Social capital theory and administrative reform: Maintaining ethical probity in public service

This article suggests that the concept of social capital may be relevant to an understanding of the possible impact of public-sector reform on standar ds of ethical probity within public services, particularly regarding instan ces of personal corruption. Using New Zealand as an example, it is argued t hat, especially where such reforms have been largely underpinned by the new institutional economics and public choice theory, they may tend to counter more piecemeal efforts to maintain standards of ethical integrity in the b ureaucracy These efforts may need to be reinforced by new approaches to the rebuilding of institutionalized public service, based on a fuller understa nding of the important distinctions between public and corporate management .