THE CULTURE OF INTEGRITY: PREVENTION MECHANISMS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

This paper explores the ethical foundation of public institutions' functioning, starting from the premise that a solid culture of integrity is the most effective tool for preventing corruption. Instead of focusing exclusively on criminal sanctions and coercive measures, the research investigates the essential preventive mechanisms that can transform public administration into a pillar of the rule of law. The article provides a detailed analysis of fundamental instruments such as codes of conduct, corruption risk management, decision-making transparency facilitated by digitalization processes, and the legal protection of whistleblowers. The methodology used combines normative analysis with the evaluation of international best practices, offering a holistic perspective on how ethical values can be integrated into daily administrative routines. The research results highlight that prevention is not a single event, but a systemic and continuous process of education and monitoring. The conclusions emphasize that the success of these mechanisms directly depends on political will and the professionalization of the public officials' corps, vital elements for increasing institutional resilience against criminal phenomena, while proposing practical solutions for combating crime through integrity.