
The Ethics Challenge in Public Service
A Problem-Solving Guide
Wiley (Publisher)
4th Edition
Published on 12. March 2026
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-1-394-27655-4 (ISBN)
Description
Newly revised edition of the classic text for ethics in public service
Since it was first published in 1991, The Ethics Challenge in Public Service has become the classic text on public sector ethics used by public managers and in public administration programs across the country. This essential text features strategies, tactics, analytic tools, and on-the-job cases that have become invaluable for public managers and staff resolving ethical dilemmas. A digital instructor's guide is available that has resources, discussion questions, and slide templates for each chapter.
This thoroughly revised and updated Fourth Edition features a wealth of new material on topics including:
The ethics of information (e.g., social networking, Wikileaks, information management, and e-government)
The interaction between the branches of government, including expanded coverage of the role of the judiciary
Global trends and links with practical concerns of American and international readers
Determining the public interest and understanding how members of the public, administrators, and elected officials can work towards achieving this interest
The relationship between ethics and accountability in government.
The Ethics Challenge in Public Service is an ideal textbook for foundation courses in public administration as well as for courses in public sector ethics. It also serves as a valuable tool for public managers who work in a world filled with ethical challenges-the grey areas of decision-making rather than those that are black and white.
Since it was first published in 1991, The Ethics Challenge in Public Service has become the classic text on public sector ethics used by public managers and in public administration programs across the country. This essential text features strategies, tactics, analytic tools, and on-the-job cases that have become invaluable for public managers and staff resolving ethical dilemmas. A digital instructor's guide is available that has resources, discussion questions, and slide templates for each chapter.
This thoroughly revised and updated Fourth Edition features a wealth of new material on topics including:
The ethics of information (e.g., social networking, Wikileaks, information management, and e-government)
The interaction between the branches of government, including expanded coverage of the role of the judiciary
Global trends and links with practical concerns of American and international readers
Determining the public interest and understanding how members of the public, administrators, and elected officials can work towards achieving this interest
The relationship between ethics and accountability in government.
The Ethics Challenge in Public Service is an ideal textbook for foundation courses in public administration as well as for courses in public sector ethics. It also serves as a valuable tool for public managers who work in a world filled with ethical challenges-the grey areas of decision-making rather than those that are black and white.
More details
Edition
4th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 243 mm
Width: 193 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
716 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-394-27655-4 (9781394276554)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Stuart C. Gilman | Kimberly L. Nelson | Carol W. Lewis
The Ethics Challenge in Public Service
A Problem-Solving Guide
E-Book
03/2026
4th Edition
Wiley
€68.99
Available for download

Stuart C. Gilman | Kimberly L. Nelson | Carol W. Lewis
The Ethics Challenge in Public Service
A Problem-Solving Guide
E-Book
03/2026
4th Edition
Wiley
€68.99
Available for download
Previous edition

Book
05/2012
3rd Edition
Jossey-Bass
€71.00
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Stuart C. Gilman is a consultant in Washington, D.C., working with state government and federal agencies, large corporations, nonprofit organizations, and multinational organizations. He is a former senior executive with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics.
Kimberly L. Nelson is a Professor of Public Administration and Government at the School of Government. Her expertise includes local government management, form and structure, and corruption.
Carol W. Lewis is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Connecticut. She is a consultant and trainer for public agencies and professional organizations at local, regional, state, national, and international levels.
Kimberly L. Nelson is a Professor of Public Administration and Government at the School of Government. Her expertise includes local government management, form and structure, and corruption.
Carol W. Lewis is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Connecticut. She is a consultant and trainer for public agencies and professional organizations at local, regional, state, national, and international levels.
Author
Ethics Resource Center, Washington, D.C.
UNC School of Government
University of Connecticut
Content
Preface vii
Introduction ix
Part I Ethical Duties of Public Managers 1
Chapter 1 Ethics in Public Service 3
Chapter 2 Obeying and Implementing the Law 29
Chapter 3 Serving the Public Interest 47
Chapter 4 Taking Individual Responsibility 71
Part II Tools for Individual Decision-Making 91
Chapter 5 Finding Solid Ground 93
Chapter 6 Resolving Ethical Dilemmas 115
Chapter 7 Understanding Who and What Matters 127
Part III Ethics and the Organization 149
Chapter 8 Designing and Implementing Ethics Codes 151
Chapter 9 Broadening the Horizon 187
Chapter 10 Building an Ethical Agency 211
Afterword 245
Resource A: Glossary 247
References 257
Author Biographies 281
Index 283
Introduction ix
Part I Ethical Duties of Public Managers 1
Chapter 1 Ethics in Public Service 3
Chapter 2 Obeying and Implementing the Law 29
Chapter 3 Serving the Public Interest 47
Chapter 4 Taking Individual Responsibility 71
Part II Tools for Individual Decision-Making 91
Chapter 5 Finding Solid Ground 93
Chapter 6 Resolving Ethical Dilemmas 115
Chapter 7 Understanding Who and What Matters 127
Part III Ethics and the Organization 149
Chapter 8 Designing and Implementing Ethics Codes 151
Chapter 9 Broadening the Horizon 187
Chapter 10 Building an Ethical Agency 211
Afterword 245
Resource A: Glossary 247
References 257
Author Biographies 281
Index 283