Explains the meaning of two interrelated but distinct concepts of ethics and morality,states its need for public servants and the ways a public servant should pursue his career by following ethical principles of behaviour
2. Introduction
What is morality
What are ethics
Why need them
What they entail
Conclusion
3.
4. Ethics and morality are two interdependent but distinct
concepts at conceptual as well as at practical levels
They are the basic foundations of any individual, an
organization or a civilization for survival and growth.
Greek –character is destiny aptly describes this
fundamental truth
If you cannot stand for something, you will fall for anything
5. Personal norms and values about good and bad, your
beliefs about fundamentals
Your own behaviour and the one you expect from
others
Product of your life experience, knowledge and
training
Can differ from person to person even in one social
setup
However there are certain moral values which are
universal
6. Norms and values of an organization, normally
formalised in the shape of codes
Expected conduct and behaviour of the members
of that group
Can differ from personal moral values but not
substantially from universal morality in case of
ethical organizations
Up to a certain level, ethics and morality are the
same-honesty, integrity, transparency, fair play
are the universal norms
7. It is the highest value which distinguishes humans
from animals, a basic denominator not the highest
pedestal.
It is also a legal requirement -you signed an affidavit
to remain honest throughout your career.
It is also a social obligation-society expects highest
moral standards from its paid servants.
It is constitutional duty- you took an oath under a
constitution and all the service framework is based
on constitutional provisions, underpinning ethical
behaviour
8. 1.Ethical standards for public service should be clear
2.Ethical standards should be reflected in the legal
framework
3.Ethical guidance should be available to public servants
4.Public servants should know their rights and
obligations when exposing wrongdoing
5.Political commitment to ethics should reinforce the
ethical conduct of public servants
6.Decision making process should be transparent and
open to scrutiny
9. 7.There should be clear guidelines for interaction between the public
and private sectors
8.Managers should demonstrate and promote ethical conduct
9.managemen policies,procedures and practices should promote
ethical conduct
10.public service conditions and management of human resources
should promote ethical conduct
11.adequate accountability mechanisms should be in place within the
public service
12.approprite procedures and sanctions should exist to deal with
misconduct
(OECD Guidelines for Public Service )
10. Giving best of you
Ends do not justify means
Conflict of Interest and roles
Confidentiality of state secrets
Application of merit principle
Transparent public dealing
Personal morality vs. organizational ethics
Financial prudence and integrity
11. Public service is a trust; not putting in your best
efforts is a breach of trust
Working according to job description is your
duty, working beyond is ethics
Work is honour; salary is not its compensation
Life long learning is must to improve your
competency and giving best of you
12. Yes, they don’t ! Never fall prey to shortcuts
Only self-alienated person mixes the both
Do not rationalise your procedural lapses by
successful execution of a plan
Do go for positive interpretation of rules
provided the spirit of the legislation is intact
13. Do not deal with any case where your own, or
your friends' or family’s interest are involved.
Do not accept any assignment which conflicts
with your job description
If you want to do business/consultancy, seek
permission and take leave
14. There may be certain moral values which you prefer
but if they are in conflict with the organization, then
you have to follow these. It is ethical behaviour
You are bound by the rules of the game not by your
own moral values how high they may be
In case of conflict between your personal morality
and organizational ethics, the latter will be your
guiding principles not your own set of values
15. You are bound by the law to keep state secrets to
yourself
Access to Information Act is applicable to non-
classified information only
Loose talk about cases you deal is unethical
Giving off-the-record information to press is
also unethical and immoral
Settle your score by writing dissenting notes on
files ,not through press leakage
16. Always apply the merit principle-whether
recruiting, posting or appointing a person
Or making any decision about a career,
contract or award without any fear or favour
Non-discrimination-on the basis of
gender, religion, caste, except where bound by
law
Besides being right in itself, in these days of
judicial activism, media exposure and civil
society intrusion, your career and reputation
depends on your being ethical
17. Transparency in public dealing is the essence
of ethical behaviour
Withholding information with mala fide
intentions is as criminal as taking bribe
There is a thick red line between transparency
and confidentiality-the intention
18. Acceptance of gifts by public for any reason
is totally forbidden
Deposit them with the concerned ministry in
case given by the foreigners
Elaborate rules exit for purchasing these gifts
if you feel a fancy for any gift
Misusing public funds for personal gain or
use-avoid it
19. Ethical behaviour is contagious
Your example will be quoted and followed
Leave better examples to be followed
Notas do Editor
A vegetarian posted in a livestock department or a pacifist judge posted in a country where death penalty is permitted