Ethics Management in Public Service Delivery in Tanzania: Insights from Muheza District Councils

This study intended to examine ethical issues in public service delivery in Tanzania. Specifically, it examined how civil servants perform their responsibility under the guidance of Code of Ethics and Conduct for Public Service. The specific objectives include, to assess the factors which hinder ethical practices in public services, to scrutinize the mechanisms put forward to ensure public servants’ compliance on code of ethics, and to recommend the measures to be taken to increase ethical practices in public service. The research methodology adopted primarily was qualitative and sampling techniques such as random sampling and purposive sampling were used in selecting different categories of respondents from their respective departments and ordinary citizens from Muheza District council. The target population were Muheza district council Staff and the citizens who are receiving services from the council. The sample size was composed of 70 respondents obtained through simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The primary and secondary data were collected through interviews and documentary review. Data analysis was done through thematic, descriptive statistics were used to establish frequencies and percentages. The major findings revealed that insufficient motivation, conflict of interest and mal-administration contributed to unethical practices in Muheza District council. The mechanisms initiated by Tanzania central and local authority not working properly to enforce quality public services delivery. The study recommends increase incentives, improving working facilities, strengthening public institutions entrusted with powers to monitor the conduct of public servants as well as strong punishment for those who were proved to breach the code of ethics and minimizing political interference from politicians to the public service delivery