This Practical Guide on Ethical Dilemmas serves as a core tool to support the implementation of Egypt’s Code of Conduct and Ethics (CCE), which is currently under revision. The guide was developed under the OECD–Egypt Country Programme, within Project 3.6 & 3.7 on fighting corruption and promoting integrity in Egypt, contributing to its Output 1, which supports the effective implementation of the forthcoming CCE. Its purpose is practical: to help Egyptian public servants recognise ethical dilemmas quickly, reflect on them using a clear structure, and act in an informed and consistent manner. It acknowledges that many day-to-day choices involve “right-versus-right” tensions. They may arise from competing legitimate values, but also from situations where established rules come into tension with practices that are widely followed.
The guide explains what ethical dilemmas are, provides a six-question checklist allowing officials to pause and test options against fairness, legality and the public interest. It includes examples from routine administration situations, outlining options, risks and recommended courses of action, as well as adaptable scripts for communicating decisions with citizens, suppliers and colleagues. Finally, it outlines effective use of the guide depends on strong organisational support, committed leadership, and an open culture where concerns can be raised safely, with clear procedures and protections in place. While cases of clear misconduct should be addressed through appropriate processes, the primary aim of this guide is to provide support and guidance for navigating complex ethical situations.
The guide is intended for all public servants as a practical resource to identify, understand, and resolve ethical dilemmas in line with the CCE. It does not replace legislation or formal legal advice. It offers five practical supports: explaining what an ethical dilemma is and why such dilemmas frequently arise in public administration, providing a short decision-making aid built around six guiding questions, presenting seven examples of ethical dilemmas with explanations and recommended courses of action, including adaptable scripts for communicating decisions, and outlining how to escalate and document ethical dilemmas.
The guide highlights the importance of guidance and support for public servants facing ethical dilemmas. Ethical dilemmas should not be navigated alone. The OECD Public Integrity Handbook guidance encourages all public servants to seek timely and confidential advice before making a decision. Many institutions designate trusted contacts—such as integrity advisers—who help clarify facts, identify relevant principles in the Code of Conduct and Ethics, and consider possible courses of action. They create a safe space within the organisation, where employees can come forward with questions, dilemmas and problems without fear of reprisals.
The guide also emphasizes the importance of effective communication when dealing with ethical dilemmas. It provides steps and scripts for discussing dilemmas with colleagues, superiors, citizens and providers, aiming to clarify doubts early, prevent mistakes, find fair, rule-based solutions, and maintain trust. Finally, the guide outlines when to seek advice or escalate, who to contact first, and how to document the situation, aiming to make the process of escalating ethical dilemmas safe and effective.
