2024 Sam Richardson Award Winners Explore How Managerial Hierarchy Influences Moral Reasoning Among Local Government Managers

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Top from left to right: Dr Swati Nagpal and Dr Nicole El Haber

The Institute of Public Administration Australia’s (IPAA) Sam Richardson Award for the most influential paper published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration in 2024 goes to Dr Nicole El Haber and Dr Swati Nagpal for The Role of Managerial Hierarchy in the Moral Reasoning of Local Government Managers.

Their research explores how managerial hierarchy influences moral reasoning among local government managers – a critical factor in shaping ethical decision-making in the public sector.

The study finds that hierarchical positioning significantly affects how managers interpret and respond to moral dilemmas. These insights highlight the complexity of ethical leadership and underscore the importance of designing governance structures that support integrity and accountability.

In today’s environment, where public sector leaders face increasing scrutiny and complex challenges, understanding the interplay between hierarchy and ethics is essential. This research offers practical implications for leadership development and organisational design, ensuring that ethical considerations remain central to public administration.

The judging panel for this year’s award included leading public administration academics, experienced practitioners, and emerging professionals from across IPAA divisions. The paper was selected from a competitive field of six shortlisted articles.

List of authors and affiliations

  • Dr Nicole El Haber, PhD GCBA BBus(Hons), Director, Programs and Student Engagement, Lecturer in Management, La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University
  • Dr Swati Nagpal, PhD, MBA, GradDip Econ Senior Lecturer in Management and HRM, La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University

For further information about the Sam Richardson Award, please click here. 

Media contact: Julia Ahrens, E: julia.ahrens@act.ipaa.org.au

About IPAA  

The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) is a member-based organisation promoting excellence and pride in public service across Australia.  IPAA is a non-profit and non-partisan organisation open to all public servants, academics, and others interested in public administration.