Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ethical behaviour on employee performance in district council, a case study of Nkhata-bay district council. For this study, the researcher employed qualitative research methodology with purposive sampling to select respondents for the study. Two instruments were used to collect data, namely in depth interview and desk research. The data was analysed through qualitative content analysis from 28 participants. Relying on deontological ethics theory which believe that ethical rules “bind you to your duty”. It was revealed that, there is a significant relationship between ethical behaviour and employee performance. It was discovered that, code of ethics and conduct for Malawi Public Service, Public Service Act 1994, Public Officers Declaration of Assets, Liabilities and Business Interest Act of 2013 and Corrupt Practices Act, are policy frameworks guiding ethical behaviour at the council. Furthermore, it was revealed that, low remuneration, lack of training on ethics, personality traits, work environment, organisation culture, failure to strictly enforce laws and regulations, misunderstanding of the word democracy and ignorance of ethical rules are the causes of unethical behaviour. The study discovered that, Malawi Public Service Regulation, ethical training, regulatory bodies and disciplinary action are the instruments used to promote ethical behaviour at the council. Furthermore, it was revealed that, poor reporting system or mechanism, low reading culture and lack of funding are some of the challenges in promoting ethical behaviour at Nkhata-bay district council.

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School	: School of Law, Economics and Government
Issued Date	: 2024

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