James, Carolynne creator text xu| 2003 continuing ng p.95-108. Given recent focus on unethical activity and failings in corporate governance in the private sector, this paper briefly overviews the application of `economic rationalism' in public administration and its impacts on the ethics of public sector decisions. It is argued that although `unethical' decisions in public administration may be influenced by the economic imperatives embodied in `economic rationalist' policies, it does not follow that the application of economic principles is necessarily inconsistent or injurious to ethical outcomes. In many instances the application of economic principles in public administration adds value by making existing ethical conflicts transparent and enabling more informed decisions. - Reproduced. Public administration Australian Journal of Public Administration 180718