ETHICS
6. Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public
administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns
and dilemmas in government and private institutions;
laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of
ethical guidance; accountability and ethi
PUBLIC SERVICE VALUES AND ETHICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ; STATUS AND PROBLEMS
civil service values Values are not just words; values are what we live by. They are about the causes that
we champion and the people we fight for.
—former US Secretary of State John Kerry
As per the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, the foundational values of the service
are
Features of environment in India which impacts the value system for public administrator
Asymmetric power relationship - Lucky in organised sector. they hold the socio economic and political
sector
Regional imbalance - uneven development
, Huge diversity of culture
Difference in caste and religion
Ethnic unrest - Violent expression of identity
Left wing extremism
Problem areas
Weak professionalism - not enough knowledge of law
due to inadequate emphasis
harm public interest
perception about importance of the position
loss of creativity and to try out new things
failure of leadership
gradual loss of institutional memory
which is the basis of policy making
eg - bodo problem in assam - 6th schedule extended in 2003
pre 1947 it was under permanent settlement
eg - MS Randhwa
Are they different from one’s personal values
Values relate to the norms of a culture, but they are more universal and abstract than norms. In
certain cultures, norms reflect the values of respect and support of friends and family. The source
of values is an issue of substantial continuing debate in ethical philosophy and is similarly
challenged in organisational theory.
Different cultures reflect different values, and so thus individuals. It is established that values
mould and inform behaviour. Thus, they provide a basis for the achievement of organisational
aims that cannot be achieved by simply steering according to those objectives alone, and are
worthy of further consideration in the context of public service development.
For bureaucracies, adherence to high-level public service values can produce substantial public
trust and assurance. On the contrary, weak application of values or promotion of incorrect values
can lead to reductions in these essential elements of democratic governance, as well as to ethical
and decision-making quandaries.
Though a core set of public service values is necessary, it is also factual that different values apply
to different parts of the public service. As values can differ within different parts of the public
service. One of the principal tasks of managers and leaders is to synchronize, reconcile or cope
with differing values between individuals or even between parts of the organisation.
Also, there are a number of dynamics challenging traditional values in the public service. These
include new modes of governance and the fragmentation of authority, market-based reforms,
politicisation and political expectations, the growth in the use of agencies, decentralisation or
relocation, changes in human resource management and recruitment, and the advent of new
technologies and methods of information sharing.
, Process is as important as outcomes and public trust is predicated on democratic values being
represented at all stages in the decision making process. In an environment of doubts, and which is
subject to frequent structural and functional change, values offer a compass for guiding activities.
Though personal values can vary from organistaional values, it provides continuity to maintain
high standards in public.
If the work of the public service is not based on or driven by proper set of values, it may lose the
trust and respect of those who rely on it that is the public.
Ethics of public service
Ethics provide a framework for accountability between the public and administration. Ethics and values
have key role in smooth functioning of public administration system.
Significance of ethics in public administration:
Public resource utilization: ethical use of resources ensures the efficient and effective development
of society without corruption. It makes the one holding public office accountable for his/her
actions. E.g. RTI, social audits to involve public and enhance transparency in resource utilization.
The ethical standards of Impartiality and objectivity bring merit into organization. thereby,
increasing predictability, which improves economic efficiency. E.g. e-filing of tax returns, online
tenders etc.,
Outcomes for society are better when the decisions of public office holders are made fairly and on
merit and not influenced by personal and private interests. Commitment and dedication to work
improves the administration. E.g. Ramkumar IAS brought in new ideas to develop dadenggre
district of Meghalaya though personally it was difficult.
Public trust and assurance: every section of public irrespective of race, religion, caste must be
treated equitably and ethics ensures just and fair administration. E.g. protection of minority rights.
Social capital: a just and ethical administration will have credibility and ensures citizen
participation in administration. The trust thus generated makes the administration easier and
synergetic. E.g. With the credibility he garnered, Officer Armstrong Pame was able to raise funds
and labour from public and build a 100km road without the central government help.
Curb corruption: improving efficiency and break the unholy nexus between the administration and
the anti-social elements. E.g. Vohra commission mentioned that corruption is the biggest problem
deteriorating the law and order.
Adding the component of compassion to day to day works makes a lot of difference to the lives of
vulnerable sections. For instance, collector S.Shankaran IAS addressing the plight of Bonded
laborers, Reforms brought by Kiran Bedi in Tihar jail.
The administration becomes responsive to the needs and aspirations of the public. For instance,
creation of a separate public market for road side vendors before their evacuation in west Bengal.
International relations: ethical administration also helps in building rapport in international
relations and economy.
Issues
No clarity and coherence in different approaches adopted across the country
, asymmetric distribution of power
lack of accountabiity
political intereference
lack of integrity
lack of action against giant corrupt official
lack of protection to whistleblowers
Governance
Change in the way government organizations are functioning now a days
Cooperative and competitive federalism
Focus on e-governance – Direct Benefit Transfer, Geo-tagging in NREGA, online registration and
clearance etc
Participation of Private players – lateral entry in NITI Aayog, RBI, Civil Services; NGO implementing
many government schemes like ICDS etc
Nudge – is being tried by many government organizations, for instance in case of LPG subsidy.
New slogan like Sabka Saath Sabka Vikash Sabka Vishwas has made governance more inclusive
and participatory.
Effective inter-organisational cooperation through bodies like NITI Aayog, Environment Pollution
(Prevention & Control) Authority.
Efficiency and profitability – Disinvestment in loss making PSUs; government’s commitment to
Current Account Deficit etc
Has governance become more value driven today?
Yes
Rule of Law – Even the highest officials and ministers are questioned and are brought under the
law.
Transparency – Government bidding process had been made digital and transparent.
Responsiveness – few ministers have shown extraordinary responsiveness to the grievances of
people. Late External Affair minister Smt. Sushma Sawaraj even used to help people based on
complains made on twitter.
Consensus Oriented – GST council has created a platform consultation and dialogues among
Centre and states.
Equity and Inclusiveness – Expenditure of government had increased on infrastructure, agriculture
etc
Effectiveness and Efficiency – Disinvestment in loss making PSUs; government’s commitment to
Current Account Deficit etc
Accountability – RTI, Social audits, Citizens Charters has increased accountability of government
organisations.
Participation – recently National Education Policy was framed by wider consultation and
participation.
NO
6. Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public
administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns
and dilemmas in government and private institutions;
laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of
ethical guidance; accountability and ethi
PUBLIC SERVICE VALUES AND ETHICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ; STATUS AND PROBLEMS
civil service values Values are not just words; values are what we live by. They are about the causes that
we champion and the people we fight for.
—former US Secretary of State John Kerry
As per the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, the foundational values of the service
are
Features of environment in India which impacts the value system for public administrator
Asymmetric power relationship - Lucky in organised sector. they hold the socio economic and political
sector
Regional imbalance - uneven development
, Huge diversity of culture
Difference in caste and religion
Ethnic unrest - Violent expression of identity
Left wing extremism
Problem areas
Weak professionalism - not enough knowledge of law
due to inadequate emphasis
harm public interest
perception about importance of the position
loss of creativity and to try out new things
failure of leadership
gradual loss of institutional memory
which is the basis of policy making
eg - bodo problem in assam - 6th schedule extended in 2003
pre 1947 it was under permanent settlement
eg - MS Randhwa
Are they different from one’s personal values
Values relate to the norms of a culture, but they are more universal and abstract than norms. In
certain cultures, norms reflect the values of respect and support of friends and family. The source
of values is an issue of substantial continuing debate in ethical philosophy and is similarly
challenged in organisational theory.
Different cultures reflect different values, and so thus individuals. It is established that values
mould and inform behaviour. Thus, they provide a basis for the achievement of organisational
aims that cannot be achieved by simply steering according to those objectives alone, and are
worthy of further consideration in the context of public service development.
For bureaucracies, adherence to high-level public service values can produce substantial public
trust and assurance. On the contrary, weak application of values or promotion of incorrect values
can lead to reductions in these essential elements of democratic governance, as well as to ethical
and decision-making quandaries.
Though a core set of public service values is necessary, it is also factual that different values apply
to different parts of the public service. As values can differ within different parts of the public
service. One of the principal tasks of managers and leaders is to synchronize, reconcile or cope
with differing values between individuals or even between parts of the organisation.
Also, there are a number of dynamics challenging traditional values in the public service. These
include new modes of governance and the fragmentation of authority, market-based reforms,
politicisation and political expectations, the growth in the use of agencies, decentralisation or
relocation, changes in human resource management and recruitment, and the advent of new
technologies and methods of information sharing.
, Process is as important as outcomes and public trust is predicated on democratic values being
represented at all stages in the decision making process. In an environment of doubts, and which is
subject to frequent structural and functional change, values offer a compass for guiding activities.
Though personal values can vary from organistaional values, it provides continuity to maintain
high standards in public.
If the work of the public service is not based on or driven by proper set of values, it may lose the
trust and respect of those who rely on it that is the public.
Ethics of public service
Ethics provide a framework for accountability between the public and administration. Ethics and values
have key role in smooth functioning of public administration system.
Significance of ethics in public administration:
Public resource utilization: ethical use of resources ensures the efficient and effective development
of society without corruption. It makes the one holding public office accountable for his/her
actions. E.g. RTI, social audits to involve public and enhance transparency in resource utilization.
The ethical standards of Impartiality and objectivity bring merit into organization. thereby,
increasing predictability, which improves economic efficiency. E.g. e-filing of tax returns, online
tenders etc.,
Outcomes for society are better when the decisions of public office holders are made fairly and on
merit and not influenced by personal and private interests. Commitment and dedication to work
improves the administration. E.g. Ramkumar IAS brought in new ideas to develop dadenggre
district of Meghalaya though personally it was difficult.
Public trust and assurance: every section of public irrespective of race, religion, caste must be
treated equitably and ethics ensures just and fair administration. E.g. protection of minority rights.
Social capital: a just and ethical administration will have credibility and ensures citizen
participation in administration. The trust thus generated makes the administration easier and
synergetic. E.g. With the credibility he garnered, Officer Armstrong Pame was able to raise funds
and labour from public and build a 100km road without the central government help.
Curb corruption: improving efficiency and break the unholy nexus between the administration and
the anti-social elements. E.g. Vohra commission mentioned that corruption is the biggest problem
deteriorating the law and order.
Adding the component of compassion to day to day works makes a lot of difference to the lives of
vulnerable sections. For instance, collector S.Shankaran IAS addressing the plight of Bonded
laborers, Reforms brought by Kiran Bedi in Tihar jail.
The administration becomes responsive to the needs and aspirations of the public. For instance,
creation of a separate public market for road side vendors before their evacuation in west Bengal.
International relations: ethical administration also helps in building rapport in international
relations and economy.
Issues
No clarity and coherence in different approaches adopted across the country
, asymmetric distribution of power
lack of accountabiity
political intereference
lack of integrity
lack of action against giant corrupt official
lack of protection to whistleblowers
Governance
Change in the way government organizations are functioning now a days
Cooperative and competitive federalism
Focus on e-governance – Direct Benefit Transfer, Geo-tagging in NREGA, online registration and
clearance etc
Participation of Private players – lateral entry in NITI Aayog, RBI, Civil Services; NGO implementing
many government schemes like ICDS etc
Nudge – is being tried by many government organizations, for instance in case of LPG subsidy.
New slogan like Sabka Saath Sabka Vikash Sabka Vishwas has made governance more inclusive
and participatory.
Effective inter-organisational cooperation through bodies like NITI Aayog, Environment Pollution
(Prevention & Control) Authority.
Efficiency and profitability – Disinvestment in loss making PSUs; government’s commitment to
Current Account Deficit etc
Has governance become more value driven today?
Yes
Rule of Law – Even the highest officials and ministers are questioned and are brought under the
law.
Transparency – Government bidding process had been made digital and transparent.
Responsiveness – few ministers have shown extraordinary responsiveness to the grievances of
people. Late External Affair minister Smt. Sushma Sawaraj even used to help people based on
complains made on twitter.
Consensus Oriented – GST council has created a platform consultation and dialogues among
Centre and states.
Equity and Inclusiveness – Expenditure of government had increased on infrastructure, agriculture
etc
Effectiveness and Efficiency – Disinvestment in loss making PSUs; government’s commitment to
Current Account Deficit etc
Accountability – RTI, Social audits, Citizens Charters has increased accountability of government
organisations.
Participation – recently National Education Policy was framed by wider consultation and
participation.
NO
