Analysis of Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Practices in Government Agencies in South Africa

Abstract

Government agencies are important due to their contributions to the growth of economy and the benefits they bring to the society. However, there is an increasing need for these agencies to be ethical, especially in the 21st century, an era full of competitors, and also characterized by an increasingly globalized business world and a cascade of corporate corruption and fraud in both developed and developing countries. Government agencies thus require the enforcement of business ethics for long-term business success and sustainability. Although the main objective of business is to earn the money and profit, government agencies should take initiative for the welfare of the society and perform their activities within the framework of environmental norms and social responsibility. These agencies should provide goods and services legally, and profitably to the society and operate responsibly to address social and environmental issues. The study utilised literature review to critically analyse business ethics and social responsibility practices in government agencies in South Africa.