An Investigation Into the Role of Coaching to Promote Ethical Leadership in Professionalising the Public Service in South Africa

Over the years, in South Africa, there has been an increase in the number of transgressions in the public service. Instances have been reported where leaders were involved in unethical behaviour and unduly influencing supply chain-related decisions that would personally benefit them. Corrupt activities that have been reported range from unlawfully awarding tenders, spending public funds on incomplete projects, inflating prices, tender rigging, ghost employees, disbursing funds to non-compliant suppliers or for work not delivered, maladministration, illegal use of state resources, conflict of interest, theft, embezzlement of public funds and bribery. Such transgressions are often linked to a lack of ethical conduct and professionalism of leaders in the public service. The President of South Africa lamented about the extent of poor ethics and unprofessionalism of the public service, which can therefore be seen as a crisis and an opportunity to change the status quo. Advancing honesty, ethics and integrity in the public service is critical if we are to build a capable state. The South African government is concerned about the high levels of corruption in the public service. A high standard of professional ethics is therefore an essential matter that needs urgent attention. The aim of this study is to determine the role of coaching in developing ethical leaders to professionalise the public service. The study follows a qualitative approach. The findings of the study will benefit the public service by providing in-depth knowledge on how coaching can be used to promote ethical leadership and professionalise the public service.