Abstract: Integrity in public service is honesty, integrity, transparency and responsibility in public service activities, performing duties, obligations and assigned tasks, and is a requirement of the public service of every country. family, all time. However, in reality, Vietnam is facing a state of dishonesty among some officials and civil servants, which is a state of degeneration, degeneration, talk that does not match action, negativity, fraud, and corruption. corruption, alienation, metamorphosis. The article analyzes and clarifies theoretical and practical issues and measures to improve ethical integrity in public service in Vietnam.
Keywords: integrity, public service, theory, practice, Vietnam.
Introduction
In the process of building and perfecting the rule-of-law state and promoting administrative reform, Resolution No. 27-NQ/TW dated 9 November 2022 of the Sixth Plenum of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, on continuing to build and perfect the socialist rule-of-law State of Viet Nam in the new period, affirms the goal that by 2030, a “contingent of cadres, civil servants, and public employees possessing sufficient qualities, capabilities, and truly professional and upright conduct” will be established. This orientation raises a number of theoretical and practical issues that need to be studied. The article focuses on discussing “integrity in public service activities” from theoretical perspectives, analyzing the situation of lack of integrity in public service, and proposing several solutions to enhance integrity ethics in Viet Nam’s public service at present.
1. Concept and characteristics of integrity in public service activities
1.1. The concept of integrity in public service activities
Honesty, uprightness, transparency, and responsibility in public service activities are moral qualities that have received attention and been discussed throughout the entire history of state governance in countries around the world. Perhaps from the time the state first came into existence, acts of dishonesty and lack of uprightness had already appeared, leading the state to impose requirements for integrity among its officials and mandarins. Based on available historical evidence, it is difficult to determine precisely when the term “integrity in public service” first appeared in Vietnam. However, provisions preventing and sanctioning dishonest behavior can be found in ancient Vietnamese legal texts. More than a thousand years ago, under the Ly dynasty (1009–1225), the feudal state had strict and specific regulations to prevent and punish acts of dishonesty such as embezzlement and theft of public property by mandarins.[1] During the early Le dynasty, King Le Thanh Tong promulgated and implemented the Hong Duc Code comprising 722 articles, more than 40 of which related to the punishment of dishonest acts by officials. For example, Article 1 of the “Administrative System” chapter stipulated that the number of official positions was fixed; if an authority arbitrarily appointed or recruited beyond the prescribed limit, for each excess person, the responsible head would be punished with sixty strokes of the cane, demotion by two ranks, or dismissal; if exceeding by two persons, the offender would be sentenced to penal servitude.
In European languages, the term “integrity” (English), “intégrité” (French), and “честность” (Russian) are translated into Vietnamese as "liêm chính", meaning “a set of moral qualities such as honesty, uprightness, and purity.”[2] In Vietnamese, "liêm chính" means “upright and clean.”[3] It is a compound word formed from two elements: "liêm" (honesty, incorruptibility) and "chính" (uprightness, righteousness). According to Dao Duy Anh, "liêm" means “honest, upright, and not greedy.”[4]
Western scholars such as Mark C. Murphy also emphasize that integrity is not merely personal honesty but a commitment to uphold universal moral values and to act consistently with those values.[5] This view aligns with Aristotle’s thought in Nicomachean Ethics,[6] where he extols virtuous character as a core quality for achieving a good and just life. Furthermore, according to Huberts, integrity in public governance refers to adherence to ethical and legal standards in order to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability. Huberts argues that integrity is not only an individual attribute but also an organizational element, as public institutions must establish and maintain ethical norms for their civil servants.[7]
When discussing the ethics of cadres, President Ho Chi Minh conceived of liêm (honesty) as “being clean and ungreedy,” whereas “greed for wealth, position, fame, fine food, or a comfortable life - all are forms of dishonesty.”[8] He also explained the virtue of chính (uprightness), stating that chính means being righteous and not depraved, meaning straightforward and decent. Anything that is not decent or upright is depraved. He emphasized that “diligence, thrift, and honesty are the roots of uprightness. A person must be diligent, thrifty, and honest, but must also be upright to be truly complete.”[9]
Như vậy, Thus, the concept of “integrity”, as understood in both Eastern and Western perspectives, is largely consistent: it denotes honesty, sincerity, uprightness, purity, and freedom from greed - it is a moral quality, a human value, and a mark of personal dignity.
Public service is an organized and legally empowered activity of the State, carried out by cadres, civil servants, or other persons authorized by the State to perform its functions for the benefit of society, individuals, organizations, and the State itself.[10] The public service activities of cadres and civil servants refer to the performance of their duties and powers as prescribed by law (Article 2 of the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants 2008, as amended in 2019). According to a comparative perspective, “public service” is defined as “a professional service activity performed by citizens to ensure the exercise of the authority of the federation, its agencies, the constituent entities of the federation, and their agencies.”[11]
From the foregoing, integrity in public service activities may be understood as the honesty, uprightness, purity, and incorruptibility of cadres, civil servants, and other persons involved in public service - meaning the absence of greed, ambition for power or fame, deceit, or abuse of position and authority for personal gain, misconduct, or corruption.
1.2. Characteristics of integrity in public service activities
Integrity in public service activities is not only a moral category but also a legal requirement, reflecting compliance with professional ethical standards and legal regulations in the performance of official duties. Based on the legal framework governing cadres, civil servants, and public service activities, several fundamental characteristics of integrity in public service can be identified as follows:
Subjects of integrity in public service activities are cadres, civil servants, or other persons authorized to exercise public duties, which are inherently characterized by organizational and authoritative power.
Honesty and transparency: Cadres and civil servants must provide accurate and transparent information in the course of their public duties, avoiding any distortion of information for personal gain or to the detriment of other individuals or organizations.
Responsibility and dedication: They must fully and effectively perform the duties assigned to them and take responsibility for their official conduct.
Absence of self-interest and corruption: They must not abuse their positions or powers for personal benefit, nor engage in any form of corruption or bribery.
Compliance with the law: They must strictly adhere to the provisions of law governing public service, professional ethical standards, and particularly the regulations on transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption.
These characteristics constitute the foundation for assessing the level of integrity among cadres and civil servants, as well as for formulating policies and measures to enhance integrity ethics in public service activities.
2. Approaches to integrity in the public service activities of cadres and civil servants
Integrity is a phenomenon closely associated with social life and human behavior. It is a moral category and a multifaceted, complex phenomenon - complex as human life itself - that must be examined from various perspectives. Each perspective reveals different aspects and manifestations of integrity in all areas of human, community, state, and societal life. Integrity can therefore be approached from moral, legal, economic, political–ideological, and historical dimensions.
i) Ethical perspective
From an ethical perspective, integrity represents a set of values and standards that have been formed, tested, and transmitted across generations within a community. These standards are universal - regardless of occupation or social status, every individual must adhere to them to maintain organizational stability and sustainable social development.
Integrity in public service reflects professional ethics, manifested through honesty, transparency, uprightness, and the absence of self-interest or corruption. Proper understanding of public service ethics directly influences the attitudes and behaviors of cadres and civil servants in performing their official duties. President Ho Chi Minh emphasized: “Greed for money, position, or fame... are all manifestations of dishonesty.” The degradation of public service ethics is the root cause of integrity violations in practice.
Society serves as a mirror reflecting the integrity of cadres and civil servants through objective supervision and evaluation. Public opinion plays an important role in encouraging individuals with good moral character while condemning and eliminating dishonest behaviors. Building and strengthening public service ethics must go hand in hand with educational and awareness-raising measures, as well as with the improvement of effective inspection and supervision mechanisms.
Integrity is not only a personal virtue but also the outcome of a transparent and fair working environment, where each cadre and civil servant is encouraged and enabled to develop and practice ethical standards in their daily work.
ii) Perspective of State activity
Integrity in public service is a mandatory requirement for state agencies and socio-political organizations; it must be ensured across all legislative, executive, and judicial domains.
In the legislative domain: The process of drafting and promulgating laws must adhere to the Constitution, eliminate group interests and policy corruption, and ensure transparency and fairness.
In the executive domain: Administrative agencies must strictly comply with the law, conduct their official duties transparently and impartially, and avoid any pursuit of self-interest - especially in inspection and supervision work.
In the judicial domain: Court decisions must be rendered independently and objectively, in accordance with the law, to uphold justice and protect citizens’ rights (Article 102, Constitution 2013).
Strict observance of integrity principles in state activities contributes to improving the effectiveness of public administration and strengthening citizens’ trust in the governmental apparatus.
iii) In terms of political and ideological aspects
Integrity in public service is a mandatory requirement, especially in the context of building a socialist rule-of-law State “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” According to the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants 2008 (amended in 2019), civil servants must be “loyal to the Party and the State; protect the honor of the Fatherland and the interests of the nation” (Clause 1, Article 8).
Promoting democracy, respecting human rights, and enhancing accountability are key factors to ensure integrity. The Constitution of Vietnam, as well as laws such as the Law on Anti-Corruption and the Law on Thrift Practice and Waste Combat, all emphasize the role of integrity in public service. Strict disciplinary measures and regulations on accountability contribute to building a clean, strong contingent of civil servants.
Implementing integrity in public service is not only a legal obligation but also a political–ideological mission that helps consolidate public trust in the government, ensuring fairness, transparency, and effectiveness in state administration.
iv) From the perspective of social justice and democracy
Integrity in public service is closely associated with democracy and social justice. Democracy serves as a mechanism of control, justice is its ultimate goal, and integrity is the essential element that ensures their proper operation.
Practicing integrity in public service helps guarantee that administrative policies and decisions are issued and implemented transparently, without being influenced by group or personal interests. Conversely, the lack of integrity renders democracy merely formalistic, undermines justice, and results in adverse social consequences.
In practice, formal democracy within some agencies has led to distorted decisions, creating unfairness and disadvantages for genuinely upright individuals. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen mechanisms for supervision, social criticism, and education to raise awareness of the interrelation among integrity, democracy, and justice - thereby fostering a transparent and efficient civil service.
v) From the socio-economic perspective
Dishonest behavior by public officials directly involved in state management of national economic sectors or in managing economic organizations can cause harm to the entire economy as well as to the rights and interests of individuals and organizations. Acts of dishonesty such as accepting bribes or colluding with enterprises to design policies and laws that serve corporate interests - while causing losses to the State, society, and other stakeholders - create social injustice. Enterprises, both public and private, must operate with honesty and assume responsibility for the products and services they provide, refraining from misleading customers. The economic benefits of social actors, the fairness of social product distribution, the extent of wealth disparity and social stratification, as well as education, healthcare, and social welfare - all depend largely on the integrity of public officials and economic organizations responsible for producing and distributing social goods.
vi) From the historical perspective
Integrity is a historical category whose content evolves over time, depending on various factors such as politics, law, and socio-economic conditions. Accordingly, the state of integrity in public service within a nation also changes across historical periods, reflecting the honesty, propriety, and political–ethical qualities of public officials and the broader political and socio-economic environment. Integrity in public service thus carries the mark of its era, representing the defining characteristics of a nation’s historical development. The prosperity or decline of a nation is closely tied to the state of integrity among its public officials.
3. The current situation of integrity violations in public service in Vietnam
3.1. Integrity violations from an ethical perspective
Violations of integrity in public service are, first and foremost, violations of ethical rules of conduct that have been formed in practice and are widely recognized, or are stipulated in legal documents. Such violations reflect the moral degradation of a segment of cadres and civil servants. Acts such as falsifying qualifications, reporting untruthfully, or abusing positions and powers for personal gain demonstrate a serious decline in the values of honesty, transparency, and responsibility. When public service ethics are eroded, citizens’ trust in the State apparatus inevitably diminishes.
In practice, it is difficult to enumerate all acts of integrity violations or unethical conduct by public officials, since any act of violating labor discipline, financial discipline, planning discipline, public service discipline, or the law in performing official duties for personal interest or out of irresponsibility constitutes a breach of integrity. During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh, besides discussing the virtues of uprightness and righteousness, also elaborated on dishonesty (bất liêm). According to him, contrary to “liêm” (integrity) is “bất liêm” (dishonesty): “Greed for wealth, position, fame, fine food, or comfort; suppressing competent people to preserve one’s own position and reputation; avoiding rightful duties out of fear of hardship or danger - all are signs of dishonesty.”[12]. Today, from both practical reality and legal regulations, acts of integrity violation or dishonesty may include: cheating in civil service recruitment examinations; falsifying diplomas, certificates, résumés, or achievements; making false reports; committing fraud or waste in the use of public funds; misusing state assets for improper purposes; exploiting positions and powers for personal benefit; engaging in lobbying for transfers, appointments, or promotions; forming factions or causing division and discord within agencies or organizations; failing to perform, or improperly performing, duties and responsibilities; saying one thing but doing another; behaving arrogantly or abusively towards citizens; and, most typically, engaging in corruption - whether policy corruption, economic corruption, or corruption in the public or private sectors - along with numerous other forms of dishonest conduct.
All such behaviors primarily constitute violations of public service ethical standards and are subject to social criticism and condemnation.
3.2. The situation of integrity violations from a political-ideological perspective
Integrity in public service is closely associated with the political qualities and sense of responsibility of cadres and civil servants. However, in recent years, a number of leading officials have shown signs of ideological degradation, pursuing group interests and causing internal disunity. Cases such as the so-called “rescue flight” scandal and the Tan Hoang Minh case are clear evidence of the moral decay and abuse of power that have negatively affected the prestige of the Party and the State.
The lack of integrity among cadres and civil servants directly undermines fairness and democracy within society. When administrative decisions are manipulated by personal or group interests, citizens lose equitable access to public resources. Moreover, the opaque or lenient handling of violations - marked by concealment or undue tolerance - has weakened the effectiveness of social oversight mechanisms and adversely affected the political and social life of the country.
3.3. The situation of integrity violations from the perspective of State activities
The lack of integrity in public service activities also stems from inadequacies in the operational mechanisms of the state apparatus. Fraud in civil service recruitment examinations and corruption in inspection and supervision activities are clear manifestations of the absence of integrity within the executive branch.
Given the diversity of integrity violations, there are various approaches to assessing the state of integrity in public service. It may be evaluated through the number and nature of disciplinary and legal violations committed by cadres and civil servants in the performance of their duties, as well as through the degree to which laws are implemented in a strict, consistent, impartial, and selfless manner by public officials.
When examining the correlation between the level of integrity violations and the status of discipline and legal violations committed by cadres and civil servants, it can be observed that the integrity of public service activities is inversely proportional to the level of disciplinary actions and criminal offences committed by cadres and civil servants in the performance of their duties. This reality is reflected in the following figures: according to 2021 statistics, 20,382 cadres, civil servants, and public employees were subject to disciplinary measures, accounting for 1% of the total; among them, 12,651 were cadres and civil servants (0.62%) and 7,731 were public employees (0.38%)[13] . According to the Summary Report on 2022 Work and Key Tasks for 2023 of the People’s Court (dated 22 December 2022) issued by the Supreme People’s Court, in 2022 the courts tried numerous economic and corruption cases involving individuals with positions and power, which caused particularly large damages. The courts issued judgments on the recovery of money and assets in 840 cases involving 1,995 defendants, with a total value exceeding VND 4,027 billion and other assets, and also adjudicated 188 cases involving 297 defendants related to COVID-19 prevention and control[14]. A typical example of the lack of integrity among cadres and civil servants is seen from the beginning of the XIII tenure of the Party up to the time of the report by the Supreme People’s Court. The Politburo, the Secretariat, and the Central Inspection Commission disciplined 67 officials under the management of the Politburo and the Secretariat, including those subjected to severe disciplinary measures such as expulsion from the Party, criminal prosecution, indictment, and trial. Typical cases include Mr. Tran Van Nam – former Secretary of Binh Duong Province; Mr. Chu Ngoc Anh – former Chairman of Hanoi; Mr. Nguyen Thanh Long – former Minister of Health; and Mr. Pham Xuan Thang - former Secretary of Hai Duong Province.... Nationwide, the judicial authorities prosecuted and investigated 2,474 cases involving 4,646 defendants; indicted 2,157 cases with 4,564 defendants; and conducted first-instance trials for 2,198 cases with 4,620 defendants on charges related to corruption, abuse of position, and economic crimes (of which 414 new corruption cases involving 939 defendants were initiated). For cases under the supervision and direction of the Central Steering Committee, 10 new cases with 37 defendants were initiated; 16 cases with 248 defendants were concluded; additional investigation was conducted for 8 cases with 148 defendants; 13 cases with 122 defendants were indicted; 10 cases with 101 defendants were tried at first instance; and 9 cases with 66 defendants were tried on appeal[15]. Recently, several major cases have drawn public attention, such as the “Rescue Flight” case and the “Tan Hoang Minh” case, along with numerous other incidents involving violations of Party regulations on conduct by Party members. In some localities, even provincial Party Secretaries, Chairpersons of Provincial People’s Committees, and members of Provincial People’s Committees have been disciplined, with some expelled from the Party or prosecuted for corruption or for irresponsibility causing serious or particularly serious consequences.
Furthermore, the level of integrity can also be assessed through the extent of non-integrity in the issuance of administrative decisions and the performance of administrative acts, as reflected in complaints and denunciations.Through the settlement of complaints and denunciations, recommendations were made to recover VND 25.2 billion and 1.9 hectares of land for the State; return VND 319 billion and 8 hectares of land to organizations and individuals; restore and secure the rights and interests of 61 organizations and 702 individuals; recommend disciplinary actions against 466 persons (including 408 cadres and civil servants); and refer 32 cases involving 35 persons (including 13 cadres and civil servants) to investigative authorities for criminal handling. The handling and settlement of complaints, denunciations, petitions, and feedback referred by National Assembly deputies, delegations of National Assembly deputies, and agencies of the National Assembly have been closely directed and implemented by authorities at all levels and sectors. The Government Inspectorate and relevant ministries, sectors, and localities conducted 1,268 inspections on the responsibility for implementing the law on complaints and denunciations at 1,873 agencies. Through these inspections, administrative disciplinary measures were recommended for 155 organizations and 365 individuals, of which 114 organizations and 293 individuals have been disciplined[16]
Violations of integrity in public service cause serious harm to economic development and social stability. According to the Report of the Supreme People’s Court 2022, there were 1,995 defendants in economic and corruption cases, resulting in losses exceeding VND 4,027 billion. Acts of profiteering in areas such as bidding and public investment not only cause the loss of national assets but also undermine the business environment.
3.4. The situation of violations of integrity from a historical perspective
The history of the development of the Vietnamese state shows that integrity has always been an important criterion for assessing the quality and morality of the civil service corps. However, political and social upheavals - particularly during the transition to a market economy - have led to a certain erosion of integrity standards in public service practice. Clearly identifying the historical causes of integrity violations serves as a foundation for formulating appropriate solutions in the current context.
Thus, the situation of violations of integrity in public service practice in Vietnam today is a complex issue occurring across multiple dimensions. Analyzing and evaluating it from ethical, administrative, political–ideological, social justice and democracy, socio-economic, and historical perspectives will help clarify the causes and propose appropriate solutions for administrative reform and the building of a socialist rule-of-law state in Vietnam.
Based on the foregoing evidence, it can be affirmed that the situation of integrity violations among cadres and civil servants in our country today occurs across multiple levels and sectors, both at the central and local levels. It involves not only lower-ranking officials but also high-ranking ones within the state apparatus, Party agencies, and socio-political organizations. The situation has developed complicatedly, with cases involving numerous individuals and localities, and many acts constituting corruption crimes[17]. This raises the question of whether such widespread violations reflect systemic corruption of power, moral degradation, weak legal and political consciousness, lack of discipline and order, and untimely or insufficiently strict handling of acts of integrity violations in public service practice currently occurring in our country.
4. Causes of the situation of integrity violations and solutions to strengthen integrity in public service activities in Vietnam at present
4.1. Causes of the violations in public service activities in Vietnam at present
Integrity is a moral, political, and legal category associated with human social life and shaped by the political, legal, economic, and socio-cultural environment. Therefore, identifying the causes of the situation of integrity violations requires looking both into society and into human nature itself - that is, examining both objective and subjective causes. There are many causes leading to the situation of integrity violations, among which the following may be mentioned:
i) The negative impacts of the market economy. The market economy operates according to the laws of value, supply and demand, competition, and surplus, which exert both positive and negative influences on all social relations. Within such a mechanism, people naturally desire wealth; thus, in not a few cases, those holding positions of authority, driven by self-interest, have engaged in acts of integrity violations by any means - even at the expense of moral norms and the law - as long as these acts bring material benefits to themselves, their families, or relatives.
ii) The law on the public service regime, civil servants, and state management across sectors and branches of the national economy has been slow to improve and reform. It remains inconsistent, overlapping, and unclear - especially in provisions concerning the duties, powers, and responsibilities of cadres and civil servants in performing official duties. This legal ambiguity allows those in positions of authority to exploit loopholes and make decisions serving their own interests or those of their families and associates.
iii) State power control has not been regularly carried out across all levels and sectors, and in some cases remains merely formalistic - particularly the control exercised among state agencies at the same level, within the same system, and the internal control within state agencies. Even the oversight of institutions of the same level at localities has not produced the expected results. In addition, the handling of integrity violations by cadres and civil servants has been infrequent and insufficiently strict. In some cases, disciplinary measures remain “internal” and unfair - what used to be referred to as “officials are judged by rituals, while citizens are judged by law.”
iv) Lack of mechanisms to protect whistleblowers of integrity violations. The situation of integrity violations is often not detected in a timely manner due to the absence of mechanisms to protect whistleblowers, resulting in fear and hesitation to report wrongdoing. According to Transparency International, countries that fail to establish whistleblower protection systems will find it difficult to achieve transparency in public governance.[18]
v) Decline in professional ethics and public service responsibilitySome cadres and civil servants no longer value professional ethics and social responsibility, leading to neglect of integrity principles. Huberts emphasized that the decline in professional ethics in the public sector is often a consequence of an unfair working environment and weak leadership.[19]
vi) Tolerant culture and lack of accountability. The “peace-seeking” mindset (“dĩ hòa vi quý”) prevailing in many state agencies reduces the effectiveness of inspection, supervision, and disciplinary enforcement. Schein analyzed that a weak organizational culture is among the principal causes of the widespread occurrence of unethical behavior in the public sector.[20]
vii) Disparity between salaries and living costs. The salaries of cadres and civil servants are often insufficient to meet living needs, creating pressure and encouraging engagement in integrity violations to supplement income. OECD reports also indicate that unfair remuneration systems can increase the risk of corruption in the public sector.[21]
4.2. Solutions to strengthen integrity in public service activities in Vietnam at present
i) Strengthening integrity education for all social groups, from students and citizens to cadres and civil servants, especially those holding positions of authority throughout the political system and in enterprise management
Integrity education is not only a tool to help cadres and civil servants correctly perceive their public service responsibilities but also a means to shape organizational culture. Huberts emphasized that, in order to promote integrity, attention should be focused on professional ethics education and the awareness of legal compliance, particularly within civil service training programmes.[22] Meanwhile, Transparency International indicated that integrating anti-corruption education into school curricula and public administration training is an effective approach to cultivating a new generation of civil servants with a strong sense of integrity.[23] When all individuals become aware of and practise integrity as a social virtue, integrity in public service activities can be ensured. Education on human rights, anti-corruption, and legal awareness—especially for cadres and civil servants—should be strengthened. This must be accompanied by training in legal knowledge and skills, as well as respect for and compliance with the Constitution and the law as both a responsibility and an obligation. Resolution No. 27 of the 13th Party Central Committee emphasizes “building awareness and a lifestyle of respect for the Constitution and the law.” At the same time, national pride should be promoted, together with regular dissemination of Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts on public service ethics, and the encouragement of self-criticism, criticism, and democratic spirit in combating integrity violations.
ii) Improving the legal system
A transparent and coherent legal system is a crucial factor in preventing the exploitation of loopholes to commit integrity violations. Doig argues that establishing clear legal standards, coupled with regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, can significantly reduce opportunities for corruption in public service activities.[24] Similarly, scholars such as Rose-Ackerman emphasize that strengthening deterrence through a rigorous criminal legal framework contributes to enhancing the sense of responsibility among cadr.[25]
The Resolution of the Sixth Plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee underscores the need to build “a democratic, fair, humane, comprehensive, synchronous, unified, timely, feasible, public, transparent, stable, and accessible legal system that paves the way for innovation, sustainable development, and a rigorous and consistent law enforcement mechanism.”[26] The objective is to prevent the abuse of legal “loopholes” for personal gain in public service.
It is necessary to incorporate anti-corruption criteria into the appraisal of legal documents and to strengthen disciplinary regulations for public servants, imposing strict sanctions to deter acts of dishonesty. These efforts must go hand in hand with the improvement of state management laws, particularly in the economic sector, to ensure that public servants cannot exploit their positions for personal benefit.
iii) Strengthening the oversight of the performance of duties and powers by officials and public servants
ViEstablishing an effective oversight mechanism among state agencies while promoting the role of civil society is an essential means of ensuring integrity. Bovens emphasizes that accountability is not only a constraint on power but also a mechanism that builds trust between the government and citizens.[27] Moreover, Pyman points out that active participation by social organizations and the media enhances the scrutiny and monitoring of public service conduct.[28] The Constitution 2013 of Vietnam affirms that “state power is unified, with the assignment, coordination, and control among state agencies in the exercise of legislative, executive, and judicial powers.” Accordingly, to strengthen integrity and reduce unethical and corrupt behavior among officials and public servants, it is necessary to establish an effective control mechanism among state agencies in the exercise of these powers, avoiding formalistic or symbolic measures. In addition, internal inspection must be conducted regularly within the state apparatus, particularly within the administrative system, to ensure supervision of all public service activities carried out by officials and public servants. At the same time, it is vital to uphold the supervisory role of the Party, political and social organizations, and other civil society organizations, as well as the citizens’ oversight of how officials and public servants perform their duties and exercise their powers. The media, in particular, should be empowered to play an active role in preventing and exposing legal violations, unethical conduct, and corruption.
iv) Prompt and strict handling of acts of integrity violations by public officials and civil servants, regardless of who they are, with no exceptions
According to Klitgaard, strict enforcement in dealing with violations is a core factor in building a transparent organizational culture. He emphasizes that discipline cannot be maintained solely through education and persuasion; rather, it requires a clear and public system of sanctions to create a deterrent effect.[29] Similarly, Banerjee and Duflo argue that the public disclosure of offenders’ identities and the handling of violations contribute to transparency, thereby enhancing public trust in the state apparatus.[30]
In practice, it has been proven that no order can be established merely through education and persuasion; it must be founded on discipline and rules, through the prompt and strict punishment of all acts of integrity violations, even the smallest ones, so as to eliminate the situation of “safe landing” after violations. Furthermore, it is necessary to make public and transparent all acts of integrity violations committed by public officials and civil servants, avoiding vague and abstract announcements such as: “The violations and shortcomings of Mr./Ms. … have caused public discontent and affected the reputation of the Party, the State, and the individual. Recognizing his/her responsibility before the Party, the State, and the People, he/she has submitted a letter requesting to resign from assigned positions and retire.” In addition, it is necessary to create public opinion to condemn acts of integrity violations by public officials and civil servants so that the impact of disciplinary measures can extend to all members of society.
v) Solutions for enhancing integrity from the perspective of public service ethics
Raising awareness of public service ethics: Organize training and refresher programs on professional ethics and integrity for public officials and employees. Integrate public service ethics education into the curricula of institutions responsible for training officials and civil servants.
Building an organizational culture of integrity: Encourage leaders of agencies and units to set examples in practicing integrity, and promote emulation movements associated with the implementation of integrity in public service activities.
Enhancing accountability: Require transparency and publicity in administrative decisions and work processes. Establish effective monitoring mechanisms and encourage citizens to participate in supervising public service activities.
Creating mechanisms to protect whistleblowers: Improve legal provisions on the protection of individuals who report acts of integrity violations. Develop transparent and fair systems for receiving and handling whistleblower information.
5. Conclusion
Integrity in public service activities is a fundamental pillar for building a transparent, efficient, and fair civil service. The situation of integrity violations, such as corruption, wastefulness, or abuse of power, not only erodes public trust but also causes significant harm to society. To address this issue, a comprehensive approach is required - ranging from enhancing public service ethics and improving legal frameworks to strengthening power control and imposing strict sanctions on violations - while fostering a culture of respect for the law and personal responsibility. Maintaining and promoting integrity requires long-term efforts from the entire political system, social organizations, and the public. This is the key factor for improving the quality of the state apparatus and fostering sustainable, democratic, and civilized social development. The solutions proposed in this study are expected to make a positive contribution to the overall effort to enhance integrity in public service activities in Vietnam.
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13. Mark Pyman et al., Anti-Corruption in Public Procurement: Balancing Competing Priorities (Transparency Int'l 2014).
14. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Preventing Corruption in Public Administration: Policy Recommendations (OECD Publishing 2017).
15. ROBERT KLITGAARD, CONTROLLING CORRUPTION 89-92 (UNIV. OF CALIFORNIA PRESS 1988).
16. SUSAN ROSE-ACKERMAN & BONNIE J. PALIFKA, CORRUPTION AND GOVERNMENT: CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES, AND REFORM (CAMBRIDGE UNIV. PRESS 2016).
17. PHAM HONG THAI, NGUYEN THI MINH HA (CHIEF EDITORS), ADMINISTRATIVE LAW OF VIETNAM, VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PRESS (2017)
18. Supreme People's Court, summary Report on the Performance Review 2022 and Key Tasks for 2023 of the Supreme People's Court, December 22, 2022. https://www.toaan.gov.vn/ webcenter/portal/tdkt/chitietthongbao?dDocName=TAND284234,(ngày truy cập: 08/12/2023).
19. Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index (Transparency Int'l 2022).
20. NGUYEN MINH TUAN, PHAM THI DUYEN THAO, MAI VAN THANG (CO-CHIEF EDITORS), HISTORY OF THE STATE AND LAW OF VIETNAM, VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PRESS (2024).
21. NGUYEN NHU Y (CHIEF EDITOR), VIETNAMESE DICTIONARY, CULTURE AND INFORMATION PUBLISHING HOUSE (1999).
22. Д. Н. БАХРАХ, АДМИНИСТРАТИВНОЕ ПРАВО РОССИИ ИЗДАТЕЛЬСТВО, ЭКСМО (МОСКВА 2010).
Electronic news:
23. Le Son, The Situation of Complaints and Denunciations Decreased Compared to 2021, Government Portal (September 13, 2022, 17:40). https://baochinhphu.vn/tinh-trang-khieu-nai-to-cao-giam-so-voi-nam-2021-10222091315510025.htm
24. Thanh Chung, The Ministry of Public Security Provides New Information on the Thuan An, Phuc Son Cases, and the Second Phase of the Van Thinh Phat Case, Tuoi Tre (Youth), (August 14, 2024, 16:23). https://tuoitre.vn/bo-cong-an-thong-tin-moi-ve-vu-an-thuan-an-phuc-son-giai-doan-2-vu-van-thinh-phat-20240814155902294.htm
* Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Thai, Senior Lecturer at the University of Law, Viet Nam National University, Hanoi; Chair of the State Professor Council in the field of Legal Studies.Approved for publication on January 17, 2025. Email: thaihanapa201@yahoo.com
This study was funded by the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) under Project Code No. 505.01-2023.04.
[1] See: NGUYEN MINH TUAN, PHAM THI DUYEN THAO, MAI VAN THANG (CO-CHIEF EDITORS), HISTORY OF THE STATE AND LAW OF VIETNAM, VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PRESS, HANOI, P.120 (2024).
[2] Cited from: Vu Cong Giao, “Academic Integrity – Theoretical and Practical Issues and Emerging Requirements in the World and in Viet Nam,” Legislative Studies Journal, No.6 (358), pp.3–16 (2018).
[3] NGUYEN NHU Y (CHIEF EDITOR), VIETNAMESE DICTIONARY, CULTURE AND INFORMATION PUBLISHING HOUSE (1999).
[4] DAO DUY ANH, CONCISE SINO-VIETNAMESE DICTIONARY, CULTURE AND INFORMATION PUBLISHING HOUSE, P.405 (2005).
[5] MARK C. MURPHY, NATURAL LAW IN JURISPRUDENCE AND POLITICS, 37 (CAMBRIDGE UNIV. PRESS 2006).
[6] ARISTOTLE, NICOMACHEAN ETHICS, 15-22 (W.D. ROSS TRANS., OXFORD UNIV. PRESS 2009) (C. 350 B.C.E.).
[7] LEO W.J.C. HUBERTS, THE INTEGRITY OF GOVERNANCE: WHAT IT IS, WHAT WE KNOW, WHAT IS DONE, AND WHERE TO GO, 45-78 (PALGRAVE MACMILLAN 2014).
[8] HO CHI MINH: COMPLETE WORKS, NATIONAL - TRUTH POLITICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE, VOL.6, P.127 (2011).
[9] HO CHI MINH, IBID., P.129
[10] PHAM HONG THAI, NGUYEN THI MINH HA (CHIEF EDITORS), ADMINISTRATIVE LAW OF VIETNAM, VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PRESS, P.165 (2017).
[11] See: Д. Н. БАХРАХ, АДМИНИСТРАТИВНОЕ ПРАВО РОССИИ ИЗДАТЕЛЬСТВО, ЭКСМО, 203 (МОСКВА 2010).
[12] HO CHI MINH, IBID., VOL 6, P.127.
[13] Cited from: TRUONG HAI LONG (CHIEF EDITOR), BUILDING A UNIFIED, PROFESSIONAL, ACCOUNTABLE, DYNAMIC, AND COMPETENT CIVIL SERVICE, NATIONAL - TRUTH POLITICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE, HANOI, PP.15-16 (2023)
[14] Supreme People’s Court, Summary Report on the Review of Work in 2022 and Key Tasks for 2023 of the Supreme People’s Court, dated December 22, 2022. https://www.toaan.gov.vn/webcenter /portal/tdkt/chitietthongbao?dDocName=TAND284234, (ngày truy cập: 08/12/2023).
[16] Le Son, The Situation of Complaints and Denunciations Decreased Compared to 2021, Government Newspaper (September 13, 2022, 17:40). https://baochinhphu.vn/tinh-trang-khieu-nai-to-cao-giam-so-voi-nam-2021-10222091315510025.htm
[17] For example, in the case related to "Phuc Son Group", 23 defendants have been prosecuted, including six officials under the management of the Central Government: one Secretary, one former Secretary, one Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, two Chairpersons, and one former Chairperson of the Provincial People’s Committee. Regarding the Thuan An case, eight defendants have been prosecuted, including two officials under Central management: one Provincial Party Secretary and one Deputy Head of the Office of the National Assembly.(Thanh Chung, The Ministry of Public Security Provides New Information on the Thuan An, Phuc Son Cases and the Second Phase of the Van Thinh Phat Case, Tuoi Tre (August 14, 2024, 16:23)). https://tuoitre.vn/bo-cong-an-thong-tin-moi-ve-vu-an-thuan-an-phuc-son-giai-doan-2-vu-van-thinh-phat-20240814155902294.htm ).
[18] Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index 2022, 18-20 (Transparency Int'l 2022).
[19] LEO W.J.C. HUBERTS, THE INTEGRITY OF GOVERNANCE: WHAT IT IS, WHAT WE KNOW, WHAT IS DONE, AND WHERE TO GO, 102-104 (PALGRAVE MACMILLAN 2014).
[20] EDGAR H. SCHEIN, ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND LEADERSHIP, 74-76 (JOSSEY-BASS 2010).
[21] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Preventing Corruption in Public Administration: Policy Recommendations 35-38 (OECD Publishing 2017).
[22] LEO W.J.C. HUBERTS, THE INTEGRITY OF GOVERNANCE: WHAT IT IS, WHAT WE KNOW, WHAT IS DONE, AND WHERE TO GO 208-211 (PALGRAVE MACMILLAN 2014).
[23] Transparency International, Global Corruption Report: Education 44-47 (Transparency Int'l 2013).
[24] ALAN DOIG, CORRUPTION AND MISCONDUCT IN CONTEMPORARY GOVERNANCE 67-70 (ROUTLEDGE 2011).
[25] SUSAN ROSE-ACKERMAN & BONNIE J. PALIFKA, CORRUPTION AND GOVERNMENT: CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES, AND REFORM 225-227 (CAMBRIDGE UNIV. PRESS 2016).
[26] Communist Party of Viet Nam, Resolution of the Sixth Plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee on Continuing to Build and Perfect the Socialist Rule-of-Law State of Viet Nam in the New Period (09 November 2022).
[27] MARK BOVENS, THE QUEST FOR RESPONSIBILITY: ACCOUNTABILITY AND CITIZENSHIP IN COMPLEX ORGANISATIONS 45-50 (CAMBRIDGE UNIV. PRESS 1998).
[28] Mark Pyman et al., Anti-Corruption in Public Procurement: Balancing Competing Priorities 34-36 (Transparency Int'l 2014).
[29] ROBERT KLITGAARD, CONTROLLING CORRUPTION 89-92 (UNIV. OF CALIFORNIA PRESS 1988).
[30] ABHIJIT V. BANERJEE & ESTHER DUFLO, POOR ECONOMICS: A RADICAL RETHINKING OF THE WAY TO FIGHT GLOBAL POVERTY 172-175 (PUBLICAFFAIRS 2011).
