Bureaucratic Resistance as Ethical Persistence

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Marc Holzer
May 23, 2025

Public servants are dedicated to delivering on the foundational promises of government at all levels. However, the willful blindness of elected and politically appointed officials can make it virtually impossible for bureaucrats to do their jobs, potentially harming clients, compromising missions and destroying valuable research. Ethical dissent may be an effective way to prevent the implementation of corrupt policies and bureaucrats need to be aware of their options.

To begin, persistence is key. Resisting unjust policies can be discouraging, especially in the face of retaliation or limited immediate impact, but adopting a long-term strategy may result in a satisfying outcome.

Professionals—whether doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants or others—may be asked by top management to act against their expertise or ethics. By focusing on doing their job properly, they resist such directives.

Building a case is critical. A resistance or whistleblowing effort should be grounded in hard evidence—notes, documents and records. Speaking data-driven “truth to power” strengthens credibility and lays a foundation for accountability.

Using visuals helps make that case. Resistors should present their data in accessible, graphic formats that resonate with stakeholders as tables and spreadsheets often fail to communicate effectively.

Stories and images further enhance the impact. While data can spotlight a problem, a compelling story makes it memorable and persuasive, helping to convey the human stakes behind the numbers.

Discretion is another tool. Bureaucrats often have room to maneuver within rules and should consider whether they can recruit colleagues to expand resistance or apply discretion to soften harmful policies.

Alternatively, working strictly “by the book” can be powerful. A resistor who knows the rules intimately can slow processes or highlight internal contradictions in meetings by referencing specific policies.

Suggesting remedial action is even better than merely resisting. Offering meaningful policy alternatives shows commitment to constructive change and can be persuasive in discussions with superiors and elected officials.

Emphasizing costs and savings is persuasive too. Bureaucrats should highlight the financial benefits of reform, making it easier for decision-makers to justify change.

Recruiting allies—whether colleagues, family or external organizations—provides advocacy, protection and momentum. Allies can prevent a resistor from being seen as a lone zealot and may help form a broader coalition.

An initial, obvious step is to alert decision-makers. Some injustices persist because perpetrators think no one is paying attention. Raising the issue may stop the behavior or clarify its intent—whether accidental or purposeful—which can aid future legal action.

Communicating concerns through special channels is another option. Many agencies have anonymous hotlines or ombudsman programs. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is designed specifically for dissenters and whistleblowers seeking to address abuse or fraud.

A less confrontational form of resistance is to request a transfer. This tactic can slow implementation of bad policy if the resistor is central to its rollout and may signal broader disapproval to management.

Refusing illegal orders is a moral imperative. Bureaucrats have a responsibility to recognize when directives violate laws or ethical standards and must not act as unthinking instruments of harmful decisions.

Leaking information to the media or watchdog organizations is a high-risk but often effective strategy. Public scrutiny can dramatically shift the political landscape and force action.

Petitioning offers a collective and democratic form of protest. It demonstrates the breadth and unity of resistance and can influence public opinion and organizational behavior.

Whistleblowing is a formal escalation often involving public exposure and legislative engagement. Though slow to yield results, whistleblowing is powerful and carries lasting consequences.

Because of the high stakes, “lawyering up” is essential. Legal counsel helps protect whistleblowers and ensures their rights are respected although legal battles can be costly and draining.

Finally, resigning in protest is a drastic but impactful act. Whether done quietly or loudly, a resignation sends a clear message that implementation of policy requires the cooperation of informed experts and losing them can derail harmful initiatives.

This article is derived from Marc Holzer, Rethinking Public Administration, Elgar Publishing, 2023.

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Author: Marc Holzer is a Distinguished Research Professor at Suffolk University and an Emeritus Professor at Rutgers University.

 

 

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