Research Ethics in Public Administration

Ethical practices are universally acknowledged as a fundamental component of the research process. Research ethics plays a pivotal role in ensuring that studies are conducted with proper methods and approaches, meticulous data collection, and validation of the collected data. On a global scale, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) operates as a safeguard for the ethical dimensions of research. It reviews research proposals, certifies the scientific rigor of the process, and ensures compliance with human research standards, prioritizing the safety and well-being of participants while minimizing deception and inappropriate evidence. In the context of Bangladesh, there is a dearth of literature on research ethics, and the curriculum of the discipline often lacks comprehensive coverage of ethical issues. This chapter aims to conduct a content analysis of the Institutional Review Boards of various universities responsible for approving research in public administration. The chapter delves into the practices of research ethics in Bangladesh, elucidate the role and functioning of institutional review boards, and outline the challenges that researchers in public administration may encounter.