The term public interest refers to the wellbeing or welfare of the general public and the act of serving for the benefit of public interest refers to public service.
It is typically provided by the government to the people in a specific jurisdiction.
For instance, a waste disposal services may be provided by the municipal council or the fire department may be run by a government-run agency.
In serving the public interest, citizens expect those in the service to manage public resources properly on a daily basis, and to make individual decisions fairly.
In such, those involve in providing such services must be ensure accountability as well as transparency.
Merriam Webster defines accountability the quality or state of being accountable or an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.
However, accountability is not just about responsibility, but it also involves a set of actions, attitudes, aspirations, and expectations that establish how an organization or agency should run and to what end.
This generally means that accountability comes with the expectation that an action or investment of resources will produce results that is expected to improve the wellbeing of the communities.
By setting clear expectations for netizens and the organization, it can be easily understood then it becomes easier for people to be accountable.
Aside from accountability, other ethics needed in serving the public interest includes being fair and reliable.
Through this, it requires those in the service to carry out their functions and duties fairly and impartially and complying with the principles of procedural and nature of justice.
Those in the service must also act reasonably and avoid misconducting things that is conflicting with their official duties by acting apolitical in the performance of official duties.
By misconducting the integrity, this will erode the trust of the public.
On the other hand, by demonstrating the integrity of being fair and reliable, it shows a credible commitment in which one out something valuable on the line such as one’s reputation and commitment to the job in serving the public interest.
