Q.Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (150 words, 10 Marks)
Model Answer
View this Question In PYQ RealmSyllabus Point
- Foundational Values for Civil Services – Integrity, Impartiality, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance, and Compassion Towards the Weaker Sections
Approach
- Introduction (Definition) (30-40 words): Explain how the performance of a civil servant should not be measured only by efficiency but also by ethical values that ensure fair, just, and people-centric governance. Introduce the five ethical traits.
- Body (Explanation) (80-90 words): Discuss five ethical traits for evaluating a civil servant's performance along with suitable examples to justify their inclusion.
- Conclusion (20 words): Emphasize how a civil servant's effectiveness is defined not just by technical competence but by ethical leadership.
Answer:
Ethics refer to a collection of moral principles that guide an individual's behavior or the manner in which an activity is carried out. The concept of ethics is concerned with fundamental values and benchmarks that are used to evaluate human actions. Ethics can be viewed as a subjective set of criteria that distinguish between right and wrong.
For civil servants, moral principles and values guide their conduct and behavior in their roles as public servants. Civil servants are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the public interest and upholding the law, and their actions should be guided by ethical considerations.
Body
Five Ethical Traits Required by a Civil Servant:
| Ethical Traits | Justification for Its Inclusion |
|---|---|
| Integrity | It refers to a civil servant's adherence to moral and ethical principles, including honesty, transparency, and fairness. As noted by Aristotle, "We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts." A civil servant with integrity will act in the best interests of the public, rather than using their position for personal gain. |
| Accountability | A civil servant must be accountable for their actions and decisions, and willing to accept responsibility for any mistakes or failures. This includes being open to feedback and willing to make changes based on that feedback. Accountability is important in ensuring that the public can trust civil servants to act in their best interests. As noted by Immanuel Kant, "Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end and never merely as a means to an end." |
| Objectivity | A civil servant must be objective in their decision-making, free from bias or personal interest. Objectivity ensures that civil servants make decisions based on facts and evidence, rather than personal opinions or biases. As noted by John Stuart Mill, "The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." |
| Respect for Diversity | A civil servant must respect diversity and be able to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and communities. This includes being aware of and sensitive to different perspectives and experiences, and working to create an inclusive environment. As noted by Mahatma Gandhi, "The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems." |
| Professionalism | A civil servant must be punctual, reliable, and responsive to requests, as well as maintaining confidentiality and behaving with dignity and respect. Professionalism ensures that civil servants are able to perform their duties effectively and build trust with the public. As noted by Peter F. Drucker, "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." |
These ethical traits are important for civil servants because they help to ensure that public institutions operate with transparency, fairness, and accountability. They also help to promote public trust and confidence in government, which is essential for a healthy democracy. By measuring civil servant performance against these traits, we can encourage ethical behavior and help to ensure that public institutions serve the public good.
Conclusion
A civil servant's effectiveness is defined not just by technical competence but by ethical leadership. Integrity, impartiality, accountability, empathy, and dedication ensure a trustworthy, transparent, and service-oriented administration for the greater good of society.