Ethics Professionalism as The Basis of Competence for Officials Public Service (Case Study in Civil Service)

Authors

  • Maria Lucia da Costa MAP-UNPAZ
  • Martinus Nahak MAP-UNPAZ
  • Albertino de Jesus MAP-UNPAZ

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3007/2r4e9642

Keywords:

Ethics, Professionalism, Basis of Competence, Officials Public Service

Abstract

This research analyzes ethics and professionalism in the Public Service with the objective of understanding how the competence of employees influences the quality of public services. This methodology uses descriptive qualitative methods to explore the principles of integrity, impartiality, transparency and accountability to manage abuses of power, discrimination and nepotism.

Research results show that professionalism considers technical capacity, work attitude, discipline, effective communication and commitment to good work; evidence shows that technical competence alone is not sufficient without ethical integrity. The integration of ethics and professionalism is identified as complementary factors that determine the efficiency, effectiveness and trust of the people in state institutions. Monitoring mechanisms such as inspections, annual reports, public whistleblowing systems and disciplinary sanctions are important to prevent ethical violations and ensure accountability. Priority strategies to strengthen ethical culture include integrity leadership, continuous training, meritocracy, fair reward-sanction system and valuing citizen trust. It is recommended that strengthening ethics and professionalism in the public service is a prerequisite for good governance, legitimacy of the State and improving the quality of public services in Timor-Leste.

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Published

2026-03-15

How to Cite

da Costa, M. L., Nahak, M. ., & de Jesus, A. . (2026). Ethics Professionalism as The Basis of Competence for Officials Public Service (Case Study in Civil Service). International Scientific Journal of UNPAZ Timor-Leste, 1(01), 598-604. https://doi.org/10.3007/2r4e9642