Women's voices on developing an ethical public service

A number of writers argue that discussions around ethics and moral behavior have traditionally been gender blind, with ethical behavior being conceptualised from a masculine standpoint. This paper gives voice to a group of senior women in the Queensland, Australia public service as they reflect on what is needed to develop a more ethical public service. Four main themes emerged from the messages they wished to share with their colleagues concerning the on‐going process of developing a more ethical public service. These were: the importance of role‐modeling and community engagement where ethical behavior is concerned; the importance of encouraging dialogue and open debate about work practices; the importance of understanding and enacting the move to relationship‐based management; and the importance of reaffirming that public service is about service.