PUBLIC SECTOR ETHICS AND CULTURAL GOVERNANCE IN LIBERIA: RETHINKING INTEGRITY BEYOND LEGAL COMPLIANCE
Keywords:
public sector ethics, cultural governance, Liberia, administrative integrity, informal institutions, governance reformAbstract
Public sector ethics reform in Liberia has largely emphasized legal compliance, anti-corruption statutes, and institutional oversight mechanisms. However, limited scholarly attention has been given to the role of cultural norms in shaping ethical behavior within public administration. This article introduces the concept of cultural governance—the interaction between societal values, informal norms, and formal ethical standards in public institutions. Drawing on qualitative evidence, policy analysis, and existing governance literature, the study argues that ethical reform in Liberia cannot succeed without integrating cultural realities into administrative frameworks. The article proposes a Cultural-Integrated Ethics Model (CIEM) to guide reform efforts in fragile governance contexts.
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