Ethics Notes by So
Ethics Notes by So
UPSC
MAINS 2023
ETHICS
NOTES
Contents
ETHICS AND HUMAN INTERFACE ................................................................... 3
ATTITUDE .................................................................................................... 25
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service ....................................... 31
Emotional Intelligence .................................................................................. 46
Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government Institutions: ........................ 58
ETHICAL GOVERNANCE ................................................................................ 65
Corporate Governance.................................................................................. 75
PROBITY ...................................................................................................... 83
Information Sharing and Transparency in Governance ................................. 97
- These standards can be provided by external sources such as a profession, society, or religion.
- The term "ethics" is derived from the Greek word "ethos," which means custom or habit.
- Ethics deals with human character and the quality of behavior, as behavior becomes a habit and eventually
forms one's character over time.
- The aim of ethics is to pursue the highest good or "summum bonum" in human behavior.
- Not all human conduct can be considered ethical; it is based on societal norms, laws, and religious beliefs.
Relevance of ethics:
Survival of society: Ethics provide guidelines for individuals to interact and cooperate in a way that promotes
the well-being and survival of the society as a whole.
Meaningful and dignified human life: Ethics helps individuals to live a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and
aligned with their values and principles.
Peace and prosperity: Ethical behavior fosters trust, cooperation, and harmonious relationships within a
society, contributing to peace and prosperity.
Hope against hopelessness: Ethics provides a moral compass and a sense of direction, giving individuals
hope and guiding them during challenging times.
Feeling of justice: Ethics promotes fairness, equality, and justice, ensuring that individuals are treated justly
and equitably.
- Morality is concerned with determining what is right and wrong in human behavior.
- Moral judgments are based on individual standards, which may or may not align with established societal
standards.
- Different individuals and cultures may have varying moral standards. For example, practices such as
intercaste marriage or Sati may be considered ethical in one culture but immoral in another.
- Ethics, on the other hand, provides a broader framework of established standards that guide moral
judgments.
- In many cases, there is congruence between ethics and morals, as an individual's morality is developed
within the ethical environment prevailing in society. However, there can also be instances where individual
morality diverges from societal ethics.
For example, the defense lawyer representing a terrorist may face a conflict between professional ethics
(providing legal representation) and personal morality (disapproval of the client's actions).
1. Utilitarian Approach: The utilitarian approach to ethics argues that individuals should act in a way that
maximizes the overall happiness or well-being of the maximum number of people. Being moral is seen as
contributing to the greater good and bringing about the greatest overall happiness or utility.
2. Common Good Approach: The common good approach emphasizes the importance of promoting and
protecting the common interests and well-being of the community or society as a whole. Being moral
involves contributing to the welfare and flourishing of the community, and acting in ways that benefit the
collective rather than just individual interests.
3. Societal Cooperation: Being moral fosters societal cooperation. Ethical standards and moral behavior
provide a foundation for individuals to work together, cooperate, and build relationships based on trust and
mutual respect. By following moral principles, individuals contribute to a harmonious and functioning society.
4. Maintaining Balance in Society: Ethics brings balance and order to society. Moral principles and ethical
guidelines provide a framework for resolving conflicts, ensuring fairness, and establishing rules that promote
justice and equality. Without adherence to moral standards, society may become chaotic and unbalanced.
5. Consequences of Not Being Moral: Not being moral can have severe consequences. Acting immorally
can lead to negative repercussions such as loss of trust, damaged relationships, legal consequences, and
social disapproval. Additionally, unethical behavior can contribute to unrest, conflict, and harm to individuals
and communities.
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ETHICS
6. Intrinsic Human Nature: Some argue that being moral is an inherent aspect of human nature. Humans
possess a natural inclination to follow ethical principles and engage in moral behavior. Acting morally aligns
with our inherent sense of empathy, compassion, and fairness.
7. Motivation: Being moral may be motivated by various factors such as avoiding punishment, gaining praise
or recognition, living a life with dignity, and fitting into society. These motivations can influence individuals to
uphold moral values and make ethical choices.
Beliefs:
- Beliefs are internal feelings or ideas that individuals hold to be true, even if they are unproven or irrational.
They serve as the simplest form of mental representation and are foundational to thought processes.
- Beliefs can be influenced by various factors such as education, family, peer group, and persuasive influences.
- People acquire values through socialization processes, where they learn and internalize the values of their
culture or community.
- Ethics and values have a strong relationship as religious philosophy often has a profound impact on ethical
principles.
- In ancient India, religious texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Mahabharata not only served as sources
of religious teachings but also provided ethical principles.
- Some of the ethical principles derived from religious teachings include "Satyamev Jayate" (Truth alone
triumphs), "Vasudev Kutumbakam" (The world is one family), "Dharmayam Karma" (Spirit of duty), "Niskam
Karma" (Selfless action), and "Ramrajya" (Adherence to truth).
- Religious teachings provide moral frameworks, commandments, and ethical guidelines that followers are
expected to adhere to.
- Different religions have their own unique ethical principles and values, which may influence the behavior
and decision-making of their adherents.
- However, ethical principles can also exist independently of religion, and individuals may derive their ethical
beliefs from secular philosophies, humanistic values, or personal reflection.
Ethics and religion can indeed coexist peacefully, as well as come into conflict with each other.
1. Peaceful Coexistence:
a. Humanitarian Work: Both ethics and various religions promote compassion and empathy towards
fellow human beings. Many religious organizations engage in charitable activities that align with ethical
principles, such as providing healthcare, education, and relief aid to those in need.
b. Environmental Stewardship: Several religious traditions emphasize the importance of caring for the
environment. Ethical principles of sustainability and ecological responsibility align with these religious
teachings. This shared concern can lead to collaborative efforts to address environmental issues.
2. Conflict:
a. Animal Rights: Religious practices involve animal sacrifices or rituals that conflict with these ethical
principles. This raises debates on the ethical treatment of animals within religious contexts.
b. LGBTQ+ Rights: Ethical principles of equality and non-discrimination often clash with certain religious
beliefs that consider homosexuality or gender non-conformity as immoral. This conflict can manifest in
debates regarding same-sex marriage, adoption, or transgender rights.
3. Bioethical Dilemmas:
a. Reproductive Technologies: Ethical concerns arise when religious beliefs clash with advancements in
reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, or embryonic stem cell research.
b. End-of-Life Care: Ethical dilemmas arise when religious beliefs intersect with decisions regarding end-
of-life care, euthanasia, and assisted suicide. Some religions emphasize the sanctity of life and view such
practices as morally wrong, while ethical considerations may focus on individual autonomy and minimizing
suffering.
Ethics and Law can indeed have both overlapping and conflicting aspects. Here are some key points to
consider regarding their relationship:
Law:
- Law is a system of rules and regulations enforced by a governing authority to regulate human behavior and
maintain social order.
- Laws are clearly defined, publicly accessible, and enforceable through a legal system, often backed by
penalties for non-compliance.
- Law provides a framework for accountability and resolves disputes through a structured system of
enforcement.
1. Ethical actions may not always align with the requirements of the law. For example, whistleblowing or civil
disobedience may be seen as ethically justifiable but can be legally punishable.
2. Legal actions may be considered unethical. Some actions that are legal but ethically questionable include
tax avoidance, exploiting legal loopholes for personal gain, or laws that compromise individual rights and
freedoms.
3. Laws can sometimes contradict ethical principles. For instance, laws related to preventive detention or the
death penalty may raise ethical concerns regarding the presumption of guilt or the right to life.
1. Laws are often framed based on a uniform standard to ensure consistency and order within a society,
whereas ethics can vary based on personal beliefs and cultural perspectives.
2. Laws are more static and can be slow to adapt to changing societal values and ethical considerations.
3. Ethical principles are flexible and can evolve over time as societies progress and develop new moral
understandings.
Determinants of Ethics
1. Individual Values:
Personal Beliefs: The moral principles and values held by individuals, shaped by their upbringing, cultural
background, and personal experiences. Example: An individual valuing honesty and integrity due to their
family's emphasis on these virtues.
Moral Development: The level of moral reasoning and ethical awareness an individual has attained through
cognitive and emotional growth. Example: A person transitioning from a self-centered focus to considering
the impact of their actions on society as they mature.
2. Organizational Culture:
Leadership: The behavior and ethical values demonstrated by leaders within an organization, which set the
tone and influence the ethical climate. Example: A leader fostering a culture of transparency and
accountability by leading by example.
Organizational Norms: The shared values, beliefs, and expectations that guide behavior within an
organization. Example: A company promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect, where discrimination is not
tolerated.
Societal Norms: The collective moral standards and expectations of a society that influence individual
behavior. Example: A society valuing honesty and condemning corruption, which shapes individuals' choices
and actions.
Cultural Relativism: The idea that ethical standards vary across cultures and that behavior should be
evaluated within its cultural context. Example: Understanding that certain cultural practices may be
considered ethical within a specific society but may be viewed differently in another.
Regulatory Bodies: Institutions responsible for enforcing ethical standards and monitoring compliance
within specific sectors. Example: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) overseeing ethical practices
in the financial markets.
5. Personal Accountability:
Conscience and Self-Reflection: The internal moral compass and capacity for introspection that enables
individuals to assess their actions against ethical standards. Example: A public servant reflecting on the
potential impact of their decision on the welfare of citizens.
Ethical Courage: The willingness to stand up for what is morally right, even in the face of opposition or
adversity. Example: A whistleblower reporting corruption within their organization despite potential risks to
their personal and professional life.
Consequences of Ethics
Enhanced Reputation: Dr. Devi Shetty, an Indian cardiac surgeon, gained a reputation for ethical practices
by providing affordable and quality healthcare to all socio-economic groups. His ethical approach built
trust and credibility among patients and the medical community.
Long-Term Relationships: Tata Group, a renowned Indian conglomerate, prioritizes ethical practices across
its businesses.
2. Effective Decision-Making:
Stakeholder Consideration: Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, demonstrated ethical decision-making by
prioritizing the privacy and security of customer data. This approach ensured that Microsoft's products and
services align with ethical standards and the interests of its users.
Sound Judgment: During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Dr. Kent Brantly, an American physician, made an ethical
decision to treat patients in West Africa despite personal risk.
Employee Morale and Productivity: Google, known for its ethical work culture, provides a supportive
environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and work-life balance.
Stakeholder Confidence: The Body Shop, a global beauty and cosmetics company, focuses on ethical
sourcing, cruelty-free products, and community empowerment. These ethical practices have garnered customer
trust and loyalty, resulting in sustained business growth.
- Responsible Citizenship: Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian social activist and Nobel laureate, dedicated his life to
fighting child labor and advocating for children's rights. His ethical commitment to social justice has
significantly contributed to the betterment of society.
Self-Respect and Integrity: Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani education activist and Nobel laureate, demonstrated
immense courage and integrity by advocating for girls' education, despite facing threats and adversity. Her
commitment to ethics brought her
global recognition and self-respect.
Private relationships are often given (For e.g. Life partner, Friends) or inherited (For e.g. Parents) that are
relatively permanent with more tolerance for imperfections. Ethics in private relationships refers to the basic
principles and values that govern interactions with family members, life partners, friends etc. They are based
on emotional bonds rather than any formal procedure that regulates them and therefore, informal in nature.
This can be best understood from the Life of Karna (A character from Mahabharata) whose friendship for
Duryodhan broke all boundaries of even blood relationships since he fought against his own brothers
(Pandavas) to honour the Ethics of friendship.
Ethics in both private and public relations play a crucial role in maintaining trust, transparency, and
accountability in communication and relationship-building with various stakeholders. While there are
similarities in ethical principles across both realms, there are also some nuanced differences
2. Honesty and Integrity: Practitioners should always prioritize honesty and integrity in their interactions. They
should avoid misleading or deceptive practices, provide accurate information, and be transparent about any
potential conflicts of interest.
3. Objectivity and Independence: Practitioners must strive to maintain objectivity and independence in their
work. They should avoid undue influence or bias and present information fairly, allowing stakeholders to make
informed decisions.
4. Respect and Fairness: Respecting the rights, dignity, and diversity of stakeholders is essential. Ethical
practitioners should treat everyone fairly and avoid discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities and access to
information.
5. Informed Consent: In private relations, practitioners should obtain informed consent from stakeholders
before engaging in any communication or activities that may affect them. Consent should be based on a clear
understanding of the purpose, potential risks, and benefits involved.
2. Serving the Public Interest: Ethical public relations involves serving the public interest, promoting open
dialogue, and contributing to the well-being of society. Practitioners should prioritize the dissemination of
truthful information and consider the potential impact of their actions on various stakeholders.
4. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: They should prioritize the interests of their clients or organizations while
also considering the broader public interest.
5. Adherence to Professional Standards: Public relations professionals should adhere to established codes of
conduct and ethical guidelines provided by industry organizations, such as the Public Relations Society of
America (PRSA) or the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
Domain of influence: Private and public relationships have distinct domains that should be kept separate.
(Example: A civil servant who fought with their spouse should not let it affect their conduct at work.)
Conflicting roles: Maintaining a clear separation is important when private and public relationships have
conflicting demands. (Example: King Dhritrashtra's failure to separate his role as a father from his role as a king
in Mahabharata led to a war.)
Potential conflict of interest: Separation helps avoid conflicts of interest in public decision-making.
(Example: Civil servants should separate personal relationships from professional matters to prevent favoritism
or nepotism.)
2. Divergence of Values:
Public relationship values transparency, while private relationships value confidentiality. (Example: Personal
lives of public figures, like Dr. Shashi Tharoor, should not be subjected to public scrutiny without legitimate
cause.)
Positive: Harmonious private relationships foster positive attitudes and compassion in public engagements.
(Example: A civil servant's loving and caring personal life can translate into a compassionate approach to
serving the public.)
Negative: Troubled private relationships can adversely affect behavior and performance in public roles.
(Example: Training courses are provided to help civil servants manage work-life balance and avoid negative
impacts on public service.)
Positive: Public service values and training can motivate individuals to implement desirable elements in
private relationships. (Example: Public servants upholding democratic values in their work may practice
democratic parenting in their personal lives.)
Negative: Misconduct or negative behavior in public relationships can spill over into personal relationships.
(Example: Corrupt politicians or bureaucrats involved in public scandals may engage in unfaithfulness in their
personal relationships.)
Limitations:
- Areas of Convergence: Some aspects of private relationships can influence public relationships, such as the
impact of personal conduct on political careers. (Example: The personal relationships of public figures, like
Barack Obama's relationship with his wife, can affect their public image.)
- Rigid separation: Strict separation may hinder the potential benefits of mutual enrichment between private
and public relationships. (Example: Values of affection and care learned in private relationships can be applied
to give a humane touch in public engagements.)
- Shared values: Certain values, like integrity and compassion, are common to both private and public
relationships. (Example: Both private and public relationships benefit from the presence of these shared values.)
1. Truthfulness:
- Being truthful is essential in both public and private relationships to maintain integrity. (Example: Civil
servants being truthful to their life partners and also being honest with their political masters and citizens to
uphold their reputation.)
2. Altruism:
- Being altruistic is highly desirable in both public and private relationships. (Example: Civil servants showing
compassion in public engagements and also demonstrating empathy towards the needs of their loved ones.)
3. Dedication:
- Dedication is crucial to avoid inner conflicts and maintain strong relationships. (Example: Being fully
dedicated to a lif e partner to avoid engaging in adulterous acts and remaining committed to public service to
avoid corruption.)
- Taking responsibility for one's actions and being accountable is a shared value in both relationships.
(Example: Civil servants being held accountable and responsible for sexual harassment, whether it occurs at
home or in the workplace.)
5. Interpersonal Relationships:
- Effective interpersonal communication improves the quality and productivity of relationships in both
personal and public spheres. (Example: Civil servants using interpersonal communication to explain the nature
of their public service to their partners and to maintain good communication with subordinate staff.)
Q. You are working as an Executive Engineer in the construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and are
presently in-charge of the construction of a flyover. There are two Junior Engineers under you who have the
responsibility of day-to-day inspection of the site and are reporting to you, while you are finally reporting to
the Chief Engineer who heads the cell. While the construction is heading towards completion, the Junior
Engineers have been regularly reporting that all construction is taking place as per design specifications.
However, in one of your surprise inspections, you have noticed some serious deviations and lacunae which, in
your opinion, are likely to affect the safety of the flyover.
Rectification of these lacunae at this stage would require a substantial amount of demolition and rework which
will cause a tangible loss to the contractor and will also delay completion. There is a lot of public pressure on
the Corporation to get this construction completed because of heavy traffic congestion in the area. When you
brought this matter to the notice of the Chief Engineer, he advised you that in his opinion it is not a very
serious lapse and may be ignored.
He advised for further expediting the project for completion in time. However, you are convinced that this was
a serious matter which might affect public safety and should not be left unaddressed.
What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below.
Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and finally suggest what course of action you would
like to take, giving reasons. (20 marks |250 words)
2. Make an exhaustive report of the situation bringing out all facts and analysis along with your own viewpoints
stated clearly and seeks for written orders from the chief Engineer.
3. Call for explanation from the Junior Engineers and issue orders to the contractor for necessary correction
within targeted time.
4. Highlight the issue so that it reaches superiors above the Chief Engineer.
5. Considering the rigid attitude of the Chief Engineer, seek transfer from the project or report sick.
Q. A private company is known for its efficiency, transparency and employee welfare. The company though
owned by a private individual has a cooperative character where employees feel a sense of ownership. The
company employs nearly 700 personnel and they have voluntarily decided not to form union.
One day suddenly in the morning, about 40 men belonging to political party gate crashed into the factory
demanding jobs in the factory. They threatened the management and employees, and also used foul language.
The employees feel demoralized. It was clear that those people who gate crashed wanted to be on the payroll
of the company as well as continue as the volunteers/members of the party.
The company maintains high standards in integrity and does not extend favours to civil administration that also
includes law enforcement agency. Such incident occurs in public sector also. (20 Marks) (250 Words)
a) Assume you are the CEO of the company. What would you do to diffuse the volatile situation on the date of
gate crashing with the violent mob sitting inside the company premises?
b) What can be the long term solution to the issue discussed in the case?
c) Every solution/action that you suggest will have a negative and a positive impact on you as (CEO), the
employees and the performance of the employees. Analyse the consequences of each of your suggested
actions.
Approaches/Dimensions to Ethics
1. Utilitarian Approach:
- Proposed by JS Mill, it focuses on actions that produce the greatest overall good and minimize harm.
(Example: Evaluating a policy or decision based on the net benefits it brings to society as a whole.)
2. Rights Approach:
Proposed by Kant, it emphasizes the protection of moral rights of individuals affected by actions. It recognizes
the inherent dignity and worth of human beings. (Example: Considering the right to live when evaluating the
practice of Sati, as it disregards the widow's right to life.)
- Proposed by Aristotle, it advocates for treating equals equally and ensuring fairness in society. (Example:
Promoting equal pay for men and women, as stated in constitutional articles 14 and 15.)
- This approach emphasizes the welfare and well-being of all members of society. It calls for actions that
benefit the collective and promote the greater good. (Example: Implementing schemes and laws that aim to
improve the quality of life for all citizens, such as the Paris Climate Agreement.)
5. Virtue Approach:
- Proposed by Aristotle, it suggests that ethical actions should align with ideal virtues that lead to the full
development of humanity. (Example: Mahatma Gandhi believed that attaining freedom through non-violence
and truthfulness was ethical, as it was consistent with the virtues he upheld.)
- Deontology, proposed by Immanuel Kant, focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, rather
than the consequences of those actions.
- According to Kant, human actions should be considered right in and of themselves, and individuals should act
out of a sense of duty rather than self-interest.
- Kant emphasized moral autonomy, which is essential for the highest level of moral development. Acting
based on the opinions of others undermines one's ability to build a sense of self.
- Relevance of Kant's ethics can be found in various philosophies and teachings, such as the concept of
Nishkam Karma in the Bhagavad Gita, Swami Vivekananda's emphasis on selfless human development, and
Mahatma Gandhi's focus on right means to achieve right ends.
Teleological/Utilitarian Ethics:
- Teleological ethics, particularly utilitarianism, is based on the maximization of utility or overall happiness in a
given situation.
- J.S. Mill advocated for social utilitarianism, where actions benefit not only individuals but also society as a
whole.
Contractarian Ethics:
- Contractarian ethics is based on the idea of a social contract between people and the state, where the state
serves the interests of the people.
- Thomas Hobbes viewed human actions as primarily driven by self-interest and believed that individuals
should sacrifice some rights in exchange for state protection and stability.
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau added a positive connotation to the social contract, emphasizing the general will of
the people as the source of law and recognizing the right to revolt against an unjust state.
- John Rawls' justice theory influenced both individual and state decision-making processes, emphasizing
fairness, reflective equilibrium, rational thinking, and the principle of equality.
- Rawls also introduced the concept of redistributive justice, where the state ensures justice for all and
provides special justice for the poor.
Applied Ethics refers to the application of ethical principles and values in specific contexts or domains.
1. Professional Ethics:
- Professional ethics apply to all professions and are guided by principles such as expertise, responsibility,
commitment, honesty, objectivity, and efficiency.
- Examples include the ethical guidelines followed by doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists, etc., in their
respective professions.
2. Environmental Ethics:
- Environmental ethics deals with human behavior in the context of the environment and how humans should
behave towards the environment to have a positive impact.
- It is based on general principles such as the law of nature and human values.
- Examples include Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on non-greed and sustainability, the Malthusian theory on
population and resources, conflicts like the Niyamgiri case, and the concept of sustainable development
advocated by the Brundtland Commission in 1987.
3. Sports Ethics:
- Sports ethics focus on principles of fairness, responsibility, participation, and transparency in sports.
- It emphasizes that winning is not the sole objective but rather emphasizes recreation, sportsmanship, and fair
play.
- Examples include promoting fair competition, discouraging doping or cheating in sports, and ensuring
transparency in sports governance.
4. Media Ethics:
- Media ethics involves the ethical standards and principles followed by journalists and media organizations.
- It includes values such as providing free and fair news, upholding freedom of expression, and ensuring
accuracy and impartiality.
- Examples include adhering to the principles of freedom of expression, ensuring the public's right to
information, avoiding conflicts of interest, and addressing concerns like paid news and commercialization of
media.
5. Bioethics:
- Bioethics deals with ethical issues related to human life and health in the context of biological manifestations.
- It covers topics such as gene editing, in vitro fertilization, organ transplantation, and medical research ethics.
- Examples include the ethical debates surrounding genetic manipulation, the doctor-patient relationship and
issues of inflated medical bills, and the ethics of human experimentation.
1. Family:
- The family is the first and most influential social institution where a child is introduced to values, norms, and
behavior patterns.
- It instills important qualities such as honesty, hard work, responsibility, and moral values.
- The family acts as the nursery of human development, aiding intellectual growth, and nurturing the realization
of goals.
- It plays a vital role in teaching children to be sensitive towards others, especially the weaker sections of
society.
Example: In many families, values such as honesty, hard work, and responsibility are instilled in children from
an early age. Parents play a crucial role in nurturing these values through their guidance, discipline, and setting
good examples.
2. School:
- Schooling is the first formal institution where children learn and interact with peers and teachers.
- Schools teach discipline, respect for authority, group behavior, and leadership skills.
- They provide an environment for effective goal setting and help shape individuals into responsible and
productive members of society.
Example: In Finland, education is highly valued, and schools focus on fostering a sense of discipline, respect,
and cooperation among students. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning,
develop leadership skills, and work collaboratively in group settings.
3. Society:
- It exerts social pressure and disapproval of certain behaviors, promoting social norms and values.
- Society fosters integration and social cohesion by providing individuals with a sense of belonging and shared
identity.
- Tolerance and acceptance of diverse perspectives and cultures are important values that society helps to
promote.
- Individuals are influenced by their surroundings, and society plays a significant role
Example: In multicultural societies, the promotion of integration, social cohesion, and tolerance is emphasized.
Efforts are made to foster understanding and respect among people from diverse backgrounds, promoting
inclusivity and harmony within the society.
- Example: In Japan, moral values such as patriotism, honesty, camaraderie, and respect for surroundings are
emphasized in the education system. Students are taught to have a strong sense of responsibility towards their
country and society.
2. Learning by doing:
- Example: Mahatma Gandhi's concept of "Nai Taleem" (Basic Education) focused on learning through practical
experience and participation in productive work. This approach aimed to develop practical skills, critical
thinking, and a sense of self-reliance among
students.
- Example: Rabindranath Tagore's educational philosophy at Shantiniketan emphasized the integration of arts,
literature, dance, drama, and music into the curriculum. This holistic approach aimed to develop the senses,
creativity, and aesthetic appreciation among students.
- Example: Modern education systems often focus on developing leadership qualities, teamwork skills,
problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to prepare students for the challenges of the future job market and
society.
- Example: An ideal education system should support and encourage students to pursue their own dreams and
aspirations, rather than imposing societal expectations or predetermined paths. This allows individuals to
explore their passions and talents, leading to personal fulfillment and greater contributions to society.
World History: Studying events like the French Revolution can introduce students to values such as liberty,
equality, and fraternity, highlighting the importance of democratic principles and social justice.
Gandhi's train to Pretoria: Learning about Mahatma Gandhi's experience of standing against injustice during
his train journey in South Africa can inspire students to uphold values of non-violence, civil rights, and equality.
Constitutional values: Including subjects that teach about democracy, secularism, and human values such as
truth, love, and compassion can help students understand and appreciate the principles that underpin a just
and inclusive society.
Literature: The study of literature provides insights into human nature and the prevailing social values of
different eras. It encourages empathy, critical thinking, and a broader understanding of diverse perspectives.
Science curiosity: Encouraging scientific curiosity and questioning prevalent practices fosters a spirit of inquiry
and helps challenge orthodox beliefs, leading to progress and a more rational approach to understanding the
world.
Value education:
Values education refers to the aspect of the educational practice which entails that moral or political values as
well as norms, dispositions and skills grounded in those values are mediated to or developed among students
1. Physical Development:
Value education encompasses physical development, which involves nurturing and maintaining a healthy body.
It includes activities that promote physical fitness, coordination, and control over different parts of the body.
This aspect emphasizes the importance of discipline, regular exercise, proper nutrition, and overall well-being.
2. Vital Development:
Vital development focuses on the cultivation of character and moral values. It involves nurturing qualities such
as honesty, integrity, empathy, compassion, resilience, and self-discipline. Vital development aims to shape
individuals who are responsible, ethical, and capable of making principled decisions.
3. Mental Development:
Mental development in value education emphasizes the cultivation of intellectual abilities and mental faculties.
It involves developing the power of concentration, critical thinking, logical reasoning, creativity, and problem-
solving skills. This aspect also emphasizes the ability to control and eliminate undesirable thoughts and
cultivate positive thinking patterns.
4. Spiritual Development:
Spiritual development in value education is not limited to religious beliefs. It focuses on nurturing the inner
self, promoting moral and ethical values, and fostering a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It involves
developing qualities such as love, compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, and a sense of interconnectedness.
Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the education of the heart, which refers to the spiritual and emotional
development that guides one's actions and decisions.
ATTITUDE
PYQ
Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human 2021
beings. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant? (150 words)
Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. 2017
Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.
In the context of defense services, ‘patriotism’ demands readiness to even lay down one’s 2014
life in protecting the nation. According to you, what does patriotism imply in everyday civil
life? Explain with illustrations and justify your answer.
It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together. What is your opinion in this 2013
regard? Justify your answer with illustrations.
Attitude refers to a predisposition or mental state that influences an individual's behavior, beliefs, and feelings
towards a particular object, person, or situation.
Attitudes can be positive, negative depending on the individual's evaluation of the object or situation.
Examples of Attitudes:
Positive Attitude: This attitude involves having a favorable outlook and believing in one's abilities to achieve
goals despite obstacles. For example, a person with a positive attitude may approach challenges with optimism
and perseverance.
Negative Attitude: On the other hand, a negative attitude reflects pessimism and doubt in one's abilities. It
can hinder progress and hinder personal growth. For instance, someone with a negative attitude may
constantly dwell on failures and doubt their capabilities.
Structure of Attitude:
Cognitive Component: The cognitive component of attitude comprises thoughts, beliefs, and knowledge
associated with the attitude object. It involves the evaluation of information and the formation of opinions. For
instance, someone may hold the belief that regular exercise leads to good health.
Affective Component: The affective component relates to emotional and evaluative responses towards the
attitude object. It includes likes, dislikes, preferences, and emotional reactions. For example, an individual may
feel happy and excited about attending a concert by their favorite musician.
Behavioral Component: The behavioral component involves actions and behavioral intentions related to the
attitude object. It reflects how the attitude influences one's behavior. For instance, a person with a positive
attitude towards recycling may actively engage in recycling practices and encourage others to do the same.
Functions of attitude:
1. Knowledge Function:
Attitudes towards health: A person with a positive attitude towards healthy living and regular exercise may
seek out information about nutrition, engage in physical activities, and make informed choices regarding their
well-being.
Attitudes towards education: An individual who values education and believes in its importance may actively
seek knowledge, pursue higher education, and invest time and effort in learning.
2. Instrumental Function:
Career-oriented attitude: Someone with a strong career-oriented attitude may set goals, work diligently, seek
opportunities for growth, and make strategic choices that align with their professional aspirations.
Financial responsibility attitude: Individuals who have a responsible attitude towards finances may save
money, budget wisely, and make informed investment decisions to secure their financial future.
3. Expressive Function:
Fashion preferences: Attitudes towards fashion and personal style allow individuals to express their unique
identity and communicate their values or interests through clothing choices, accessories, and overall
appearance.
Artistic expression: Attitudes towards art and creativity enable individuals to showcase their unique talents,
ideas, and perspectives through various artistic mediums such as painting, writing, or music.
4. Ego-Defensive Function:
Attitudes towards failure: Some individuals may develop attitudes that protect their self-esteem when
facing failure. They may adopt a growth mindset and view failures as learning opportunities, allowing them to
maintain a positive self-image and bounce back from setbacks.
Defensive attitudes towards criticism: When receiving constructive criticism, some individuals may develop
defensive attitudes to protect their self-esteem. They may rationalize their actions or dismiss the feedback as
unfounded to maintain a positive perception of themselves.
5. Adaptive Function:
Cultural attitudes: Attitudes towards cultural norms and traditions help individuals navigate social
interactions and adapt to different cultural contexts. For example, respecting and following cultural customs
during religious ceremonies or festivals allows individuals to connect with their communities and build social
bonds.
Group membership attitudes: Attitudes towards group norms and values help individuals fit into social
groups and gain acceptance. Conforming to group attitudes and behaviors allows individuals to establish social
connections and build relationships based on shared values or interests.
Moral Attitude:
- Moral attitudes are based on an individual's evaluations and beliefs about what is right or wrong, ethical or
unethical. These attitudes guide moral decision-making and behavior.
- For example, someone with a strong moral attitude towards honesty believes in the importance of
truthfulness and acts truthfully in all situations. They prioritize integrity and ethical conduct, even when faced
with challenging circumstances.
- Moral attitudes can vary across cultures and individuals, influenced by factors such as religious beliefs,
personal values, and societal norms.
Political Attitude:
- Political attitudes encompass an individual's beliefs, values, and opinions about political systems, policies,
and ideologies.
- Political attitudes can be shaped by various factors, including personal experiences, socio-economic
background, and exposure to political ideologies.
- For instance, supporting democratic principles reflects a political attitude that emphasizes the importance
of citizen participation, protection of individual rights, and government accountability.
- Another example of a political attitude is advocating for social justice, which involves advocating for equal
rights, opportunities, and fair distribution of resources in society.
- Similarly, favoring limited government intervention reflects a political attitude that prioritizes individual
freedom and limited state interference in economic and social matters.
Persuasion:
- It involves presenting information, arguments, or appeals to motivate and convince individuals to change or
adopt a specific attitude or behavior.
Examples:
1. Advertising: Advertisements often use persuasive techniques to influence consumer attitudes and
behaviors.
- By highlighting the benefits of a product and creating a desire for it, advertisers aim to persuade individuals
to purchase the product.
- Emotional appeals, such as using heartwarming stories or humor, can be effective in influencing consumer
attitudes and driving purchasing decisions.
2. Political Campaigns: Politicians use persuasion to garner support from voters and shape their political
attitudes.
- Candidates present persuasive speeches, debates, and advertisements to influence voters' perceptions and
gain their trust.
- Persuasive techniques such as appealing to shared values, promising positive change, or highlighting the
opponent's weaknesses are commonly employed.
Social Influence:
- Social influence refers to the impact of others' attitudes and behaviors on shaping our own attitudes.
Examples:
1. Conformity: Individuals often conform to the attitudes and behaviors of their social groups.
- In a study by Solomon Asch, participants conformed to incorrect group judgments regarding the length of
lines, even when their own judgment differed.
- This demonstrates how social influence can shape individual attitudes and lead to conformity in order to fit
in or avoid conflict.
2. Social Media: Social media platforms have a significant influence on shaping attitudes and behaviors.
- Users are exposed to a constant stream of posts, opinions, and information that can impact their own
attitudes and beliefs.
- Social media influencers play a role in persuading their followers by promoting certain products, ideas, or
lifestyles through their posts.
3. Peer Pressure: Peer influence can greatly impact individual attitudes and behaviors, especially among
adolescents.
- For example, if a group of friends engages in risky behavior like smoking or substance abuse, an individual
may feel pressured to conform to maintain social acceptance.
- Aristotle's Persuasion
- Pathos: This mode of persuasion appeals to emotions, aiming to evoke specific emotional responses in
the audience. Emotional appeals can be used to generate empathy, sympathy, or other emotional reactions
that may influence attitudes and behaviors.
- Logos: Logos refers to logical reasoning and appeals to rationality. Presenting logical arguments,
evidence, and facts can help persuade individuals by appealing to their reasoning and intellect.
Q.You are the Sarpanch of a Panchayat. There is a primary school run by the government in your area. Midday
meals are provided to children attending the school. The headmaster has now appointed a new cook in the
school to prepare the meals. However, when it is found that cook is from Dalit community, almost half of the
children belonging to higher castes are not allowed to take meals by their parents. Consequently the
attendance in the schools falls sharply. This could result in the possibility of discontinuation of midday meal
scheme, thereafter of teaching staff and subsequent closing down the school. (20 Marks) (250 Words)
(a) Discuss some feasible strategies to overcome the conflict and to create right ambiance.
(b) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social
ambiance for accepting such changes?
There are different types of aptitude, including mental aptitude and physical aptitude.
1. Mental Aptitude: Mental aptitude refers to the cognitive abilities and talents related to intellectual tasks. It
includes various aspects such as verbal aptitude, numerical aptitude, logical reasoning aptitude, and creative
aptitude.
2. Physical Aptitude: Physical aptitude refers to the inherent capabilities and attributes that enable individuals
to excel in physical activities. For example, Usain Bolt's unusually long legs have contributed to his exceptional
performance in sprinting.
In the context of a civil servant role, there are three important aptitudes that are often considered
essential:
i. Intellectual Aptitude: Intellectual aptitude is crucial for civil servants as it involves the ability to think
critically, analyze complex situations, and make sound decisions.
ii. Emotional Aptitude: Emotional aptitude, also known as emotional intelligence, is the ability to recognize,
understand, and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others.
Civil servants often need to navigate interpersonal relationships, exhibit empathy, communicate
effectively, and demonstrate emotional resilience in their work.
iii. Moral Aptitude: Moral aptitude refers to having a strong ethical foundation and the ability to make
decisions based on moral principles and values.
Civil servants hold positions of public trust and must possess a strong moral compass to uphold
integrity, fairness, transparency, and justice in their work.
KEY NOTE
Skill, ability, and aptitude are related but distinct terms:
- Skill: A skill is something that an individual has acquired through learning, practice, and
experience. It represents a level of proficiency or expertise in a particular area. Skills are
typically developed over time and can be honed through training and repetition. They are the
result of past learning and mastering of specific tasks or activities.
- Ability: Ability refers to the capacity to perform a task or activity competently. It is often
associated with present learning and can be improved through training and development.
Abilities can be inherent or acquired and are influenced by both aptitude and skill.
Aptitude Attitude
Innate learnt
Mental and physical Only metal
Will decide how one will do
Will decide what one
it or one will actually do it or
will do in life
not.
Associated with
Associated with competence.
character
Values
Values are deeply held beliefs that individuals consider important and guide their actions and behavior.
- Values are the core principles or beliefs that individuals hold and attach great importance to.
- Values are often influenced by personal experiences, cultural upbringing, societal norms, and moral and
ethical frameworks.
Importance of Values:
- Values serve as guiding principles that help individuals navigate their lives and make choices aligned with
their belief system.
- They provide a sense of purpose, direction, and meaning to individuals' actions and behaviors.
- Values contribute to personal integrity, self-identity, and the development of one's character.
- Individuals strive to align their actions with their values, both in their personal and public life.
- Personal values influence how individuals conduct themselves in their relationships, work, and personal
endeavors.
- In the public sphere, values guide individuals' behavior in areas such as politics, governance, and societal
interactions.
Example of Values:
- For example, an individual who values honesty will prioritize being truthful and displaying integrity in their
personal and public life.
- Values like compassion, empathy, fairness, and respect for others contribute to building harmonious
relationships and creating a just society.
Nolan Principles for the benefit of people who serve the public in whatever capacity, the Committee on
Standards in Public Life (the Nolan Committee) defined seven guiding principles of behavior for public life in
1995 and advised that public entities create codes of conduct integrating these principles. The seven Nolan
Principles are as follows:
1. Selflessness:
Example: Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's independence movement, dedicated his life to the public
interest and fought for the rights and welfare of the Indian people, without seeking personal gain or
material advantages.
2. Integrity:
Example: Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian social activist and Nobel laureate, has shown unwavering integrity in
his work to eradicate child labor. He has consistently fought against corruption and exploitation, dedicating
himself to the cause of children's rights.
3. Objectivity:
Example: Judges in the judiciary system are expected to make decisions based on merit, evidence, and legal
principles, ensuring fairness and impartiality in the administration of justice.
4. Accountability:
Example: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, an independent constitutional authority,
conducts audits and holds government officials accountable for the use of public funds, ensuring
transparency and integrity in financial matters.
5. Openness:
Example: Right to Information (RTI) activists play a crucial role in demanding transparency and
accountability from public officials by seeking information and exposing any attempts to withhold or
manipulate information that is in the public interest.
6. Honesty:
Example: Manohar Parrikar, former Chief Minister of Goa and Defense Minister of India, was known for his
honesty and ethical conduct. He openly declared his assets and maintained a clean image throughout his
political career.
7. Leadership:
Example: Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, demonstrated strong leadership by
promoting the values of equality, justice, and reconciliation. He led the country through a peaceful transition
from apartheid to democracy, inspiring millions around the world.
10th Report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission have been demonstrated in civil
services:
1. Integrity
2. Impartiality
3. Non-partisanship
4. Objectivity
7. Tolerance
8. Compassion
to it - Arthur Gordon
Success without honour is an unseasoned dish. It will
satisfy your
hunger, but it won't taste good - Joe Paterno
examples-
Satyendra Dubey: Satyendra Dubey was an Indian Engineering Service
officer who exposed corruption in the Golden Quadrilateral highway
construction project. Despite facing threats to his life
Objectivity/ Decisions
Fairness/ based on Justice Delayed is Justice Denied - William Gladstone
Justice / merit/ Objectivity is an unreal goal, fairness, however is not — Michael Pollan
Non facts, not
Discrimination personal
Satyendra Dubey — As an IES officer, he was Project
/ Impersonality prejudices Director in NHAI at Koderma. He was murdered in Gaya after
in action / or pre fighting corruption in the Golden Quadrilateral highway
construction proje
Neutrality conceived
notions Kiran Bedi: Kiran Bedi, the first woman Indian Police Service (IPS)
officer, is known for her objective and impartial approach to law
enforcement. Throughout her career, she prioritized justice and fairness,
irrespective of political pressure or personal biases. Her dedication to
maintaining law and order with objectivity made her a role model for
many aspiring civil servants.
Mandela sacrificed hisyoung life and readily went to prison for 27 years
to fight for freedom of his people
2. Julio Ribeiro: Julio Ribeiro, a former IPS officer, is known for his
compassionate approach towards maintaining law and order. He played
a crucial role in defusing communal tensions during his tenure as the
Commissioner of Mumbai Police.
Tolerance Willingness
to accept a Let noble thoughts flow in from all directions ( Rig Veda)
behaviour
or a belief
that may Unity in diversity, Social harmony: Sarva Dharma Sambhava since
be different Ashokan era. Kings organised SANGAM
from ours
and even Constituent Assembly debates are epitome of tolerance
though we
may not Akbar- Din i ilahi, sulh- i kul, ibadat khana.
agree to it Sarva Dharma Sambhav / Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam / Atithi Devo
Bhavah
examples
1. Kiran Bedi: Her tolerant approach has fostered understanding and
collaboration, leading to the resolution of conflicts and the promotion
of communal harmony.
1. Vinod Rai: Vinod Rai served as the Comptroller and Auditor General
(CAG) of India from 2008 to 2013. During his tenure, he uncovered
major financial irregularities and scams, including the 2G spectrum
scam and coal allocation scam. He held accountable the responsible
individuals and institutions, ensuring transparency and initiating legal
action against those involved.
Administrator Leader
Are appointed May be appointed or
emerge from within a
group
Utilise existing Innovate new structure
structure
Motivators
Quote -
The world suffers not because of the violence of the bad, but because of
the silence of good. - Napolean
Bravery vs Courage
Bravery is absence of fear - Soldiers on the battlefield - who are not
afraid to die, David against Goliath
Courage is overcoming fear- It is continuing in spite of fear -
Public concern more Mother Teresa: It's not how much we give but how much love we put in
service with the needs and to giving.
dedication/ wishes of others Charles Dickens: No one is useless in this world who lightens the burde
Selflessness than with one's ns of another.”
own. Winston Churchill: We make a living by what we get. We make a lif
e by what we give
Obedience/ Quickly and Trustworthiness is the quality of always being good, honest,
Loyalty cheerfully sincere, etc. so that people can rely on you. Its components are:
carrying out a
task expected of a
person
Gratitude I wept because I had no shoes, until I saw a person who had no feet -
Ancient Persian Saying
Altruism quality of unselfish concern for the welfare Mother Teressa, Baba Amte ,
/selflessness of others Vivekananda philosophy
Resilience Capacity to recover quickly from J K Rowling - was a homeless woman - Who
difficulty or Toughness did not back down in spite of numerous
publishing houses rejecting her novel Harry
Potter
In India, Kautilya’s Arthasastra stipulates seven basic elements of the administrative apparatus.
These elements are embodied in the doctrine of the Prakrits. They are:
PYQ
Q. Rameshwar successfully cleared the prestigious civil services examination and was excited about the
opportunity that he would get through the civil services to serve the country. However, soon after joining
the services, he realized that things are not as rosy as he had imagined. He found a number of malpractices
prevailing in the department assigned to him. For example, funds under various schemes and grants were
being misappropriated. The official facilities were frequently being used for personal needs by the officers
and staff. After some time, he noticed that the process of recruiting the staff was also not up to the mark.
Prospective candidates were required to write an examination in which a lot of cheating was going on.
Some candidates were provided external help in the examination. Rameshwar brought these incidents to
the notice of his seniors. However, he was advised to keep his eyes, ears and mouth shut and ignore all
these things which were taking place with the connivance of the higher-ups. Rameshwar felt highly
disillusioned and uncomfortable. He comes to you seeking your advice. Indicate various options that you
think are available in this situation. How would you help him to evaluate these options and choosethe most
appropriate path to be adopted?
Q. The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop degradation the forest cover and to
maintain ecological balance. However, the stone mining to still prevalent in the border district of the
affected State with connivance of certain corrupt forest officials and politicians. Young and dynamic SP who
was ETHICS PAPER ANALYSIS LUKMAAN IAS 21 recently posted in the affected district promised to himself
to stop this menace. In one of his surprise checks with his team, he found loaded truck with stone trying to
escape the mining area. He tried to stop the truck but the truck driver overrun the police officer, killing him
on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. Police filed FIR but no breakthrough was achieved in the case
for almost three months. Ashok who was the Investigative Journalist working with leading TV channel, suo
moto started investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok got breakthrough by interacting with local
people, stone mining masia and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented to
the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in his investigative report the complete nexus of stone mafia
working with blessing of corrupt police and civil officials and politicians. The politician who was involved in
the mafia was no one else but local MLA who was considered to be very close to the Chief Minister. After
going through the investigative report, the CMD advised Ashok to drop the idea of making the story public
through electronic media. He informed that the local MLA was not only the relative of the owner of the TV
channel but also had unofficially 20 percent share in the channel. The CMD further informed Ashok that his
further promotion and hike in pay will be taken care of in addition the soft loan of 10 lakhs which he has
taken from the TV channel for his son’s chronic disease will be suitably adjusted if he hands over the
investigative report to him.
(a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation?
(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?
(e)In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts
where stone mining illegal activities are rampant? (2022)
Emotional Intelligence
Emotions refer to distinctive psychological states of mind that are generally instinctive and related to feelings.
There are various types of emotions, and they can be broadly categorized into positive and negative emotions.
Positive emotions include love, enjoyment, and sorrow (which can be considered positive due to its
cathartic nature).
Negative emotions encompass disgust, surprise, anger, fear, and shame. It's important to note that any
specific emotion can be a mixture of these broad types.
Role of emotions:
The role of emotions in human life is multifaceted.
Intelligence
Intelligence, on the other hand, has traditionally been associated with bookish knowledge and cognitive
abilities.
However, over time, the definition of intelligence has expanded to encompass various forms.
In addition to logical intelligence and linguistic intelligence, intelligence is now recognized in domains
such as sports, dance, music, spatial reasoning, and interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.
This broader understanding of intelligence acknowledges that individuals can excel in different areas
and possess multiple forms of intelligence.
It emphasizes the diverse ways in which people can demonstrate their intellectual capabilities beyond
academic or intellectual pursuits.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to be intelligent about emotions, including perceiving, evaluating,
regulating, managing, controlling, and utilizing them effectively.
Daniel Goleman is a renowned psychologist and author who popularized the concept of Emotional
Intelligence (EI) through his best-selling book "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ"
published in 1995. He proposed that emotional intelligence consists of five components:
3. Motivation: Being driven by personal passion and intrinsic motivation, setting and working towards goals
with resilience and optimism.
4. Empathy: Understanding and feeling the emotions of others, being able to take their perspectives, and
responding with compassion and sensitivity.
5. Social skills: Building and maintaining positive relationships, effective communication, teamwork, and
conflict resolution.
IMPORTNACE OF EI
1. Recognizing and understanding one's own emotions: An emotionally intelligent person has a high level
of emotional self-awareness. They can identify and understand their own feelings, which helps them navigate
their reactions and behaviors.
Example: When faced with a challenging situation at work, an emotionally intelligent individual takes a
moment to recognize their frustration and stress. They then reflect on how these emotions might influence
their decision-making and choose a more composed and rational response.
2. Managing one's own emotions: Emotionally intelligent individuals have the ability to manage their
emotions effectively. They can regulate their emotional responses, avoiding impulsive reactions and
maintaining control over their feelings.
Example: During a heated argument, an emotionally intelligent person consciously takes deep breaths, calms
themselves down, and chooses to respond calmly and constructively instead of lashing out in anger.
3. Empathy and understanding others' emotions: Emotional intelligence involves being able to recognize
and empathize with the emotions of others. This skill is vital for building strong interpersonal relationships and
fostering effective communication.
Example: When a friend is going through a tough time, an emotionally intelligent person actively listens,
shows empathy, and offers support, understanding the emotions the friend is experiencing without judgment.
4. Conflict resolution and congenial environment: Emotionally intelligent individuals are skilled at resolving
conflicts and creating a positive and harmonious environment. They can navigate differences in opinions,
negotiate effectively, and find solutions that satisfy all parties involved.
Example: In a team setting, an emotionally intelligent leader facilitates discussions and encourages open
dialogue, creating a safe space where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and resolving
conflicts respectfully.
5. Motivation and resilience: Emotionally intelligent people tend to remain motivated, optimistic, and resilient
in the face of challenges. They have the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive attitude.
Example: Even when faced with obstacles or setbacks, an emotionally intelligent entrepreneur maintains a
strong belief in their vision and stays motivated to find alternative solutions and move forward with
determination.
6. Importance in success: Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in achieving success, often surpassing
the importance of IQ alone. While IQ may contribute to approximately 20% of success, the remaining 80%
depends on factors such as emotional intelligence, institutions, culture, and soft skills.
Example: A manager with high emotional intelligence excels at building strong relationships with their team
members, effectively resolving conflicts, and motivating their employees. This leadership style leads to higher
productivity, engagement, and ultimately, career advancement.
Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a crucial role in addressing various societal and professional needs. Let's
elaborate on the importance of EI in different contexts:
1. Need in Society:
Anger, road rage, and hate speech: Emotional intelligence helps individuals manage their anger, control
impulsive behaviors, and promote empathy and understanding, reducing incidents of violence and hate
speech.
Suicide among children: Emotional intelligence enables adults to recognize signs of distress in children, offer
support, and create a nurturing environment that promotes mental well-being.
Fear of terrorism, criminals, and superstition: Emotional intelligence helps individuals manage fear,
differentiate between real threats and irrational beliefs, and make informed decisions based on evidence and
reason.
Parents: Emotional intelligence helps parents understand and respond to their children's emotions, fostering
healthy parent-child relationships and reducing the risk of child abuse.
Greater workload and demanding work environment: Emotional intelligence aids in managing stress,
maintaining motivation, and promoting work-life balance, preventing burnout and improving overall well-
being.
Relationships and divorce rates: Emotional intelligence enhances communication, empathy, and conflict
resolution skills, fostering healthier and more fulfilling relationships, reducing the vulnerability to divorce.
Social media impact: Emotional intelligence helps individuals navigate the digital world responsibly, avoiding
the pitfalls of clickbaits, online peddlers, and the permanent impact of words spoken impulsively.
2. Need in Profession:
Personal benefit: Emotional intelligence facilitates time management, self-assessment, and the development
of strengths while addressing weaknesses. It also promotes mental health and well-being, leading to greater
personal success and satisfaction.
Performing under pressure: Emotional intelligence equips individuals with resilience, adaptability, and the
ability to stay calm and focused during high-stress situations, enhancing performance and productivity.
Team benefits: Emotional intelligence fosters effective teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to
motivate and inspire others. It also helps create a task-oriented work environment and enhances performance
under pressure.
3. Role of Parents:
Emotional outburst: Emotional intelligence helps parents regulate their own emotions and respond calmly
and constructively to challenging situations, setting a positive example for their children.
Paying heed to children's feelings: Emotional intelligence enables parents to empathize with their children,
listen to their concerns, and address their emotional needs, reducing the risk of child abuse.
Giving too much freedom: Emotional intelligence helps parents strike a balance between granting
independence and providing guidance, promoting responsible decision-making.
Punishing vs. explaining: Emotional intelligence guides parents in using effective communication and
understanding the underlying emotions and needs of their children, facilitating a nurturing and supportive
approach.
4. Role in Administration:
Better government and public relations: Emotional intelligence enhances communication skills, allowing
administrators to build rapport, persuade, and convince people. It fosters empathy and sympathy, improving
public trust and satisfaction.
Handling conflicts and crises: Emotional intelligence equips administrators with conflict management skills,
crisis handling abilities, and the power of persuasion, ensuring effective resolution and de-escalation.
Motivation and team building: Emotional intelligence helps administrators recognize low morale, take
proactive measures to motivate employees, and create a congenial work environment that encourages
collaboration and commitment.
Impartiality and decision-making: Emotional intelligence allows administrators to make fair and unbiased
decisions based on merits rather than personal biases, promoting transparency and accountability.
Adaptability and pressure handling: Emotional intelligence helps administrators adapt to changing
situations, handle pressure, and remain calm and composed, enabling effective decision-making and crisis
management.
The importance of emotional intelligence (EI) has increased in administration due to several challenges that
have emerged in recent times.
1. Pervasive demand for improved governance: People have become more aware of their rights and have
higher expectations from the government. Emotional intelligence is crucial for administrators to effectively
address these demands, communicate with transparency, and build trust among the public.
2. Politicization of issues: With the presence of media and increased tendency for people to resort to
agitation, issues can quickly become politicized. Emotional intelligence helps administrators navigate these
politically charged environments, remain impartial, and make decisions based on the merits of the issues rather
than succumbing to external pressures.
3. Greater spotlight: The advent of Right to Information (RTI) and the influence of social media have put
administrators under greater scrutiny. Emotional intelligence assists administrators in handling public inquiries,
addressing concerns, and effectively managing communication in the age of transparency and instant
information sharing.
4. Creation of a new political class: The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Indian Constitution led to the
establishment of local self-government bodies. This has resulted in the emergence of a new political class with
diverse opinions and conflicting interests. Emotional intelligence is essential for administrators to navigate
these complex political landscapes, build consensus, and foster cooperation among different stakeholders.
5. Increased workload: Administrators face an increased workload due to various factors, including a rising
population, shortage of officers (such as the 23% vacancy rate in the Indian Administrative Service), and the
diversification of their roles to encompass development objectives. Emotional intelligence helps administrators
manage stress, prioritize tasks, and maintain their own well-being while effectively fulfilling their
responsibilities.
6. Changing societal values and social structure: Society is evolving, and with it, the values and social
structures are also changing. Emotional intelligence enables administrators to adapt to these shifts, understand
diverse perspectives, and make decisions that align with the evolving needs and aspirations of society.
To impart emotional intelligence in civil services, the following approaches and strategies can be
adopted:
1. Incorporate empathy: Emphasize the importance of empathy in understanding and connecting with the
needs and emotions of others. Training programs can include exercises and simulations that promote empathy
and perspective-taking.
2. Training programs: Implement comprehensive training programs that focus on emotional intelligence
development. These programs can include group exercises, audio-visual techniques, workshops, individual
coaching sessions, and seminars to enhance self-awareness and interpersonal skills.
3. First posting as a District Magistrate (DM): Assigning young officers to the role of a DM can provide them
with valuable experience and exposure to diverse situations. This early posting allows for mentoring and
guidance, facilitating the development of emotional intelligence skills.
4. Meditation and yoga: Encourage the practice of meditation and yoga, as these techniques promote self-
awareness, mindfulness, and stress management. They can be effective tools for managing emotions and
maintaining overall well-being.
To manage our own emotions effectively, the following strategies can be employed:
1. Self-awareness: Develop an understanding of your own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. Pay attention
to how you behave in different situations and identify triggers for your emotions. This awareness allows for
better self-regulation.
2. Channelizing emotions: Find healthy outlets for your emotions. For example, if you tend to be aggressive,
channel that energy into sports or other constructive activities.
3. Use humor: Employ humor as a coping mechanism to diffuse tension and manage difficult emotions.
Humor can help in reframing situations and reducing the intensity of negative emotions.
4. Respond rather than react: Practice responding to situations instead of reacting impulsively. Take a pause,
assess the situation, and choose a thoughtful response that aligns with your values and goals.
5. Cultivate gratitude: Develop a sense of gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your life and
acknowledging the good things around you. Gratitude helps in shifting perspective and managing negative
emotions.
6. Develop active listening skills: Pay attention to others, listen actively, and show genuine interest in their
perspectives and emotions. Active listening promotes understanding and enhances interpersonal relationships.
7. Observe and learn from body language: Pay attention to the body language of others and learn from it.
Non-verbal cues can provide valuable insights into people's emotions and help you navigate interpersonal
interactions more effectively.
8. Appreciation: Cultivate a habit of expressing appreciation and acknowledging the efforts and contributions
of others. This fosters positive relationships and enhances emotional connections.
Examples:
1. T. N. Seshan: T. N. Seshan was an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who served as
the Chief Election Commissioner of India. Known for his no-nonsense attitude and strict
enforcement of election laws, Seshan displayed emotional intelligence by remaining calm and
composed in the face of political pressure and successfully conducting free and fair elections.
2. Kiran Bedi: Kiran Bedi is a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and social activist.
Throughout her career, she displayed emotional intelligence by effectively managing law and
order situations, promoting community policing, and implementing innovative reforms. Bedi's
empathetic approach and ability to connect with people earned her respect and trust among
the public.
3. Ajit Doval: Ajit Doval is a former IPS officer and the current National Security Advisor to
the Prime Minister of India. Known for his strategic thinking and crisis management skills,
Doval has shown emotional intelligence in handling sensitive national security issues. His
ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions in high-
pressure situations has been widely recognized.
4. R. K. Laxman: R. K. Laxman was a renowned cartoonist who used his art to reflect social
and political issues in India. Through his cartoons, he displayed emotional intelligence by
capturing the sentiments and emotions of the common people, bringing important issues to
light, and fostering public awareness and engagement.
RELATED TERMS
Emotional resilience refers to the ability to maintain emotional well-being and exhibit
emotional intelligence in challenging situations. It involves effectively managing and
coping with adversity, stress, and setbacks.
Emotional resilience allows individuals to remain composed, empathetic, and make
rational decisions even when faced with highly stressful or emotionally charged
circumstances.
AI ANDEI
In the era of AI, emotional intelligence (EI) becomes even more valuable as it complements
the capabilities of artificial intelligence. Here are the benefits of EI in the age of AI:
3. Better emotional and mental well-being: AI can automate certain tasks, reducing the
burden of repetitive work on individuals. EI helps individuals navigate stress, handle
interpersonal relationships, and maintain emotional balance, contributing to better mental
health.
4. Reduced fear of job loss: Developing EI skills provides individuals with a competitive
advantage over AI. By focusing on human-centric qualities such as empathy, creativity, and
adaptability, individuals can feel more secure in their roles and less threatened by automation.
6. Lower attrition: Organizations that prioritize EI in their culture and practices tend to create
Follow US ->>> https://t.me/SOMPGUIDANCE Page 55
ETHICS
a supportive and inclusive environment. This fosters loyalty and reduces attrition rates as
employees feel valued and understood.
7. Improved public relations through AI: AI-powered technologies can enhance customer
interactions and public services. When individuals with high EI skills are involved in delivering
these services, they can create authentic connections, understand customer needs, and
provide personalized experiences, leading to improved public relations.
To strengthen human intelligence over AI, organizations and individuals can consider
the following approaches:
3. Increasing opportunities: Organizations can create new roles and opportunities that
leverage human strengths such as EI. By identifying areas where human skills are most
valuable, organizations can ensure that employees have meaningful and fulfilling work.
4. Adapting hiring, learning, and feedback programs: Traditional practices may not
effectively assess or nurture EI skills. Organizations should update their hiring processes,
learning initiatives, and feedback systems to account for EI competencies and provide
ongoing support for their development.
PYQ
In case of a crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the 2021
same without compromising the ethical and moral stand that you are likely to follow?
Critically examine. (150 words)
What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI) ? Can they be learned? 2020
discuss. (150 words)
‚Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of 2019
against you.‛ Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 words, 10m)
What does this quotations mean to you in the present context: Anger and intolerance 2018
are the enemies of correct understanding. ‚ _ Mahatma Gandhi. (150 words)
‚In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or 2018
by clear implication‛. Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of
a public servant discharging his/her duties. (150 words)
Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work life. 2016
(a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviours. (b) How
can it be managed and controlled?
All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to 2014
you? Explain with examples.
What is ’emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it 2013
help an individual in taking ethical decisions?
What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare 2013
yourself to heed to the voice of conscience?
What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you 2013
were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same.
1. Conflicts of Interest:
- Conflicts of interest arise when government officials have personal or financial interests that may
compromise their objectivity and decision-making process.
- Transparency and accountability are crucial for maintaining public trust in government institutions. They
involve openness, honesty, and the willingness to take responsibility for actions and decisions.
- Example: Releasing detailed reports and information about the utilization of public funds, including budget
allocations, expenditures, and outcomes, to ensure transparency and enable public scrutiny.
- Government institutions have a responsibility to ensure the proper and efficient use of public resources,
such as funds, assets, and facilities, for the benefit of the public.
- Example: Ensuring that government vehicles and resources are used solely for official purposes and not for
personal or unauthorized use. This practice ensures the responsible use of public resources and avoids wastage
or misuse.
- Impartiality and fairness require treating all citizens equally and providing public services without
discrimination or favoritism.
- A government official processing applications for social welfare benefits must assess each applicant's
eligibility objectively, without considering personal biases or preferences, to ensure fairness and equal
treatment.
- Protecting citizens' privacy and ensuring the secure handling of their personal information is essential for
maintaining trust and respecting individual rights.
- Example: Safeguarding citizens' personal information collected during government activities, such as census
surveys or tax filings, and ensuring compliance with data protection laws to prevent unauthorized access or
misuse of sensitive data.
-Confidentiality is crucial in certain government contexts, such as handling classified information, while
whistleblowing protects against corruption or misconduct.
- Example: Protecting the identity and confidentiality of whistleblowers who expose corruption or misconduct
within government institutions, allowing them to come forward without fear of retaliation or harm.
7. Ethical Leadership:
- Ethical leadership involves setting a positive example, promoting integrity, and ensuring ethical practices
within government institutions.
- Example: Government leaders demonstrating ethical behavior by adhering to ethical principles, practicing
transparency, and promoting integrity within the organization, fostering a culture of ethics and accountability.
- Bribery and corruption involve the abuse of power or position for personal gain, leading to unfair
advantages, erosion of public trust, and inefficient allocation of resources.
- Example: A government official accepting bribes in exchange for providing preferential treatment or
overlooking regulatory violations, compromising the integrity of the decision-making process.
- Nepotism refers to the practice of favoring relatives or friends in hiring, promotion, or decision-making,
which can undermine meritocracy and create an unfair playing field.
- Example: Appointing family members or close associates to influential positions within government
institutions, disregarding their qualifications or experience, leading to the exclusion of more deserving
candidates.
-Political interference occurs when political pressures or motivations influence the decision-making process
of government institutions, compromising their independence and effectiveness.
- Example: Politicians exerting undue influence over the judiciary to influence court rulings or interfering in
law enforcement agencies' operations to protect individuals associated with their political party.
-Government institutions often face competing priorities and interests, making it challenging to make
decisions that satisfy all stakeholders while upholding ethical standards.
- Example: Balancing environmental conservation with economic development in the context of granting
permits for industrial projects, where the government must consider the potential environmental impact and
societal benefits.
-Whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing wrongdoing or illegal activities within government institutions,
but they may face risks and retaliation for coming forward.
- Example: Establishing whistleblower protection mechanisms that safeguard individuals who report
corruption, fraud, or other misconduct from retaliation, ensuring their safety and encouraging a culture of
accountability.
-Government officials may encounter situations where their personal beliefs or values conflict with the public
interest or policies they are expected to enforce.
- Example: A government employee with personal religious beliefs opposing certain medical procedures may
face ethical dilemmas when required to administer or facilitate access to those procedures as part of their
duties.
-Fairness in resource allocation ensures that public funds and services are distributed equitably, prioritizing
the needs of disadvantaged or marginalized communities.
- Conflict of interest arises when personal interests of individuals or organizations interfere with their
professional responsibilities or decision-making processes.
- Example: A corporate executive using insider information to make personal investments, gaining an unfair
advantage over other investors.
- CSR refers to the ethical obligation of private institutions to contribute positively to society, beyond their
primary business goals.
- Example: A company knowingly polluting the environment and disregarding the health and well-being of
local communities to maximize profits.
3. Whistleblowing:
-Whistleblowing occurs when an employee or insider reveals unethical practices, misconduct, or illegal
activities within a private institution.
-Fair labor practices involve ensuring fair treatment, safety, and appropriate compensation for employees,
without exploitation or discrimination.
- Example: A garment factory paying workers below the minimum wage, violating labor laws and failing to
provide safe working conditions.
- Data privacy and security encompass protecting sensitive information of customers and stakeholders from
unauthorized access or misuse.
- Example: A social media platform selling user data to third parties without obtaining proper consent,
breaching user privacy rights.
- Private institutions have a responsibility to ensure that their products or services meet safety standards and
provide value to consumers.
- Example: A pharmaceutical company knowingly marketing a drug with harmful side effects, disregarding
the well-being of patients.
Laws, rules, regulations, and conscience serve as important sources of ethical guidance in various
contexts.
1. Laws:
- Laws are established by governing bodies to regulate behavior and ensure a just and orderly society.
- They provide a framework of rules and standards that individuals and organizations must abide by.
- Laws define what is legally permissible and enforceable, outlining rights, obligations, and penalties for non-
compliance.
- They serve as a baseline for ethical conduct, setting minimum standards of behavior.
Example: Speed limits on roads are set by law to ensure public safety. Adhering to these speed limits is both a
legal obligation and an ethical responsibility.
1. Tax laws: Adhering to tax regulations and paying taxes honestly and on time.
2. Environmental laws: Following regulations on waste management, pollution control, and conservation to
protect the environment.
3. Anti-discrimination laws: Treating individuals fairly and equally regardless of their race, gender, religion, or
other protected characteristics.
- Rules and regulations are specific guidelines and directives created by organizations, institutions, or
professional bodies to govern conduct within specific contexts.
- They provide more detailed guidance on expected behavior and practices in particular domains.
- Rules and regulations often expand upon legal requirements and may be more stringent or specific to certain
professions or industries.
Example:
Professional codes of conduct in fields like medicine or law outline ethical principles and specific guidelines for
practitioners to follow, ensuring integrity and accountability in their respective professions.
2. Financial industry regulations: Following guidelines on transparency, disclosure, and ethical behavior in
financial transactions.
3. Research ethics guidelines: Abiding by protocols for human subjects' protection, data integrity, and
informed consent in scientific research.
3. Conscience:
- Conscience refers to an individual's innate sense of right and wrong, guided by their moral and ethical beliefs.
- It is a personal and subjective source of ethical guidance, influenced by factors such as upbringing, values,
and personal experiences.
- Conscience acts as an internal compass that guides decision-making and prompts individuals to act in
accordance with their deeply held ethical principles.
EXAMPLES
1. Whistleblowing: Speaking out against wrongdoing or unethical practices within an organization to protect
the public interest.
2. Personal values: Making decisions that align with one's moral compass, such as refusing bribes or engaging
in corrupt practices.
3. Honesty and integrity: Choosing to be truthful and transparent in interactions and transactions, even when
not explicitly required by laws or rules.
ETHICAL GOVERNANCE
Ethical governance refers to the application of ethical principles and values in the processes and decision-
making of governing bodies or organizations. It involves conducting public affairs in a manner that is guided
by integrity, transparency, accountability, and the promotion of the common good.
- Example: Ensuring ethical use of public funds and resources to avoid corruption and personal enrichment
by public officials.
- Example: Implementing strict ethical standards and anti-corruption measures to address public concerns
and promote fairness and impartiality.
- Example: Providing transparent and accountable decision-making processes to mitigate abuses of power
and ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the public.
4. Political interference:
- Example: Resisting undue political pressure and making decisions based on ethical principles rather than
partisan interests or personal gain.
- Example: Demonstrating high ethical standards and integrity as public administrators to inspire trust and
confidence in the government and set a positive example for citizens.
- Example: Building trust between the government and citizens through ethical conduct, leading to more
efficient governance and better public service delivery.
- Example: Using ethical frameworks and principles to navigate complex situations where the law may not
provide clear guidance, ensuring decisions are morally sound.
- Example: Going beyond legal compliance by adhering to ethical standards that exceed the minimum
requirements, promoting a culture of integrity and ethical behavior.
- Example: Public administrators exhibiting dedication and going the extra mile in their work, demonstrating
a commitment to serving the public interest and achieving optimal outcomes.
- Example: Practicing empathy, impartiality, and sensitivity when serving vulnerable populations, such as
providing accessible services for the disabled or prioritizing the needs of disadvantaged communities.
- Example: Creating a positive work culture based on ethical principles, fostering a sense of fulfillment, and
promoting a peaceful and harmonious work environment for public administrators.
Rules, Laws:
- Minimizing discretion: Implementing clear guidelines and procedures to reduce the scope for
personal discretion in decision-making processes, ensuring consistency and fairness.
- Accountability: Holding public officials and institutions accountable for their actions, creating
transparency and discouraging unethical behavior.
Ethics:
- Code of Ethics as a Guiding Source of Light: Establishing a comprehensive code of ethics that
outlines the expected standards of behavior for public servants and provides guidance in ethical
decision-making.
- 1st posting: Assigning new civil servants to their first posting in positions that emphasize ethical values
and principles, fostering a strong ethical foundation from the beginning of their career.
- Training: Providing training programs that focus on ethics and emotional intelligence to enhance
ethical awareness and decision-making skills among civil servants.
- Practicing gratitude and talisman: Encouraging civil servants to cultivate gratitude and maintain
personal talismans as reminders of their ethical responsibilities.
- Meditation: Promoting practices such as meditation that can help individuals develop self-awareness,
emotional resilience, and ethical consciousness.
Policy:
Public Empowerment:
- Grievance redressal: Establishing effective mechanisms for citizens to report grievances and ensuring
prompt and fair resolution.
- Citizen-centric administration: Shifting the focus of governance towards addressing the needs and
concerns of citizens, enhancing transparency, and promoting participatory decision-making.
- Role of media and civil society: Encouraging active engagement of media and civil society in
monitoring and exposing unethical behavior, creating public awareness, and demanding accountability.
- Feedback: Establishing channels for public feedback on the performance and conduct of public
servants, enabling corrective actions and improvements.
- Intolerance in society for unethical behavior: Promoting a culture of intolerance towards unethical
behavior through public awareness campaigns, education, and societal norms that emphasize ethical
conduct.
- Recognizing and rewarding honest and ethical behavior through performance-based incentives,
promotions, and career advancement opportunities.
- Creating a supportive environment where officers who demonstrate integrity are acknowledged and
their contributions are valued.
CODE OF CONDUCT
- A code of conduct is a set of guidelines that stipulates acceptable and unacceptable behavior in a precise and
unambiguous manner.
- It applies to both public and private institutions, although there may be variations depending on professional
values and industry-specific requirements.
- The code of conduct primarily focuses on listing prohibitions and outlining expected standards of behavior.
- However, a code of conduct is not comprehensive in addressing all ethical concerns and challenges. The
Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) recognizes this limitation.
- As a result, the 2nd ARC recommends the development of a comprehensive Code of Ethics that encompasses
a broader set of ethical principles and values to guide the conduct of public servants and officials. A Code of
Ethics goes beyond mere prohibitions and provides a positive framework for ethical decision-making and
behavior.
Code of ethics:
- A code of ethics is a set of principles and values that govern the conduct and behavior of individuals or
professionals in a specific field or organization.
- It goes beyond a code of conduct by providing a positive framework that guides ethical decision-making and
promotes integrity, honesty, and responsible behavior.
- Core values: It outlines the fundamental principles that individuals or professionals should adhere to,
such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, and accountability.
- Professional standards: It sets forth specific standards and expectations for professional behavior and
competence within the respective field.
- Ethical obligations: It identifies the ethical responsibilities and duties towards clients, colleagues,
stakeholders, and the broader society.
- Conflict of interest guidelines: It provides guidance on managing and disclosing conflicts of interest
to ensure transparency and prevent compromising situations.
- Confidentiality and privacy: It establishes rules for safeguarding sensitive information and respecting
privacy rights.
- However, a code of ethics is not a static document. It should be regularly reviewed, updated, and
reinforced through training and awareness programs to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
Focus Specific rules and standards of behavior Broad principles and values
Scope
specific responsibilities
Ethics in international relations (IR) play a crucial role for several reasons:
Harmony: Ethical conduct in IR promotes harmony and peaceful coexistence among nations. By
upholding shared values and principles, countries can build trust, understanding, and cooperation,
reducing conflicts and promoting stability.
Promoting the common good: By working together, nations can tackle issues like poverty, hunger,
violence, and climate change, recognizing that these problems require collective action. Eg- Role in
Nepal earthquake: During the Nepal earthquake in 2015, the international community demonstrated
ethical behavior by providing humanitarian aid, support, and resources .
Interdependence of nations: Ethical conduct in IR recognizes the interdependence of nations and
encourages responsible behavior that takes into account the interests and well-being of all parties
involved.
Environment, trade, terrorism, crime: Ethical considerations are paramount in addressing global
challenges such as environmental degradation, fair trade, combating terrorism, and tackling
transnational crimes. These issues require international cooperation based on shared ethical principles
and values.
Upholding sovereignty: Ethical conduct in IR respects and upholds the sovereignty of nations. It
recognizes the rights of states to govern their own affairs while promoting responsible and ethical
behavior within their borders.
No formal authority to enforce order: In the absence of a centralized world authority to enforce
order, ethical conduct becomes even more critical. Adhering to ethical principles helps maintain
stability, resolve conflicts peacefully, and promote cooperation among nations.
Individual value systems: Ethical considerations in IR acknowledge the diversity of individual value
systems and promote tolerance and respect for different cultures, beliefs, and practices. This inclusivity
fosters understanding and dialogue between nations.
Cultural ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning "the
world is one family," reflects the ethical ideal of interconnectedness and promotes a sense of global
responsibility and solidarity.
1. Human rights violations: Political interventions and state-sponsored terrorism can lead to severe human
rights abuses, compromising the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals.
2. Refugee issue: The closure of borders by European nations to refugees fleeing war-torn areas raises ethical
questions about the responsibility to protect and provide humanitarian assistance to those in need.
3. Climate change: The inequitable distribution of climate change impacts, especially on developing nations,
raises ethical concerns. The issue of common but differentiated responsibilities and the reluctance of some
nations to acknowledge and address climate change exacerbate the problem.
4. Disarmament: The promotion of disarmament by states with significant reserves of nuclear weapons raises
ethical questions about the inconsistency between their actions and their demands on other countries.
5. Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs): The restrictive clauses of IPRs can hinder access to essential
technologies, including life-saving drugs, for developing countries. Balancing commercial interests with the
greater interest of humanity is an ethical dilemma.
6. Global commons: Issues related to zoonotic diseases, greenhouse gas emissions, governance and
conservation of Arctic, overfishing, accumulation of plastic waste, and space debris highlight the need for
ethical considerations in managing and preserving global commons.
7. Global poverty: The insensitivity of well-off nations towards global poverty and the dilemma of resource
allocation between citizens and non-citizens raise ethical concerns in addressing poverty effectively.
8. Power asymmetry at the United Nations: The undemocratic nature of the UN, particularly the veto power
held by the five permanent members, undermines the democratic principles it seeks to protect.
9. Genocide: The challenges in implementing the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine, dilemmas
regarding intervention or arming persecuted groups, and the narrow definition of genocide are significant
ethical concerns in preventing and addressing genocides.
10. Terrorism: The differentiation between "good" and "bad" terrorists based on self-interests reveals selective
and self-serving behavior by states. Allegations of human rights violations and mass killings during
counter-terrorism operations also raise ethical questions.
11. Issues with international organizations: Asymmetric voting rights and power dynamics within organizations
such as the World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank undermine fair
representation and decision-making processes.
a. Humanitarian Concern: Foreign aid is driven by the moral obligation to help those in need and alleviate
human suffering, regardless of national boundaries.
b. Historical Burden: Developed countries may provide funding to compensate for the historical
exploitation and colonization of underdeveloped nations.
c. Principle of Sacrifice: Wealthier nations have a moral duty to contribute a portion of their resources to
support those who are less fortunate.
Issues
Conditions on Funds:
o Donor countries often attach conditions to the funds they provide, limiting the recipient
countries' ability to use the money according to their most pressing needs.
o Conditional funds may come with high administrative costs, such as the requirement to hire
expensive observers or consultants.
o Grants from institutions like the World Bank and IMF may come with conditions that open
recipient countries' markets to the world, which some argue perpetuates a form of neo-
colonialism.
Other Aspects:
o Monoculturalism: Some aid programs may promote specific cultures or values, disregarding
the importance of indigenous cultures in recipient nations.
o Technology transfer: The transfer of outdated or less advanced technologies instead of
advanced ones may hinder long-term development in recipient countries.
o Corruption: There are concerns about the mismanagement and diversion of funds, resulting in
only a small percentage reaching the intended beneficiaries.
a. Democratic deficits: Major funding institutions may lack democratic decision-making processes, with
voting power concentrated among economic powerhouses and global north countries, leading to discontent
among emerging economies.
b. Global response to regional problems: The response to issues faced by developing nations may be
untimely or inadequate, leading to ongoing challenges.
c. Issues of accountability and transparency: Large funding institutions may face criticisms regarding
accountability, transparency, and backdoor diplomacy in their operations.
PYQ
Q. The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was
addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded in
agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML’s journey in the past two decades. BML had
admirably progressed from producing first generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMS) to designing and
producing state of the art ATGM weapon systems that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in
reconciliation with his assumptions that the government would probably not alter the status quo of a ban on
export of military weaponry.
To his surprise, the very next day he got a telephone call from the Director General, Ministry of Defence, asking
him to discuss the modalities of increasing BML production of ATGMS as there is a possibility of exporting the
same to a friendly foreign country. The Director General wanted the Chairman to discuss the details with his
staff at Delhi next week.
Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence Minister stated that he aims to double the current weapons
export levels within five years. This would give an impetus to financing the development and manufacture of
indigenous weapons in the country. He also stated that all indigenous arms manufacturing nations have a very
good record of international arms trade. As Chairman of BML, what are your views on the following points?
As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues involved arms trade?
List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments. (2020)
Corporate Governance
Corporate governance, which refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is
directed and controlled, plays a crucial role in ensuring that businesses are run ethically and in the best
interests of their stakeholders.
Fairness:
1. Employee Treatment: A company with strong corporate governance principles ensures fair
treatment of its employees by providing equal opportunities, fair compensation, and a safe working
environment.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Companies practicing fairness in corporate governance actively engage
with stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, vendors, and communities, seeking their input
and addressing their concerns.
Transparency:
1. Financial Reporting: Companies that prioritize transparency provide accurate and timely financial
information to shareholders and other stakeholders, enabling them to make informed decisions.
2. Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: A company with sound corporate governance practices discloses
any conflicts of interest among its directors, executives, or major shareholders, ensuring transparency in
decision-making processes.
Risk Management:
1. Risk Assessment and Mitigation: A company with effective corporate governance implements
robust risk management practices, identifying potential risks and implementing strategies to mitigate
them. This protects the interests of stakeholders and ensures the long-term sustainability of the
business.
2. Stakeholder Communication on Risks: Companies committed to corporate governance principles
communicate relevant risks to shareholders and other stakeholders, keeping them informed about
potential challenges and the company's risk management efforts.
Responsibility:
1. Board Oversight: The board of directors plays a vital role in ensuring responsible corporate
governance. They are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company, monitoring
management's performance, and making decisions that align with the best interests of the company
and its stakeholders.
2. CEO Selection and Performance Evaluation: An effective board exercises its responsibility by
recruiting and hiring a competent CEO and regularly evaluating their performance, ensuring that the
CEO acts in the best interests of the company.
Accountability:
1. Reporting and Communication: Companies with strong corporate governance practices communicate
important information to shareholders and stakeholders, such as annual reports, quarterly updates, and
shareholder meetings, to provide transparency and accountability.
2. Performance Evaluation: A company committed to accountability conducts regular performance
evaluations of the board, management, and individual directors, ensuring that they are accountable for
their actions and decisions.
1. Conflict of Interest: This occurs when managers or directors prioritize their personal interests over
the interests of shareholders. For example, the case of Chanda Kochhar, the former CEO of ICICI Bank,
approving a loan to Videocon in exchange for personal benefits to her husband.
2. Weak Board: Many companies in India have boards that lack diversity in terms of experience and
background. This weakness raises concerns about the board's ability to act in the best interests of
shareholders and ensure ethical decision-making.
4. Independent Directors: Independent directors play a crucial role in overseeing the management of
a company and ensuring ethical practices. However, there have been instances where independent
directors are perceived as being partisan and unable to effectively check unethical practices by
company promoters.
1. Diverse Boards: Encouraging diversity on corporate boards in terms of gender, ethnicity, skills, and
experience. Diverse boards bring different perspectives and enhance decision-making processes.
2. Robust Risk Management Policies: Adopting effective risk management policies that help in
identifying, assessing, and managing risks. This enables better decision-making by understanding the
risk-reward trade-offs faced by corporations.
4. Evaluation of Board's Performance: Regularly evaluating the performance of the board to identify
areas of improvement. Board evaluations can help identify weaknesses and address them through
targeted measures, such as providing training and development opportunities for board members.
- CSR refers to corporate initiatives aimed at assessing and taking responsibility for a company's environmental
and social impacts.
- The CSR provisions apply to companies meeting specific financial criteria, such as annual turnover, net worth,
and net profit thresholds.
1. Enhanced Reputation:
- Positive CSR initiatives and ethical practices can enhance a company's reputation and build trust among
stakeholders.
- Example: Patagonia's commitment to environmental sustainability and fair labor practices has garnered a
positive reputation and loyal customer base.
3. Stakeholder Satisfaction:
- CSR efforts that prioritize stakeholders' interests can lead to increased satisfaction among customers,
employees, communities, and investors.
- Example: Microsoft's commitment to privacy and data security addresses stakeholders' concerns, earning
their trust and loyalty.
1. Greenwashing:
- Some companies engage in greenwashing, where they falsely claim or exaggerate their environmental
efforts to create a positive image.
- Example: A company promoting its products as "eco-friendly" without proper substantiation or valid
certifications.
2. Ethical Controversies:
- Businesses may face ethical controversies when their actions contradict their stated values or result in harm
to stakeholders.
- Example: The involvement of certain clothing brands in exploitative labor practices in developing countries
raises ethical concerns.
3. Financial Burden:
- Implementing robust CSR initiatives and maintaining ethical standards may impose additional financial
burdens on businesses.
- Example: Companies investing in sustainable manufacturing practices might face increased production costs
initially.
4. Stakeholder Conflicts:
- Different stakeholders may have conflicting expectations or interests regarding CSR initiatives, leading to
challenges in meeting diverse demands.
- Example: A company's decision to source raw materials from a region with human rights concerns may lead
to protests and stakeholder conflicts.
1. Increased Spending: Since the introduction of mandatory CSR provisions in 2014, corporate India has
significantly increased its CSR spending. Companies spent 47 percent more on CSR initiatives in 2018
compared to 2014-15, contributing $1 billion to various causes.
2. Diverse Programs: Listed companies in India invested INR 100 billion (US$1.4 billion) in a range of
programs, including education, skill development, social welfare, healthcare, and environmental
conservation. Contributions to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund also saw a significant increase.
3. Allocation of Funds: The majority of CSR funding went towards education (38 percent), followed by
hunger, poverty, and healthcare (25 percent), environmental sustainability (12 percent), and rural
development (12 percent). Technology incubators, sports, armed forces, and inequality reduction programs
received less funding.
4. Improving Compliance: Industry research estimates that CSR compliance will improve and range
between 97 and 98 percent by FY 2019-20, considering recent amendments to CSR provisions. This suggests
an increasing commitment to meeting CSR obligations.
1. Tata Group:
- Tata Trusts' support for educational institutions and healthcare facilities, Tata Chemicals' sustainable
agriculture initiatives, and Tata Motors' community development programs.
2. Infosys:
- Infosys Foundation supports education and healthcare programs, and their 'EkStep' initiative aims to
provide quality education to underprivileged children through digital platforms.
4. ITC Group:
- ITC Group focuses on sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation.
- Their initiatives encompass rural development, women's empowerment, healthcare, education, and
environmental protection.
- The e-Choupal initiative connects rural farmers to markets through digital platforms, and their social
forestry programs promote afforestation and create sustainable livelihoods.
5. Wipro:
- Wipro Cares, their CSR arm, supports various projects like Wipro Earthian for sustainable development
education and Wipro Applying Thought in Schools for quality education.
PYQ CASE
Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It has a rocky terrain that is not suitable for agriculture,
though some subsistence agriculture is being done on small plots of land. The area receives adequate
rainfall and has an irrigation canal flowing through it. Amria, its administrative centre, is a medium-sized
town. It houses a large district hospital, an Industrial Training Institute and some privately owned skill
training centres. It has all the facilities of a district headquarters. A trunk railway line passes approximately
50 kilometers from Amria. Its poor connectivity is a major reason for the absence of any major industry
therein. The state government offers a 10 year tax holiday as an incentive to new industry.
In 2010 Anil, an industrialist decided to take benefits to set up Amria Plastic Works (APW) in Noora village,
about 20km from Amria. While the factory was being built, Anil hired the required key labour and got them
trained at the skill training centres at Amria. This act of his made the key personnel very loyal to APW.
APW started production in 2011 with the labour drawn fully from Noora village. The villagers were very
happy to get employment near their homes and were motivated by the key personnel to meet the
production targets with high quality. APW started making large profits, a sizeable portion of which was used
to improve the quality of life in Noora. By 2016, Noora could boast of a greener village and a renovated
village temple. Anil liaised with the local MLA to increase the frequency of the bus services to Amria. The
government also opened a primary health care centre and primary school at Noora in buildings constructed
by APW. APW used its CSR funds to set up women’s self-help groups, subsidize primary education to the
village children and procure an ambulance for use by its employeed and the needy.
In 2019, there was a minor fire in APW. It was quickly extinguished as fire safety protocols were in place in
the factory. Investigations revealed that the factory had been using electricity in excess of its authorized
capacity. This was soon rectified. The next year, due to nationwide lockdown, the requirement of production
fell for four months. Anil decided that all employees would be paid regularly. He employed them to plant
trees and improve the village habitat.
Critically analyse the story of APW and state the ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW as a role
model for the development of backward areas? Give reasons. (250 words)
PROBITY
QUOTES
Kalam
o If you Salute your duty then you don't have to salute anyone, but if you pollute
your duty then you will have to salute everyone
Definition
Abuse of public office for private gain. It also includes those decisions which are made due
to malafide reasons i.e. apart from those embodied in legal or administrative framework. It
includes theft as well as bribes.
Monopoly+ Discretion- Accountability-> Corruption
PROBITY
Probity is procedural integrity. It is evidence of ethical behaviour
1. Systemic Corruption: Refers to corruption deeply embedded within the system and processes of
governance. It involves widespread corruption across various institutions and sectors, such as bureaucracy,
judiciary, and politics.
Example: The "Coalgate" scam in 2012 revealed a systemic corruption scheme where coal blocks were allocated
to private companies through irregularities, resulting in significant financial losses for the government.
2. Institutional Corruption: Occurs when corruption becomes a norm within specific institutions or
organizations. It involves the misuse of power for personal gains and the distortion of institutional processes.
Example: The "Vyapam" scam in Madhya Pradesh exposed institutional corruption in the state's professional
examination board, where bribes were allegedly taken in exchange for manipulating exam results and
admissions to medical and engineering colleges.
3. Collusive Corruption: Involves collusion between public officials and private individuals or organizations. It
occurs when officials abuse their authority and collaborate with private entities for personal benefits, often
through bribery or favoritism.
Example: The "2G spectrum" scam in 2010 revealed collusive corruption between government officials,
politicians, and telecom companies. The scam involved irregularities in the allocation of 2G spectrum licenses,
leading to massive financial losses for the government.
4. Exploitative Corruption: Occurs when public officials exploit their positions of power to extract bribes or
engage in corrupt practices from vulnerable individuals or businesses seeking essential public services.
Example: Instances of bribe-taking by police officers to ignore traffic violations or grant illegal permissions are
examples of exploitative corruption at the grassroots level.
5. Petty Corruption: Involves everyday, low-level corruption where public officials demand bribes or engage in
corrupt practices to provide basic public services promptly or bypass bureaucratic hurdles.
Example: The practice of paying bribes to secure birth certificates, passports, or driving licenses, which are
routine services provided by government offices, is a common form of petty corruption in India.
6. Episodic Corruption: Refers to occasional or sporadic acts of corruption that are not deeply entrenched in
the system but occur in specific circumstances or events.
Example: Cases of corruption reported during disaster relief operations, where funds meant for affected
populations are misappropriated by officials, fall under the category of episodic corruption.
Structural Reasons:
- Human Weakness to make money without effort: Greed and the desire for personal gain motivate
individuals to engage in corrupt practices.
- Historical factors: The arbitrary use of power during colonial rule has had a lasting impact,
contributing to a culture of corruption.
- Value crisis: Decline in ethical values and moral standards in society leads to a higher tolerance for
corrupt behavior.
Institutional Issues:
- Procedural delays and Red Tapism: Lengthy bureaucratic processes and excessive regulations create
opportunities for bribery and corruption.
- Discretion in the hands of public functionaries: Wide discretionary powers granted to public
officials enable them to misuse their authority for personal gain.
- Lack of Transparency: Lack of openness and transparency in decision-making processes allows
corruption to thrive.
- Over-regulation and monopoly by the government: Dependency on subsidies and public services
creates a power imbalance, making public officials the masters of the common people.
- Electoral Funding: The need for substantial funds during elections can lead to illegal or unethical
practices in political funding.
- Excessive job security: Job security provisions that make it difficult to hold public officials
accountable contribute to a culture of impunity.
- Judicial delays and low conviction rate: Lengthy judicial processes and low conviction rates
undermine the deterrence effect and embolden corrupt individuals.
- Collusion between executives and regulators/investigators: Collusive relationships between those
responsible for oversight and the regulated entities undermine accountability.
- Political patronage: Patronage from political figures has become a prerequisite for promotions,
creating a culture of favoritism.
Demand Side:
- "Chalta Hai" Attitude: A complacent and accepting attitude towards corruption from the public
perpetuates corrupt practices.
- Highly competitive environments in various sectors create incentives for individuals to resort to
corrupt practices.
Legal Measures:
1. Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA): The PCA was enacted to prevent corruption in public offices and
punish offenders. It provides for the investigation and prosecution of corrupt practices, including bribery, abuse
of power, and misconduct.
2. Whistleblower Protection Act: This act provides protection to individuals who expose corruption and
wrongdoing in public and private sectors. It encourages citizens to come forward and report instances of
corruption without fear of reprisal.
3. Right to Information (RTI) Act: The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities,
promoting transparency and accountability. It has been instrumental in uncovering instances of corruption and
promoting good governance.
4. Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act: The act prohibits benami transactions, which involve holding
property in the name of another person to conceal the real owner. It aims to prevent illicit practices and curb
corruption related to property transactions.
Institutional Measures:
1. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC): The CVC is an apex anti-corruption agency that supervises and
monitors the functioning of government departments and public sector organizations. It investigates
corruption complaints and advises on measures to prevent corruption.
2. Lokpal and Lokayuktas: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act establishes independent ombudsman institutions at
the central and state levels, respectively. These bodies investigate corruption allegations against public officials,
including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers.
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ETHICS
3. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): The CBI is the premier investigative agency in India that tackles
corruption and other serious crimes. It conducts investigations into corruption cases involving central
government employees and public servants.
4. E-Governance Initiatives: The government has implemented various e-governance initiatives to digitize
government processes and reduce corruption. Online portals and systems, such as e-tendering, e-procurement,
and digital payment platforms, help minimize human intervention and increase transparency.
Way forward
2. Fast-track Courts: Establishing specialized courts to deal with corruption cases can expedite the legal
process and ensure timely justice. This can help in reducing delays and increasing the conviction rate.
3. Political Financing Reforms: Implementing comprehensive reforms in political financing, including stricter
regulations on political donations and transparent disclosure of funding sources, can curb the influence of
black money and corruption in elections.
4. Strengthening Whistleblower Protection: Providing stronger legal safeguards and incentives for
whistleblowers can encourage more individuals to come forward and report corruption without fear of
retaliation.
6. Promoting Digital Governance: Expanding the scope of e-governance initiatives and ensuring their
effective implementation across all government departments can reduce corruption by minimizing human
interface, improving service delivery, and enhancing transparency.
7. Public Awareness and Education: Conducting awareness campaigns and educational programs to sensitize
citizens about the negative impacts of corruption and their role in combating it can foster a culture of integrity
and ethical behavior.
Rights and freedoms: Governance should uphold and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of
individuals, including freedom of speech, expression, religion, and association.
Welfare state: Governance should have a responsibility towards the welfare and development of its
citizens, ensuring access to basic necessities, healthcare, education, and social security.
CASE STUDY
Q. You are a municipal commissioner of a large city, having the reputation of a very honest and upright officer.
A huge multipurpose mall is under construction in your city in which a large number of daily wage earners are
employed. One night, during monsoons, a big chunk of the roof collapsed causing instant death of four
labourers including two minors. Many more were seriously injured requiring immediate medical attention. The
mishap resulted in a big hue and cry, forcing the government to institute an enquiry. Your preliminary enquiry
has revealed a series of anomalies. The material used for the construction was of poor quality. Despite the
approved building plans permitting only one basement, an additional basement has been constructed. This was
overlooked during the periodic inspections by the building inspector of. The municipal corporation. In your
enquiry, you noticed that the construction of the mall was given the green signal despite encroaching on areas
earmarked for a green belt and a slip road in the Zonal Master Plan of the city. The permission to construct the
mall was accorded by the previous Municipal Commissioner who is not only your senior and well known to you
professionally, but also a good friend. Prima facie, the case appears to be of a widespread nexus between
officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builders. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow
in the enquiry. The builder, who is rich and influential, happens to be a close relative of a powerful minister in
the state cabinet. The builder is persuading you to hush up the matter, promising you a fortune to do so. He
also hinted that this matter is not resolved at the earliest in his favour there is somebody in his office who is
waiting to file a case against you under the POSH Act. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. What are
the options available to you in this situation? Explain your selected course of action. (2020)
Q. As a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, you have access to some confidential and crucial information
about policy decisions that the Government is about to announce. These decisions are likely to have far-
reaching impact on the housing and construction industry. If the builders have access to this information
beforehand, they can make huge profits. One of the builders has one a lot of quality work for the Government
and is known to be close to your immediate superior, who asks you to disclose this information to the said
2. Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would
Citizen Charter
It is an undertaking a public organisation gives to its citizens, to provide high level of services while
maintaining the standards prescribed
The concept of Citizens' Charter enshrines the trust between the service provider and its users. Six principles of
the Citizens Charter movement as originally framed, were:
Poor Design and Content: There is a lack of meaningful and succinct CC and absence of critical
information that end-users need to hold agencies accountable.
Lack of Public Awareness: Only a small percentage of end-users are aware of the commitments made in
the CC since effective efforts of communicating and educating the public about the standards of delivery
promise have not been undertaken.
No Proper Consultation: End-users, civil society organizations and NGOs are not consulted when
CCs are drafted.
o Since a CC’s primary purpose is to make public service delivery more citizen-centric, consultation
with stakeholders is a must.
Measurable Standards of Delivery are Rarely Defined: Making it difficult to assess whether the desired
level of service has been achieved or not.
Lack of Interest: Little interest is shown by the organizations in adhering to their CC since there is no
citizen friendly mechanism to compensate the citizen if the organization defaults.
Uniformity in CC: Tendency to have a uniform CC for all offices under the parent organization. CCs
have still not been adopted by all Ministries/Departments. This overlooks local issues.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Formulation of CC should be a decentralized activity with the head office
providing only broad guidelines.
Wide Consultation Process: CC be formulated after extensive consultations within the organization
followed by a meaningful dialogue with civil society.
Firm Commitments to be Made: CC must be precise and make firm commitments of service delivery
standards to the citizens/consumers in quantifiable terms wherever possible.
Redressal Mechanism in Case of Default: Clearly lay down the relief which the organization is bound to
provide if it has defaulted on the promised standards of delivery.
Include Civil Society in the Process: To assist in improvement in the contents of the Charter, its
adherence as well as educating the citizens about the importance of this vital mechanism.
A Citizens’ Charter cannot be an end in itself, it is rather a means to an end - a tool to ensure that the
citizen is always at the heart of any service delivery mechanism.
Drawing from best practice models such as the Sevottam Model (a Service Delivery Excellence Model) can
help CC in becoming more citizen centric.
Sevottam Model
The second component of the model, ‘Public Grievance Redress’ requires a good
grievance redress system operating in a manner that leaves the citizen more satisfied
with how the organization responds to complaints/grievances, irrespective of the final
decision.
Work Culture
o It is Belief, Values, and Ethos of an Organisation
o Depends on Numerous factors like Ethics of a country, morality of the individuals,
Management Style, Belief of Promoters and Shareholders,
Components
o Vision and Values - Google - Don’t be evil
o History of the organisation
o Manner of Communication
o Rewards and Recognitions
o Behaviour norm
- Unresponsiveness:
- Bureaucracy fails to address popular demands, desires, and aspirations.
- It considers itself the self-appointed guardian of public interests.
- Members adopt a "Mai Baap" (patronizing) mentality, viewing public service as a favor.
- Bureaucracy exhibits aristocratic, authoritarian, arrogant, and oppressive behavior.
- Red Tapism:
- Undue formalism and emphasis on procedures and precedents.
- Prioritizes "Procedure through proper channel" over citizen-centricity.
- Forgets that regulations exist to serve the community, not the other way around.
- Self-Perpetuating:
- Bureaucracy tends to grow in size regardless of workload.
- Civil servants increase in number, contributing to a rising bureaucratic pyramid.
- Self-aggrandizement:
- Bureaucrats prioritize personal desires and aspirations over serving the community.
- They have become masters rather than servants of the people.
- Corruption:
- Widespread allegations of bureaucratic involvement in corrupt practices.
- Corruption poses a significant obstacle to achieving excellence in public service.
- Lack of neutrality:
- Administrators are expected to be politically neutral.
- They should prioritize the constitution, the people, and development.
- However, neutrality and political impartiality have declined in practice.
- Quiet quitting
- Moonlighting
In conclusion, a positive work culture is crucial for organizational success and employee well-being. It requires
a commitment to fostering open communication, embracing diversity and inclusion, promoting personal and
professional development, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By prioritizing these aspects,
companies can create an environment where employees thrive, leading to improved productivity, innovation,
and employee satisfaction. Ultimately, investing in a positive work culture is an investment in the success and
longevity of the organization as a whole.
An apparel manufacturing company having a large number of women employees was losing sales due to
various factors. The company hired a reputed marketing executive, who increased the volume of sales within
a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual
harassment at the workplace.
After sometime a women employee launched a formal complaint to the management against the marketing
executive about sexually harassing her. Faced with the companies’ indifference, in not taking cognizance of
her grievances, she lodged an FIR with the police.
Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, the company called the women employee to negotiate.
In that she was offered a hefty sum of money to withdraw the complaint and the FIR and also give in writing
that the marketing executive is not involved in the case.
Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. What options are available to the women employee? (250
words) (20 marks)
Benefits
Corruption - Compared to a disinfectant
Accountability
Monitoring of Goals - Outcome oriented governance
Involvement of Civil Society - Democracy and Ultimate Sovereign
Credibility
SC has stated that RTI is integral to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19
Access to information
Many laws were enumerated to bring transparency in governance for sharing information to the public
by putting information in the public domain and which includes the following
Right to information Act
Ombudsman Office in the local/state level
Accountability bill for disclosure of Income and Assets
Records Management laws
Whistle Blower Protection
Right to Services Bill, 2011
RTI:
o The Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government
information.
o The basic object of the Right to Information Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and
accountability in the working of the Government, contain corruption, and make our democracy work for
the people in a real sense.
Issues
Lack of capacity in adjudicatory bodies like SIC and CIC: 80% posts are lying vacant
Lack of ownership by states has resulted in financial crunch to implement the act
Quality of information disclosed is poor.
Misuse of exemptions under Section
Official secret act to bypass responsibility
Pendency of Cases:
o Two out of 29 information commissions across the country are completely defunct,
four of them headless at the moment, and only 5% of the positions are occupied
by women.
Jharkhand and Tripura have been completely defuncted for 29 months and 15
months respectively. Manipur, Telangana, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh
are without chiefs.
o The commissions did not impose penalties in 95% of the cases where penalties
were potentially imposable.
o The report also flags concerns regarding tardy disposal rates in several
commissions and the lack of transparency in their functioning.
e-filing facility for RTI Applications:
Success stories
Adarsh society scam which led to resignation of the then Maharashtra CM relied on RTI for
revealing politicians- military officials nexus.
Public disclosure of IIM admission criteria through RTI route.
Way forward
ARC recommendations
o Replacing oath of secrecy with oath of transparency
o Allocation of separate budgets for record management
o Enactment of effective grievance redressal system will reduce the burden of
misdirected RTI applications for grievance.
Political will at the highest level.
o Under the RTI law, information commissions are the final appellate authority and are mandated
to safeguard and facilitate people’s fundamental right to information.
Transparency:
o There is an urgent need for the transparency watchdogs to function in a more effective and
transparent manner.
o The digital RTI portal (website or mobile app) can deliver more efficient and citizen-friendly
services which are not possible through conventional mode.
o This will be beneficial for both transparency seekers and the government.
Q. You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) in a government department. You are aware that the RTI Act, 2005
envisages transparency and accountability in administration. The act has functioned as a check on the
supposedly arbitrarily administrative behaviour and actions. However, as a PIO you have observed that there
are citizens who filed RTI applications not for themselves but on behalf of such stakeholders who purportedly
want to have access to information to further their own interests. At the same time there are those RTI activists
who routinely file RTI applications and attempt to extort money from the decision makers. This type of RTI
activism has affected the functioning of the administration adversely and also possibly jeopardizes the
genuineness of the applications which are essentially aimed at getting justice.
What measures would you suggest to separate genuine and non-genuine applications? Give merits and
demerits of your suggestions.
Adequate resources: Sufficient financial and human resources are necessary for maintaining quality service
delivery. For example, allocating budgetary funds for healthcare facilities and hiring an adequate number of
doctors and nurses.
Competent and well-trained staff: Providing ongoing training and professional development to government
employees ensures they have the necessary skills to deliver services effectively. For instance, offering
workshops and seminars to enhance the knowledge of teachers in the education sector.
Clear policies and procedures: Establishing clear policies and procedures ensures consistent and efficient
service delivery. An example is implementing standardized guidelines for issuing permits and licenses.
Effective communication and collaboration: Good communication and collaboration between agencies and
departments improve the coordination and delivery of services. This can be seen in disaster management
efforts where multiple agencies work together to provide relief and assistance.
Technology: Utilizing reliable and user-friendly technology improves the efficiency of service delivery. For
instance, implementing online portals for citizens to access government services and information.
Responsiveness to changing needs and expectations: Adapting to changing needs and expectations of
citizens helps improve service delivery. An example is introducing online tax filing options to meet the demand
for convenient and accessible services.
Transparency and accountability: Ensuring transparency and accountability builds trust and confidence
among citizens. For example, publicly disclosing government expenditures and procurement processes.
1. Limited resources: For example, the healthcare sector often struggles with resource constraints, leading to
inadequate infrastructure and insufficient medical personnel to meet the healthcare needs of the population.
2. Bureaucracy and red tape: For instance, obtaining permits or licenses for businesses may involve
navigating through multiple layers of bureaucratic processes, resulting in inefficiencies and delays.
3. Lack of coordination between agencies: This lack of coordination can hinder the delivery of services and
result in overlapping responsibilities or gaps in service provision. An example is the coordination challenges
between different departments involved in urban development, leading to inefficiencies in infrastructure
projects.
4. Balancing the demands of different interest groups: The Indian government faces the challenge of
meeting the diverse needs and demands of various interest groups, such as different socio-economic
backgrounds or regional disparities. This can make it challenging to allocate resources and design policies that
address the specific needs of each group adequately.
5. Technological challenges: For instance, digitalization initiatives in government services may face hurdles
like limited internet connectivity in rural areas or the need for capacity building to effectively utilize digital
platforms.
6. Political considerations: Political pressures and considerations can influence the priorities and decision-
making processes within the government, affecting service delivery.
In India, several tools and technologies have been adopted to enhance service delivery.
2. Digilocker: Digilocker is a digital platform that allows citizens to store and access their
important documents electronically. It simplifies the process of document verification and
reduces the need for physical copies, thereby improving efficiency and convenience in service
delivery.
3. Common Service Centers (CSCs): CSCs are physical service delivery points established at
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ETHICS
the village level, offering various government and financial services. They provide access to
digital infrastructure, connectivity, and skilled personnel, making government services more
accessible to rural communities.
1. Establish clear goals and performance standards: Defining specific goals and performance standards
helps ensure consistent and effective service delivery.
2. Involve citizens in the service delivery process: Engaging citizens through public consultations, feedback
mechanisms, and citizen participation can help tailor services to meet their needs and expectations.
3. Use performance data to drive continuous improvement: Regularly collecting and analyzing performance
data allows governments to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions.
4. Invest in training and professional development: Providing ongoing training and development
opportunities for government employees enhances their skills and expertise. This enables them to deliver high-
quality services.
5. Simplify policies and procedures: Streamlining complex policies and procedures reduces bureaucracy and
enhances the efficiency of service delivery.
6. Use technology to improve efficiency: Leveraging technology, such as digital platforms or automation
systems, can streamline service delivery processes and improve efficiency.
7. Foster collaboration and coordination between agencies: Encouraging cooperation and coordination
among different government agencies and departments improves service delivery.
8. Foster a culture of customer service: Creating a customer-centric approach within government agencies
ensures that employees prioritize meeting the needs and expectations of citizens.
Implementing these measures can help governments enhance the quality of service delivery, meet citizen
expectations, and improve overall governance effectiveness.