An Evaluation of the Ethic of Neutrality in the Ontario Public Service

Work of Ontario Public Servants is determined in part by the government of the day as they set their priorities. This commitment to serve the government, regardless of individual affiliation or support, is built on the ethic of neutrality – a value that can shape the personal lives of public servants. This study sheds light on how workplace ethical values impact the personal political participation decisions of public servants. What measures does the employer take, if any, to reduce any ambiguity or burden posed by the ethic of neutrality? This research examines the measures, if any, that the employer takes to reduce any ambiguity or burden posed by the ethic of neutrality. This is important as it provides a window into the employer’s motivation to help strengthen the health of the democracy, and thereby the public service, and the employer’s motivation to support public servants through the conflict of interest process.M.A