Key Values in International Engagement

Decisions about engagement are difficult because several values are at play, and often in conflict. These six values were frequently raised during conversations hosted by the committee in 2022. They are not ranked by order of importance:

• Promoting dialogue and understanding. We should seek opportunities to engage with scholars and practitioners in other jurisdictions. By doing this we enhance our knowledge about public administration and improve the capacity of all governments to provide critical public services.
• Protecting academic freedom. Academic freedom, defined broadly as the freedom in research, in the publication of results, and in teaching and other forms of speech, is essential to our work. We should assure that our own academic freedom is not infringed during engagement. We should determine whether academic freedom is respected and promote it in whatever way possible.
• Respect for human rights. Fundamental human rights are enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and many other internationally recognized documents. We should avoid engagements that would have the effect of supporting practices that seriously infringe human rights, or which might be construed as condoning infringement of human rights.
• Supporting the development of scholarly capacity. We should support the development of capacities of scholarly organizations, especially in places that have historically been excluded from the global conversation on public administration.
• Respect for the self-determination of communities. As we engage with scholars and practitioners in other jurisdictions, we should respect the right of communities to make their own choices about government. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, says: “All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development."
• Protecting the safety and dignity of colleagues. Jurisdictions may not do enough to protect individuals from attack or persecution because of race, faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other factors. When we organize conferences or other activities that require colleagues to visit certain places, we should consider whether their safety and dignity will be protected.
• Accuracy, fairness, and transparency in decisionmaking. Decisions to engage internationally, or to refrain from engagement, may be contested, and they may impose harms on colleagues. We should make sure that we have all the facts before making significant decisions; that we have allowed interested parties to contribute their views; and that we have explained the rationale for our actions.