Building Building a Culture of Integrity in Public Sector Organizations through Hiri–Ottappa: A Mechanism for Corruption Prevention and Enhancing Public Trust in Thai Society

Abstract

This article aims to propose guidelines for fostering a culture of integrity in public sector organizations through the integration of the Buddhist principle of Hiri–Ottappa and the 5I Framework. The framework consists of five key components: (1) Intentional Leadership, which emphasizes ethical role modeling, responsible use of authority, and persuasive leadership based on credibility; (2) Institutional Mechanisms, which promote transparency and accountability through governance systems and integrity assessment tools such as the Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA); (3) Internalization, which focuses on cultivating moral consciousness and ethical values among public personnel; (4) Involvement, which encourages participation from employees, citizens, and stakeholders in promoting integrity and preventing corruption; and (5) Impact Communication, which applies the SMCR Model to enhance awareness, strengthen ethical understanding, and promote positive behavioral change. The study highlights that sustainable corruption prevention requires not only external control mechanisms but also the development of internal moral responsibility among public officials. The integration of the 5I Framework with Hiri–Ottappa provides a holistic approach that combines organizational management, ethical leadership, participatory governance, and moral development. This framework contributes to the establishment of an integrity-oriented organizational culture that extends beyond compliance with rules and regulations toward the development of shared values and ethical behavior. The article further suggests that public organizations should adopt integrity promotion as a strategic organizational agenda by strengthening whistleblowing systems, enhancing information disclosure, and improving internal monitoring mechanisms that are accessible to the public. Such efforts can strengthen transparency, reinforce public trust, and contribute to the sustainable development of good governance in the public sector.