The term public service invokes a variety of images and ideas. For some it may conjure up the brave men and women who serve in the military or emergency services, for others it may bring to mind government agencies and policy changes. For still others it may reflect the work of those who are behind the scenes in their local food bank or community health clinic. In fact, though, public service takes many forms and can be found in all communities.
In general, public service refers to the provision of services in the interest of the collective public through a system of government. These can be provided directly by a public service organisation or via public funding and regulation of private businesses and voluntary organisations that provide the service.
For those who work in the public sector, whether they are Ministers, teachers, nurses or civil servants, it is their duty to ensure that policies, decisions and actions serve the interests of the wider population. As such, they must abide by the highest ethical standards and act in the public interest.
Despite this, public appreciation of and respect for government service and for the people who do it has declined in recent years. A combination of factors has contributed to this: public scandals and poor service shake people’s confidence; cynicism and 24 hour news fuel distrust; and a shared language of public responsibility and service is eroded. However, leaders can make a difference by building an internal culture of public service and commitment to the common good.
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