Ethics play a key role in the choices and decisions of public service managers and assists to set the climate, develops the vision, and shapes the behaviour of those who are involved in public departments. Ethical behaviour displayed by public managers serve as models for the behaviour of public officials and the general public. The Government's legislative directives enhance service delivery as well as the competence of public service managers. Numerous policies, strategies and programmes are directed at the rendering of effective services to South Africans by public managers. However, despite the pursuit of effectiveness and the condemnation of unethical behaviour by public managers, there are still allegations of unethical behaviour. This article reviews a number of human behavioural concepts considered important in addressing this concern. The concluding remarks are twofold : public managers need to provide continuous commitm