Ethical Leadership and Public Sector Integrity:Governance Frameworks for Combating Corruption and Rebuilding Institutional Trust

Abstract

Corruption and failures of institutional integrity remain among the most persistent challenges in public administration worldwide. Beyond economic losses, these failures erode public trust, distort resource allocation, and disproportionately harm vulnerable populations. Although structural causes of corruption are well studied, the role of ethical leadership in fostering organizational integrity—and the governance frameworks needed to sustain it—remains insufficiently developed. This article addresses that gap through a systematic review of 109 peer-reviewed studies (2000–2025) and a comparative analysis of integrity governance frameworks across eighteen countries at varying income levels. Drawing on social learning theory, principal-agent theory, and virtue ethics, it proposes the Public Sector Integrity Leadership Framework (PS-ILF). This model identifies three interconnected pillars: ethical leadership behaviors, organizational integrity systems, and institutional accountability structures. Findings show that ethical leadership most effectively promotes integrity by shaping organizational culture rather than relying solely on compliance mechanisms. Whistleblower protection emerges as the most influential institutional factor supporting integrity. The study also finds that transparency alone does not ensure accountability; meaningful outcomes depend on strong investigative and enforcement capacity. Furthermore, anti-corruption strategies focused primarily on punitive measures tend to be less effective over time than those emphasizing values-based culture building. The article concludes by outlining a reform agenda aimed at strengthening ethical leadership, enhancing institutional safeguards, and aligning transparency with accountability. Together, these measures offer a more sustainable approach to promoting integrity across diverse public sector contexts.