Perceptions of Justice towards Public Administration: The Views of Finnish Citizens*)

Abstract

The focus of the article is on citizens’ perceptions of justice in public administration. The analysis
concentrates on justice regarded as equality, respect of public interest and justice of public services. The
scope is to find out how the citizens view justice in public administration, what aspects should be respected
and what the situation is. The Finnish welfare state model has undergone series of changes during the past
decades. The reforms have influenced both service provision and public administration and the experience of
justice in society. Evidence of the paper is based on Citizen Survey 2008, implemented in Finland. Citizens
expressed their perceptions of justice in Finnish public administration and society. Our main findings indicate
that citizens are concerned of the increasing inequality and fair treatment is no longer taken as
granted. However, citizens also shared more individualistic view of justice. Efforts to achieve justice and
equality should be made and public interest should be respected. Citizens doubt their demands are being
responded to. Citizens feel that the Finnish system strives to achieve justice despite the growing inequality.