ArticlePloS one2026
Role of ethics, meritocracy, and professionalism in public sector reforms: A Q methodology study.
Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Frontline governance: a street-level bureaucracy perspective on brucellosis control in Western Iran.Tropical medicine and health · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Public sector reforms are crucial for improving governance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery. Their success, however, hinges on key factors such as ethics, meritocracy, and professionalism. This study utilizes Q methodology to explore various perspectives on public sector reforms, drawing on New Public Management (NPM) theory to identify critical priorities and challenges in reform implementation. By employing a structured sorting technique, the study captures stakeholders' subjective viewpoints in governance and public administration, revealing six distinct perspectives. The findings highlight the vital role of ethical governance (Factor 1) in fostering transparency and public trust while also stressing the importance of strong political will to reduce political interference (Factor 2). Furthermore, the institutionalization of meritocracy and professionalism (Factor 3) is essential for improving administrative efficiency, minimizing bureaucratic inefficiencies, and creating clear career pathways. A collaborative approach that incorporates civil society and private-sector engagement (Factor 4) is also deemed necessary for sustaining reform efforts. However, deeply rooted bureaucratic cultures and institutional resistance (Factor 5) pose significant obstacles to the implementation of reform. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for continuous learning, leadership development, and adaptive governance strategies (Factor 6) to ensure the long-term sustainability of reforms. The variety of stakeholder perspectives indicates a complex interaction of ethical considerations, political dynamics, bureaucratic structures, and professional development needs. This research contributes to the discourse on public sector transformation by offering policy recommendations for ethical leadership, merit-based policies, and professional capacity building. Future studies should investigate these dynamics across different governance systems to reinforce institutional reforms worldwide.
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Registered trials
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