en Buena Gobernanza. Es autor de más de doscientas publicaciones (libros y artículos) sobre Administración pública, corrupción y ética administrativa.

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