The nations of the world are embracing the marketplace and the commercialization of the government to a degree never experienced before in history. But as governments move in the direction of privatization, there is a rising concern for government ethics. The force of globalization shrinks the planet as advances in communication continue to occur. Cities, counties, and states are no longer isolated islands unto themselves. Globalization requires that public managers become more worldly - educated into the ethical behaviors and practices of people hitherto quite distant and remote.
Democratization is perhaps the greatest force of all.
Today, we have to find the ingenuity and creative power to make the world safe from democracy. Democratization does not guarantee the success of self-government if the leaders and people of emerging democracies are not up to the challenge of accepting ethical responsibilities. The founding fathers' radical idea of self-government remains just as dangerous as the 21st century approaches. Menzel believes that every philosophy of ethics lodges moral responsibility in the individual. An ethical administrator must be prepared to accept responsibility and be competent in the performance of their duties.