Encyklopedia Administracji Publicznej MW Pivot Skin

IMPARTIALITY – one of the basic principles that all people acting on behalf of the state should follow. Max Weber assumed that a real official should act according to the maxim sine ira et studio, that is, without anger or bias, these emotions are reserved for a politician. The term impartiality contains such features as: honesty, superiority of the public interest over private interest, professional independence, transparency and openness of citizens’ access to information on public administration activities, right to fair hearing and procedural justice (fair execution of public tasks entrusted to them by law). The principle of impartiality also means the prohibition of taking over additional work and activities without the consent of the supervisor. Public administration official does not demonstrate intimacy with people who are known for their public, political, religious, social or economic activities. I. is an expression of his/her objective action, and at the same time is the opposite of bias and interest. It is a guarantee of the rule of law, requires compliance with the social perception of this value. The idea of i. is inextricably linked to the idea of → political neutrality by prohibiting the creation of and participation in political parties, the public manifestation of political views and others. Obligation to maintain i. means that any decision should be free of belonging to the interest group. Adherence to this principle is a guarantee that all citizens, regardless of their political views and party affiliation, gender, race, religion, social status and property will be treated equally. Public administration official decides issues related to the public interest, the interests of the state and the interests of the individual. Public administration official treats citizens, ethnic groups, and social groups equally, irrespective of: appearance, gender, race, skin colour, age, religion, property status, social status, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, disability. He/she is not subject to pressure and does not accept any obligations arising from kinship, work, knowledge or membership in a party [ J. Itrich-Drabarek ].

Literature: J. Itrich-Drabarek, The Civil Service in Poland – Theory and Experience, Frankfurt am Main 2015 ■ J. Itrich-Drabarek, Etyka zawodowa funkcjonariuszy służb państwowych [Professional ethics of the state officials], Warszawa 2016.