Ethics, or ethical self-control of public officials, is considered to be one of the principal factors on which the proper use of administrative discretion depends. Weak personal ethics may result in corrupt behaviour, the misuse of office for private purposes. The concept of ethical self-control, or ethos, can be used to explain the differences in the levels of corruption in various countries. Where the civilizing process has led to the development of stronger ethical self-control, less corruption can be expected. The differences in the civilizing processes and problems of corruption and ethics in Denmark, Finland and Latvia are considered in this article.