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SCORE

Answer Writing
Workbook

Ethics
Section-A
by
Manoj K. Jha

st
Offc. No. 6, I Floor, Apsara Arcade, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-5, (Karol Bagh Metro Gate No. 5)
9953595114, 9873245114
Objective
By analyzing the pattern of marks in Ethics from the past few
years, Ethics (Paper 4) play an important role in the final
selection.
On the same time it proves to be fatal for few, just because of
lack of objectivity in answer writing.
The flaw is not due to lack of information, its more about
analyzing the dimensions related to the topics.
A good Mains answer requires just three things:
Interpretation + Articulation + Objectivity. Interpretation
of question - to get the correct dimension out of it and bringing
Objectivity in the answer by sticking to that dimension only has
become a challenge. Aspirants should be clear in his/her
thoughts and design the answer with proper introduction, text
body and conclusion in an articulated manner.
Thus, we have come up with the concept of Ethics Workbook,
in which we are providing practice questions for Section A with
model answers. The questions are divided in the set of 10
questions each which covers all the topics of the syllabus.
The answers are written in form of Thinking Line rather than
complete answer to place the aspirant in right thinking
direction so that he/she may be able to grasp the requirement of
question and how to approach the answer in objective and
articulated manner.

All the best !!!

PREFACE
Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-1

Q1. Tolerance is treated as one of the main principle of Modern Democratic Rule.
(a) What do you mean by "Tolerance" and discuss its importance in public service?

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(b) Being a civil servant, how can you initiate the culture of tolerance in your
organization?

Q2. Explain with example that for the development of social harmony, harmony within
oneself by resolving inner conflicts is more important. Being a civil servant what steps
can you take to maintain inner harmony?
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Q3. People generally get true happiness by having meaning and purpose in lives, but they
work for short term pleasures more. Do you think that peer and social pressure is
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keeping people out of getting true happiness in life?

Q4. "Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all others". Do you agree and
why? What are the two most important things in your life that you are grateful for?

Q5. 'The rise of individualism, and the central role accorded to it has had many other ill
effects at the societal level'. In the light of this statement do we need to examine the
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basic tenants of individual freedom? If yes then how?


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Q6. Do you agree that not only a decent minimum living wage for the people should be
fixed but also a limit is to be fixed for the maximum income? What is the advantage and
disadvantage of this argument?

Q7. What is the important connection between intellectual virtue and virtue of character?
What are the benefits when the two combine and what benefits it may provide to the
public servants?

Q8. When being extraordinarily cunning, deceptive, vengeful, arrogant help people to succeed
in a society, how can we get rid of machinations, hypocrisy and double-speakto promote
traits like, straightforwardness, honesty and politeness which make a society much
more livable? Analyse.

Q9. What are the significant changes brought on the attitude of people by an enlightened
society? How society can have a significant contribution in changing the attitude of
some people who believe in gender preference?

Q10. Explain the following in 75 words each.


(a)' Corruption' ultimately makes democracy dysfunctional.
(b) Progressive decline in standards of 'Public Duty'
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [1]
Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-2

Q1. Explain why following should be treated as misconduct as per central civil services
(conduct) Rules 1964?
(a) An employee writing letter to Governor of his state making allegation against 'head'
of his office.

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(b) A civil servants doing a part time job in an educational institution.

Q2. 'Ethical analysis of a problem is usually sidelined because it goes against the interests
of both the politicians and civil servants. Comment.
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Q3. 'Citizen Charters are a proactive approach to good governance.' Critically examine.
Suppose you become the head of district transport office. How you will display your
proactive approach in this respect?
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Q4. What is the difference between 'Responsibility' and 'Accountability'? How the
administration could be made more accountable to citizens?

Q5. What are the major factors which affect 'Ethics in International Relations'? Do you think
that United Nations Organisation has played its role well in promoting 'Ethics in
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International Relations'?

Q6. Explain 'Corporate Accountability'. Is it justifiable that government should take various
initiatives to bring Corporate Accountability?

Q7. For global funding, donor institutions insist for various conditions. What are those
conditions? Do you justify these Aid Conditionalities?

Q8. What you mean by honesty? How this value will help you to make a good Civil Servant?

Q9. Differentiate between Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics. Why implementation of
Code of Conduct has failed in government organisations?

Q10. Wisdom, compassion and courage are the three universally recognised moral qualities
of men. (Confucius). But with respect to civil service a sense of public service interest
is more important. Do you agree?

[ 2 ] Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude


Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-3

Q1. Most of the social thinkers and reformers realised that the surest way for the salvation
of the oppressed and untouchables lies in higher education, better employment and
better ways of earning a living. Now that improvement is occurring due to urbanization

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and not by social workers. Do you agree? Give you viewpoint.

Q2. "The corrupt have many masters. The honest serve none". In the light of this statement,
discuss the reasons for decrement of ethics in the public service.
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Q3. 'Silence is a big enemy of morality. Speak out when there is some injustice taking place
in front of you and if you fails to do so you are equally responsible for it whether you
are pointed out for the same or not'. Explain the relevance of the above statement in the
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context of a dynamic and emerging society like India.

Q4. "If you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you
can shape the world to your own desires". Comment.

Q5. Every day we face problems. Techno-economic human beings are skilled to solve various
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problems. However, Problem-preventing values have more importance than Problem


solving skills. Do you agree? Substantiate your opinion with suitable illustration.
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Q6. Most of the festivals in the country are fast deteriorating into opportunities for fun and
entertainment mixed with the western style of celebration. The cultural aspects of our
festivals are being ignored, which eventually leads to depleting the essence of Indianness.
Do you agree? Give reasons.

Q7. Serving the nation and people does not require big power and big money. It can be done
from wherever you are and whatever you do. Is this idea a practical idea or only a high
moral ground which is never realisable?

Q8. Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating and reforming the society.
Examine the statement in the context of being an agent of change and progress.

Q9. What is trust? How is trust sustained? Why does trust matter in public relations as well
as private relations?

Q10. Leadership is one of the essential determinants for values in organization. Describe
how effective leadership can raise the ethical standards of an organization?

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [3]


Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-4

Q1. "An honest civil servant without effectiveness is like a soldier without gun". Explain the
essence of this statement in the context of recent trend developing among working of
honest civil servants.

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Q2. Discuss the acquaintances between ethics and professionalism in public service. Suppose
you are heading one division of PWD; what steps will you take to sustain ethics alongwith
professionalism in your department?

Q3. Emotional intelligence adds more qualities that make an individual more humane.
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Discuss those qualities and their importance in the public service.

Q4. Explain the ethical issues about the following in not more than 75 words each.
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(a) 'Orthodox loyalty' to superiors in administration.


(b) Self-imposed morality v/s state imposed laws.

Q5. What are the different forms of corruption? List out some of the factors that have made
corruption, 'low risk and high gain'.
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Q6. "Anger is just anger. It isn't good. It isn't bad. It just is. What you do with it is what
matters." In light of this statement and the fact that anger comes very naturally to many
of us, give ways in which it can be used constructively and how can it be managed?

Q7. Define 'wisdom'. Why we require more wise persons in administration than intelligent
ones?

Q8. Discuss how citizen's participation in governance could be conceptualized. After getting
into civil service, suppose you become Police head of a district. How will you involve
people in improving law and order in the district?

Q9. Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. What is your
dream and the biggest fear in your life? What steps have you taken to achieve your
dream while overcoming your fear?

Q10. According to you, for a civil servant what is more important "being empathetic" or
"being compassionate" towards weaker section? Give arguments to justify your views.

[ 4 ] Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude


Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-5

Q1. What is the relation between 'Intention' and 'Behaviour'? Why a police officer who is
investigating a criminal case should look into the aspect of 'intention'?

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Q2. Humility is the mother of all virtues, purity, charity and obedience. Comment. Do you
consider yourself humble? How can you prepare yourself to become more humble?

Q3. Today's civilization committed to the quest for continually improved means to carelessly
examined ends. Illustrate.
O
Q4. Values are the very core of our behaviour, the motive force of our lives. Substantiate
with example.
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Q5. (a) Happiness is not the goal of human striving. It is a consequence of pursuit of
goodness. Comment.
(b) In the context of defence services, bravery demands readiness to even lay down one's
life in the battlefield. According to you what does bravery implies in daily life?

Q6. "There is one and only one social responsibility of business - to use its resources and
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engage in activities designed to increase its profits so long as it stays within the rules
of the game, which is to say, engages in open and free competition without deception
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or fraud"-Milton Freidman. Critically examine this statement and elaborate on the present
prevalent thinking on Corporate Social Responsibility.

Q7. "Civil Servants should be fully aware of office politics, however they should be
minimally concerned about it". Critically examine the statement.

Q8. There are various ethical concerns and dilemmas before public administrators. What
are the major sources of ethical guidance and how you prepare yourself to resolve
various dilemmas with the help of these sources?

Q9. The Indian view of work depicts it as worship and act which is done for the betterment
of common good rather than individual, but in reality it is quite opposite since time
immemorial. Why?

Q10. Persuasion is a potent weapon in hands of civil servants. Critically examine. Illustrate
through example.

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [5]


Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-6

Q1. Free and fair elections are important for maintenance of political justice. Describe the
work of few administrators for facilitating political justice in India. Also discuss the
significance of it to the marginalised section of society.

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Q2. Emotional intelligence in recent times has become the buzzword for determining the
success of a person. Do you agree? If yes, mention the steps you have taken in your life
to develop emotional intelligence.

Q3. 'Emotions are not hurdles but are facilitators and help to become a very beautiful
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person'. Elaborate.

Q4. An attitude of contentment is an antidote to the tendency of consumerism. Do you agree


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with this idea of contentment? Substantiate.

Q5. Bureaucratic morality in any society is but a mirror of the political morality prevailing
there in. Illustrate with examples.

Q6. Sustenance of human value, ethics and morals in human society is an important goal.
The duties leading to rights or from-me-unto-others sequence are decidedly a more
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effective and meaningful educational philosophy to follow. Explain.

Q7. Freedom without responsibility becomes license, and responsibility without freedom, a
burden. Comment.

Q8. Climate change has been described as a perfect 'moral storm'? Critically analyze.

Q9. What could be the influence of a civil servant's private life on his/her Public life? How
would you prepare yourself to separate the two?

Q10. Explain any four of the following with respect to the Civil Services:
a) Consistency
b) Uprightness
c) Altruism
d) Selflessness
e) Commitment

[ 6 ] Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude


Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-7

Q1. Following are the two quotations of the moral thinkers/philosophers. What they mean
to you and how are they still relevant in the present situation?

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(a) 'Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties
disappear and obstacles vanish into air'.
(b) 'The king should surrender his individuality in the interest of his duty'.

Q2. Explain 'Ethics of Duty'. What could be consequences when citizens do not perform
'civic duties'? O
Q3. What is the role of society in inculcating values? Is it correct to say that 'selfishness' is
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bringing adverse effect on society?

Q4. Explain the following in context with 'civil services'.


(a) Gratitude
(b) Magnanimity
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(c) Humility

Q5. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good man to do nothing". Explain
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in the context of recent trend fast developing among working of honest civil servants.

Q6. How ability to regulate emotions is developed and what are its benefits, especially to
a civil servant?

Q7. What are the characteristics of 'Corporate Excellence'? Discuss some of the provisions
of new Company Act 2013.

Q8. How 'professional loyalty' can bring a positive work culture in an organization? What
are the after effects of poor professional loyalty of the civil servants?

Q9. Below are the quotations of moral thinkers/philosopher. What are your views of them
and how they are relevant to present day situation?
(a) 'Communal harmony is especially relevant to national integration' - M.K. Gandhi.
(b) 'What you do not, wish done to yourself, do not do others'. - Confucius.
(c) The execution of the laws is more important than the making them. - Thomas
Jefferson'

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [7]


Q10. Explain 'Emotional Competencies'. What are the significant emotional competencies of
the following:
(a) Law enforcement officer
(b) Tax collector

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[ 8 ] Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude


Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-8

Q1. Explain the following in the context of a Civil Servant.


(a) Self control

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(b) Conscientiousness
(c) Trustworthiness
(d) Rigidity
(e) Building bonds
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Q2. Discuss the various functions of attitude with suitable examples.

Q3. What had been the views, of Lord Buddha on 'Right livelihood'? Why it is relevant even
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today?

Q4. Given below are four quotatations of moral thinkers/philosophers. What they mean to
you and why they are still relevant?
(a) 'The proceeds of land and property tax should be invested in a welfare system'
(Thomas Paine)
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(b) 'Those who do ill shall suffer more if they are not caught than those that are' (Boethius)
(c) 'The king should surrender his individuality in the interest of his duty' (Kautilya)
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(d) 'Prayer should not ridicule forms of worship of other creeds' (Raja Ram MohanRoy)

Q5. Discuss the concept of law. Why the citizens are bound to obey the law and under what
circumstances, they need not obey the law of the land?

Q6. How would you classify the conscience? Suppose an old man has a pension claim before
a civil servant and according to law it is a doubtful claim, what he should do and why?

Q7. Do you agree that 'Aid Conditionalities' imposed by International Financial Institutions
have promoted international ethics? Suppose a road project has to be sanctioned in any
part of the country by World Bank, what will be minimum expectations of the bank?

Q8. Explain the ethical issues about the following in not more than 70 words each.
(a) 'Work ethics' in government.
(b) 'Maxim of fusion' of self and organisation.
(c) 'Orthodox loyality' to superiors in adminstration.
(d) 'Accountability'
(e) Self-imposed morality v/s state imposed laws.

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [9]


Q9. What are the salient features of a 'positive work culture'? What could be the after
effects of a negative work culture, in an organization?

Q10. Why 'integrity' in civil services is essential? How a team is benefitted when leader is
of unimpeachable integrity?

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[10] Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude


Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-9

Q1. Explain the following in respect of civil services -


(a) Demonstrative leadership

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(b) Righteousness
(c) Altruism
(d) Selflessness
(e) Commitment
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Q2. What are the obstacles that one has to encounter in performing human action? Illustrate
with suitable examples.
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Q3. 'Is it correct to say that great leaders, reformers, and administrators could out - shine
only because they loved their people'. Illustrate through a suitable example.

Q4. Shrewdness and cleverness are considered as hallmark of an efficient administrator,


but probity is put above this. A philosopher has said in this regard, "Take from a man
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his reputation for probity, and the more shrewd and clever he is, the more hated and
mistrusted he becomes." Examine.
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Q5. Corruption, embezzlement, fraud, these are all characteristics which exist everywhere.
It is regrettably the way human nature functions, whether we like it or not. What
successful economies do is keep it to a minimum. No one has ever eliminated any of
that stuff. Do you agree? Give reasons.

Q6. Suicide rate among the youth and especially students are increasing in India. Education
is to be blamed for this to a great extent. Education is today imparting attributes needed
for competition and existentialist requirements in the market place and it is failing to
give us eternal values like courage, character, patience, perseverance, endurance, hon-
esty, integrity, etc. Do you agree? Give reasons.

Q7. Discuss the positive correlation between economic development of a country with the
level of ethics in governance system.

Q8. 'Freedom and liberty are genuine aspirations of the people in a democracy. But without
reasonable restrictions and self discipline there is a danger that we may end up in an
unprincipled anarchy.' Examine the above statement in view of some of the recent
happenings in the country.
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [11]
Q9. 'Morality which depends upon the helplessness of a man or woman has not much to
recommend it. Morality is rooted in the purity of our hearts'. Explain the statement in
the context of the behavioural traits of citizens including politicians, bureaucrats and
common men in India.

Q10. Free flow of information for citizen empowerment should be accompanied by proper
utilisation of information. Discuss the steps required for increasing the capability of
individuals for utilising information properly.

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[12] Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude


Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-10

Q1. The ethics is concerned with the morality of human action which should be
knowledgeable, voluntary and done by free will. But if a civil servant even under the
pressure of politician gets involved in scams, then will it be an unethical conduct on the

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part of the civil servant? Discuss by giving your viewpoint.

Q2. "There is a common belief that many things in India have become very disorderly and
ugly and have deteriorated beyond repair so much so that there is a common respite that
now nothing could be done for change, things will move only on their natural pace. But
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great Indian spiritual guru Swami Vivekananda believed that it is our own mental
attitude and thoughts which make things beautiful or ugly and so we should learn to
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see things in the proper light". In the light of the above statement explain how is it
possible to change things for better in our country by citing some appropriate examples.

Q3. Dedication and motivation can get people far in life. Motivation turns into dedication
and dedication turns into success. List the steps needed to keep the civil servants
motivated to achieve the goal of welfare of the society.
S

Q4. Do you agree that the long legacy of unethical practices in governance in India has
enhanced the tolerance level for administrative immorality? Discuss with examples and
G

also suggest the steps needed for improving administrative morality.

Q5. "True character is revealed in adversity". Discuss the statement in light of the various
challenges that public service throws upon public servants? How would you respond to
them?

Q6. A group of voters were dissatisfied with a candidate because of various acts of omission
and commission. Unfortunately the candidate was from the same community as that of
the group. Other communities voters were also dissatisfied with the candidate and
hence the group wanted to go with them in order to please them. However on the date
of polling, caste factor played the decisive role hence the group could not go against the
candidate, because of his social background. How would you explain that attitude
determines behaviour?

Q7. Outside obligation on the public servant to be ethically and morally correct fails to
improve ethics in public service rather the conscience of individual needs to been
lightened. What steps will you take to enlighten your conscience for acting ethically
correct while in service?

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [13]


Q8. In an organization there are two types of people. One who don't work properly and
other who want to do work but not allowed to do so either due to internal or external
pressure. Discuss the attitude of these two types of people. Discuss the importance of
attitude management in moulding people's behavior toward following of one's duty.

Q9. If an individual want to grow up as successful human being one essential thing is to
have rational thinking. What does rational thinking means to you? Is it just controllin
gone's emotion or something else? Discuss with example.

Q10. What precautions are needed while criticizing the performance of work of subordinates?
Suppose you are head of a disaster management team and have assigned the work of
distribution of foodgrain to one of your subordinates, which he could not handle properly.
How will you comment on his performance?

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[14] Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude


Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-11

Q1. There has been surge of interest in spirituality both at the personal level and at the
workplace. What is spirituality? Do you think there is a relationship between productivity
and spirituality?

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Q2. What do you understand by the term personal effectiveness? Explain the role of self-
awareness in enhancing personal effectiveness.

Q3. 'There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving and that your
own self'. Comment.
O
Q4. Human society is today creating more problems than skills can solve, only human
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values & ethics can reduce problem creation. Illustrate your opinion.

Q5. Real freedom is of the mind and spirit, it can never came to us from the outside.
Analyse.

Q6. 'The quality of our life would be certainly poorer without aesthetic value'. Comment.
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Q7. Doing morally correct things can solve many problems associated with poverty.
Substantiate your view with suitable illustrations.
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Q8. The deepening value crisis in the contemporary Indian society is casting its evil in all
walks of life. Analyze.

Q9. 'Dis-value among public servants ultimately makes democracy dysfunctional'; corruption
is just one example of it. Analyze.

Q10. What do you mean by honesty? How this value will help you to become a good Civil
Servant?

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [15]


Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Test-12

Q1. Explain with examples how Whistle-blowing is both an ethical and unethical act if seen
in different perspectives?

Q2. People generally teach their children how to read, write, speak but never teach how to

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develop a positive thought process. Discuss the importance of teaching a healthy thinking
process. Why generally it has taken a back seat in the learning process?

Q3. As organization is made up of human resource hence social constraints & culture play
a more important role than the mere management principles. How can integration
O
between the two shall be introduced in the organization to maintain healthy work
culture?
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Q4. Temperance and Prudence fetch respect from colleagues rather than the high intellectual
level. Do you agree? Illustrate with example.

Q5. The crisis of ethics in public life is more because of attitudinal problem of public
servants rather than organisational ineffectiveness. Critically analyse.
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Q6. For the proper maintenance of law and order, a policeman should consider himself as
a citizen with uniform and a citizen as a policeman without uniform. Discuss.

Q7. What do you mean by 'Perseverance'? Explain with examples. How can you prepare
yourself to achieve this attribute in order to become a successful civil servant?

Q8. Without leadership from the top, any attempt to achieve major ethical reforms in an
organisation is bound to fail. In the light of this statement, elaborate on the leadership
role displayed by Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore.

Q9. "A commitment to the common good could bring us together and solve the deepest
problems of this country and the world now faces". Critically analyze.

Q10. "Knowledge is power, but it is power for evil as much as for good. It follows that,
unless men increase in wisdom as much as in knowledge, increase in knowledge will
be increase in sorrow." Do you agree? Illustrate.

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Ethics Workbook

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

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Test-13

Q1. "The world becomes completely our own when it comes within the range of our emotions".
Elaborate with examples.

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Q2. In order to enter politics and become an effective participant in transforming society,
one has to win an election, but to win an election he must sully his hands. In this way,
his genuinely noble objective is tainted much before he has an opportunity to realize
it. Why establishment of ethical framework in politics has become a distinct dream?
O
Q3. The theory of utilitarianism has been criticized for many reasons. Critics hold that it
does not provide adequate protection for individual rights, that not everything can be
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measured by the same standard, and that happiness is more complex than reflected by
the theory. However, in an era today some have characterized it as "the age of self-
interest", utilitarianism is a powerful reminder that morality calls us to look beyond the
self to the good of all. Analyse.

Q4. What is self realisation? Do you think it is important to achieve self realisation for
every person? If yes, why and if no, why not? Explain its relevance and importance with
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respect to public service.


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Q5. Differentiate between treating a work 'as a job', 'as a career' and 'as a calling'. How
would you like to treat your aspiration of being a civil servant?

Q6. Opportunities are those gateways to success and fulfilment that open up often but
people generally fail to recognize it. What are the major barriers in recognizing the
opportunities and what can you do to improve your ability of noticing new opportunities?

Q7. Political corruption differs from other type of corruptions because its unethical affects
demoralizes the entire fabric of the society, which is doomed in poverty, illiteracy and
backwardness. Illustrate.

Q8. What is the difference between a 'Professional' approach and 'Vocational' approach of
the civil services? Of the two, which one will be preferred by you and why?

Q9. Not only the right ideas, right resources and right timing to realize our goals are required
but we also need to have right people and right institutions at right places for that.
Explain this idea in the context of Indian development experience in the post economic
reform phase.

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [17]


Q10. Human beings are the only animals who have to work; other animals make their livings
by living. Today people work like crazy, thinking that they have to work assiduously
in order to stay alive, but this takes a toll on the quality of their work and life as well
as creativity. It would be good to give up that way of thinking and live an easy,
comfortable life with plenty of free time. Do you agree? How do you see this statement
in terms of work-life balance?

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ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.1
1. Tolerance is treated as one of the main principle of Modern Democratic Rule.
(a) What do you mean by "Tolerance" and discuss its importance in public service?
Thinking line:

E
Tolerance means to tolerate or put up with differences. It means showing respect for the
race, religion, age, gender, opinions, and ideologies of other people or groups.

OR
This concept means different things to different people, but it is when something is disagreeable,
tolerance is expected, and in more politically correct cultures, it is well demanded.
It does not mean that a person has to accept or embrace words, actions, or ideas that are
against his or her values or beliefs. It simply means that each person agrees to respect the
others right to his or her feelings on the matter.
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For public services tolerance is very important because a civil servant takes an oath of
allegiance to the Constitution of India at the time of joining service; if he does his job in the
spirit of this oath he is bound to work for the rights and advancement of all sections of
society equally with respect. This respect fosters a climate and a working environment,
sensitive to the needs of all.
Tolerance also helps employees build bridges and capitalize on the differences present in the
organisation, such as those related to diverse cultural backgrounds. A lack of tolerance
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thwarts team and nation progress and encourages a breeding ground for misunderstandings
and unethical behavior.
Thus, for sound implementation of government programmes and policies, civil servant need
to be tolerant and respect differences in the society to make egalitarian society.
(b) Being a civil servant, how can you initiate the culture of tolerance in your organization?
Thinking line:
Along with outright injustice and violence, discrimination and marginalization are common
forms of intolerance. The culture of tolerance can be initiated by:
a) The head of the organization should not make value judgments without really thinking
about them, without trying to justify them or understand others view. This will help in
analyzing the true picture of issues without being bias.
b) Lay out a zero-tolerance policy to help guide workers on issues related to unacceptable
behavior in the workplace. Address issues such as acts of violence, threats and bullying.
Make it clear that these types of behaviors are not acceptable in your workplace and
identify consequences, up to and including termination, for violations of your zero-
tolerance policy.
Hints: Test-1 [261]
c) Public servant, who is in the position of authority, must set an example for their peers
and subordinates. Workers can follow their lead which then, in turn, increases the
depth and width of the culture of tolerance in and out of the office.
d) Encourage employees to engage in an open dialogue with others to help gain a better
understanding of their views and beliefs.
e) A public servant should not favour particular community, religion and hampers the
growth process.
Supplementary Notes
How can intolerance be countered at societal level?
a) Fighting intolerance requires law:
Each Government is responsible for enforcing human rights laws, for banning and punishing hate
crimes and discrimination against minorities, whether these are committed by State officials, private
organizations or individuals. The State must also ensure equal access to courts, human rights

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commissioners or ombudsmen, so that people do not take justice into their own hands and resort to
violence to settle their disputes.
b)
OR
Fighting intolerance requires education:
Laws are necessary but not sufficient for countering intolerance in individual attitudes. Intolerance
is very often rooted in ignorance and fear: fear of the unknown, of the other, other cultures, nations,
religions. Intolerance is also closely linked to an exaggerated sense of self-worth and pride, whether
personal, national or religious. These notions are taught and learned at an early age. Therefore,
greater emphasis needs to be placed on educating more and better. Greater efforts need to be made
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to teach children about tolerance and human rights, about other ways of life. Children should be
encouraged at home and in school to be open-minded and curious. Education is a life-long experience
and does not begin or end in school. Endeavours to build tolerance through education will not
succeed unless they reach all age groups, and take place everywhere: at home, in schools, in the
workplace, in law-enforcement and legal training, and not least in entertainment and on the
information highways.
c) Fighting intolerance requires access to information:
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Intolerance is most dangerous when it is exploited to fulfill the political and territorial ambitions of
an individual or groups of individuals. Hate-mongers often begin by identifying the publics tolerance
threshold. They then develop fallacious arguments, lie with statistics and manipulate public opinion
with misinformation and prejudice. The most efficient way to limit the influence of hate-mongers is
to develop policies that generate and promote press freedom and press pluralism, in order to allow
the public to differentiate between facts and opinions.
d) Fighting intolerance requires individual awareness:
Intolerance in a society is the sum-total of the intolerance of its individual members. Bigotry,
stereotyping, stigmatizing, insults and racial jokes are examples of individual expressions of
intolerance to which some people are subjected daily. Intolerance breeds intolerance. It leaves its
victims in pursuit of revenge. In order to fight intolerance individuals should become aware of the
link between their behavior and the vicious cycle of mistrust and violence in society. Each one of us
should begin by asking: am I a tolerant person? Do I stereotype people? Do I reject those who are
different from me? Do I blame my problems on them?
e) Fighting intolerance requires local solutions:
When confronted with an escalation of intolerance, an individual must not wait for governments
and institutions to act alone. Solution should be taken at the individual level to avoid escalation of
[262] Hints: Test-1
issue. The tools of nonviolent action - putting a group together to confront a problem, to organize a
grassroot network, to demonstrate solidarity with victims of intolerance, to discredit hateful
propaganda - are available to all those who want to put an end to intolerance, violence and hatred.
2. Explain with example that for the development of social harmony, harmony within oneself
by resolving inner conflicts is more important. Being a civil servant what steps can you
take to maintain inner harmony?
Thinking line:
Inner conflict simply means that the mind is confused between multiple perspectives/
inclinations and is not able fixate on a singular vibration of thought.
People experience inner conflicts because they are filled with emotional drives, impulses,
needs and passions that sometimes pull them apart in opposite directions.
For instance, they may feel driven toward independence while at the same time experiencing
this drive as interfering with a dependent relationship which they find equally necessary to

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preserve.
Such conflicts, or the feeling of being torn apart or going to pieces, cause anxiety. This anxiety

OR
can be described as a deep fear of being alone, helpless and vulnerable in a hostile world.
The inner conflicts may be due to extreme changes in the external world which are not in
tune to the values and virtues of person.
But not facing conflicting sides makes people strangers to themselves, and act out in strange
and often obstructive ways, usually in ways that cause great damage and unhappiness.
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Hence dealing with it effectively is essential if person has to live up to their capabilities.
Conflict causes them to examine issues more carefully and develop creative responses and
solutions. In fact, conflict is the root of change be it personal, relational or social.
Similarly in case of civil servant the inner conflict arises due to dilemmas that include conflict
between: the values of public administration; justifications for the institutions; aspects of the
code of conduct; personal values; professional valves and supervisor or governmental directive;
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personal values; blurred or competing accountabilities; and the dimensions of ethical conduct.
Thus to maintain inner harmony civil servant can take following steps:
a) Civil servant should not ignore inner conflict. Awareness about ones feeling is very
important to negate false feeling of stability.
b) Avoid focusing on other peoples difficulties, troubles and weaknesses to stop diversion
of mind to unnecessary conflicts.
c) He/She should maintain the balance between authority and responsibility. The
discretionary powers should be utilized properly to avoid ethical inner conflicts.
d) Avoid construction of an idealized image of the self. He/She should confront the issues
to solve it in time.
Supplementary Notes
Social Harmony
Social harmony is an integrative value in a global, information society, which unites in itself love,
peace, justice, freedom, equality, brotherhood, cooperation, nonviolence, tolerance, humanism and
other universal values.
Hints: Test-1 [263]
Social harmony is, thus, a state of affairs where social strife is minimized through cooperation,
compromise and understanding. It assumes that differences in identities are artificial, bridgeable
and non-fundamental.
Social harmony creates a harmonious and sustainable peace, beyond wars, terror and poverty.
The social disharmony is increasing in the society because:
a) The people are working more for the selfish end rather than common good.
b) The ethical standards and values have decreased due to drive for materialistic things.
c) The country is facing caste-communal divide; forward-backward divide, urban-rural divide
and division based on class, gender, language and region. The feeling of oneness has almost
disappeared.
d) Corruption of human character.
e) The regional disparity, unequal access to education and health services and lack of access

E
to information increases the vulnerability of common man which leads to social disharmony.
How to establish social harmony?
OR
Social disharmony originates due to identity-based prejudice. Many societies have people of
different and distinct ethnicities, nationalities, races, religions, castes and languages. Such
differences are the basis of a pluralistic society. It is clear that identity-based diversity in a society
is a reality. Dealing with such a reality requires molding social attitudes to combat prejudice.
Such attitudinal changes can be achieved by various interventions, including creating champions
to promote social harmony. It also requires concrete and effective measures for inclusion of the
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excluded in the social, economic and political processes. Ensuring justice for the downtrodden
is another means of promoting social harmony.
Further establishment of social capital is required. Social capital refers to the institutions,
relationships, and norms that shape the quality and quantity of a societys social interactions. This
social cohesion is critical for societies to prosper economically and for development to be sustainable.
3. People generally get true happiness by having meaning and purpose in lives, but they work
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for short term pleasures more. Do you think that peer and social pressure is keeping people
out of getting true happiness in life?
Thinking line:
Many people believe that happiness is the result of external situations in life, i.e., in materialistic
world.
Seeking happiness through momentary feelings of pleasure or seeking perfection in the
outside world will ultimately result in disappointment and cause failure at some level.
Attaching happiness to high expectations and desires is short-lived when successful, and
disappointing, depressing, and painful when unsuccessful.
Thus, the true happiness comes by contributing to others or to society in a bigger way. This
is a long lasting source of happiness.
But the peer and social pressure is forcing people to work for maintaining social status and
continuously run for materialistic things rather than persuasion of some big goals in the society.
The people are acknowledged in terms of their monetary status rather than the qualities and
virtues they have. This tends people to follow even unethical path.
[264] Hints: Test-1
The upright goal of self development and development of society takes a back seat which
is the source of true happiness.

4. "Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all others". Do you agree and
why? What are the two most important things in your life that you are grateful for?

Thinking line:

Gratitude is essentially the recognition of the unearned increments of value in ones experience
- the acknowledgment of the positive things that come our way that we did not actively
work toward or ask for.

The cultivation of gratitude develops character, the embodiment of desired virtues.

More than any other personality trait, gratitude is strongly linked to mental health and life
satisfaction. Grateful people experience more joy, love, and enthusiasm, and they enjoy
protection from destructive emotions like envy, greed, and bitterness.

E
Gratitude also reduces lifetime risk for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders,
and it helps people entangled with those and other problems to heal and find closure. It can

suffering.
OR
give you a deep and steadfast trust that goodness exists, even in the face of uncertainty or

Hence Gratitude improves our overall well-being.

The two most important things to be grateful of are:


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a) Family: for being there at every circumstances and phases of life.
b) Mentors: for their moral teachings and for passing down knowledge that helped in
becoming a responsible citizen.
Supplementary Notes

Gratitude
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Virtues are qualities that support the inherent goodness that resides within each human being.
Gratitude is both a social and a theological virtue.

Characteristics found in people who demonstrate gratitude:

1. Grateful individuals do not feel that they are deprived and would otherwise feel a sense of
abundance.

2. They acknowledge the contribution and involvement of other people in the attainment of
their well-being.
3. They appreciate the simple pleasures in life thereby subjecting them to more frequent feelings
of gratitude.
4. These individuals realize the importance of experiencing gratitude and see to it that they
express such emotion.
Gratitude reaps a lot of physical and social benefits. Such as:
Psychological benefits include feelings of alertness and wakefulness, higher levels of joy,
pleasure, optimism and other positive emotions.
Hints: Test-1 [265]
Physical benefits include improved immune system and blood pressure, decreased occurrences
of aches and pains, more inclined to exercise and healthy living, and better sleeping patterns.
Social benefits include feeling less lonely and demonstrating better social interactions by
showing more signs of forgiveness, being outgoing, helpful, compassionate and exhibiting
generosity.
Gratitude results in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination,
attentiveness, energy, and sleep duration and quality. Grateful people also report lower
levels of depression and stress, although they do not deny or ignore the negative aspects of
life.
Those with a disposition towards gratitude are found to give less importance to material
goods, are less likely to judge their own or others success in terms of possessions accumulated,
are less envious of wealthy people, and are more likely to share their possessions with others.
5. 'The rise of individualism, and the central role accorded to it has had many other ill effects
at the societal level'. In the light of this statement do we need to examine the basic tenants

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of individual freedom? If yes then how?
Thinking line:

OR
Individualism regards every man as an independent, sovereign entity that possesses an
inalienable right to his own life, a right derived from his nature as a rational being. The
individualist assumes responsibility for thinking for himself, for acting on his own thought,
and for achieving his own happiness.
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But individualistic systems urge people to pursue personal achievement, which creates
competition between individuals. These systems can also result in high social mobility, which
lead to high social anxiety. In addition, the focused attention on personal achievements can
bear a significant cost on interpersonal relationships.
But the Criticism of individualism is not to suggest curtailment of individual freedom.
The quest for freedom and happiness are two important driving impulses for the evolution
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of the human civilization.


The progress of mankind has been achieved by seeking liberation from all kinds of bondages.
Freedom of the individual is a strong component of the modern thought, particularly in the
western tradition.
Beginning with the European Renaissance the concept of individual freedom grows into a
philosophy of individualism.
Hence careful examinations of both to give the right balance is needed.
6. Do you agree that not only a decent minimum living wage for the people should be fixed
but also a limit is to be fixed for the maximum income? What is the advantage and
disadvantage of this argument?
Thinking line:
Society is a composition of individuals belonging to extreme status rich and poor. While the poor
have to struggle to earn their bread two times a day, the rich continue to enjoy wealthy luxuries of
life. To reduce this gross inequality in the society, it is necessary to bridge the gap between rich and
poor. Here, comes the idea of putting a cap on maximum income and on the other side fixing a
[266] Hints: Test-1
decent minimum living wage. This will ensure poor are not exploited by their employers, they have
access to minimum living wage to ensure a good standard of life. Putting a cap on maximum
income will stop rich from running after profit and realize their moral responsibility towards poorer
sections.
At the same time, it is not advisable in a market economy to put a limit on maximum income. It
might invoke protests from various upper sections. No doubt reducing inequality is very essential to
achieve the objectives of a welfare state but fixing a limit is not possible. The gap between the poor
and rich can be bridged by following trickle down approach and taking welfare measures for the
poor along with ensuring that rich realize their moral duty to lift the level of living of the poor
people.
7. What is the important connection between intellectual virtue and virtue of character? What
are the benefits when the two combine and what benefits it may provide to the public
servants?
Thinking line:

E
The intellectual virtue is the possession of traits that a person develops due to his knowledge. On
the broader side, the virtue of character is a wider perspective that is the reflection of an individual's
overall personality from his knowledge to nature to attitude. These both can be connected through

OR
the link that joins them. Without possessing one it is not possible to develop other. The intellectual
virtue lays the foundation for the virtue of character.
When both these virtues are combined, they help an individual to transform his personality into a
person where he thinks not only for his personal gains but for the larger welfare of the society. The
combination of these virtue is also essential for the person to utilise his abilities in a more efficient
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way. To public servants who have to deal with various types of people, handle works of various
departments, the intellectual virtue enables them to utilize their technical competencies and abilities
in a more efficient way. The virtue of character in the life of a public servant plays an important role
by helping him to develop effective relationships and set good rapport with his team members. It is
the character or nature which enables a public servant to get his work done in the team. He should
be skilled enough to influence his team members and his subordinates. Thus it can be realized that
the intellectual virtue as well as virtue of character are highly relevant.
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8. When being extra ordinarily cunning, deceptive, vengeful, arrogant help people to succeed
in a society, how can we get rid of machinations, hypocrisy and double- speak to promote
traits like, straightforwardness, honesty and politeness which make a society much more
livable? Analyse.

Thinking line:
Karma is a concept that explains the effects that our actions have up on our lives. Nowadays
being extra ordinarily cunning, deceptive, vengeful, arrogant help people to succeed in a
society. But to establish the positive traits understanding of the definition of success is very
important.
This can help an individual in choosing the traits he wants to inherent.
To some people the epitome of being a success is earning a lot of money. In fact society seems
to base the whole concept of success primarily by how much money a person earns. But
happiness and freedom of will is true definition of success that maintains human dignity.
This requires development of right attitude. One of the most important steps needed toward
achieving greatest potential in life is to learn to monitor attitude and its impact on work
performance, relationships.
Hints: Test-1 [267]
Habitual bad attitudes are often the product of past experiences and events. Common causes
include low self-esteem, stress, fear, resentment, anger and an inability to handle change. It
takes serious work to examine the roots of a harmful attitude, but the rewards of ridding
oneself out of this heavy baggage can last a lifetime.
This can help in development of positive traits as well as in seeing the world apart from the
lenses of cunningness and dishonesty as attitude is the most important thing that defines the
human being and his orientations in life.
9. What are the significant changes brought on the attitude of people by an enlightened society?
How society can have a significant contribution in changing the attitude of some people
who believe in gender preference?
Thinking line:
The attitude of an individual is shaped in family and society in which he lives. An enlightened
society influences the attitude of people in many ways. The people realize their duties and
responsibilities develop, good civic sense, respect others, develop considerate feelings to those who

E
need them and most importantly such enlightened citizens inculcate these behaviours in their children
as well. The society also affects and shapes the way in which an individual responds to a particular
situation.
OR
Society is an agglomeration of individuals whereby people with different behaviours, perceptions
and mindset live. In context of gender preference, the societal norms and values have a significant
contribution society that gives preference to sons over daughters, look down on females generally
tend to practice gender discrimination. The respect, dignity and status of a gender in a society is
dependent on the values and norms of the society. The female foeticide and abortion of girl child in
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many society reflect that society have a significant impact on the people. A good and enlightened
society can change the attitude of people who believe in gender preference.
10. Explain the following in 75 words each.
(a) Corruption ultimately makes democracy dysfunctional.
(b) Progressive decline in standards of Public Duty
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Thinking line:
(a) Corruption is a cancer which weakens the very root of democracy. It starts from smaller
level gradually progressing to higher levels in the government. Public servants who are
ultimately accountable to the people fail to realize their duties and responsibilities thus ailing
the whole process of democracy. For a democratic set up to succeed, it is very important that
public functionaries (both temporary and permanent executives) should perform their
functions not only efficiently but honestly also.
(b) Public servants should always keep in mind their public duty, because they get position,
power and authority as a trust from the people. It is a fact that in present context there has
been a constant decline in the commitment, devotion to duty and integrity in public affairs.
The public officials should not treat their office only as a vocation. They must realize they
are the holders of public trust and they should perform their duty with honesty and integrity.

[268] Hints: Test-1


ETHICS WORKBOOK

www.iasscore.in

ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.2
1. Explain why following should be treated as misconduct as per central civil services (conduct)
Rules 1964?
(a) An employee writing letter to Governor of his state making allegation against head of
his office.

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(b) A civil servants doing a part time job in an educational institution.
Thinking line:

OR
(a) Section 19 of Central Civil Service (Conduct) Rules 1964 provides a mechanism through
which a civil servant can vindicate his grievance. The Civil Servant has to exhaust all options
before which he can proceed to a court or to any other forum including approaching to his
excellency the governor. The employee should approach first to head of office for redressing
his/her grievances and thereafter can approach senior officers in hierarchy. Ultimately the
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employee has got a right to approach the state government for redressal. The above
arrangement brings discipline in organization and that is why jumping the hierarchy is treated
as misconduct. There is a proper channel through which an employee is supposed to move.

(b) Through section 15 of civil services (conduct) rules 1964, private trade or employment is
forbidden for a civil servant. The principle is that the whole time of a civil servant is at the
disposal of the government which pays him. Here the question is double loyality of a civil
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servant. It also comes in way of devotion to duty as mentioned in the sections 3 of civil services
(Conduct) Rules. Government pays to Civil Servant according to its capacity and civil servants
know their pay structures promotional avenues before they join the Civil Services and hence to
undertake any other job alongwith is unethical and no government can permit it.
2. Ethical analysis of a problem is usually sidelined because it goes against the interests of
both the politicians and civil servants. Comment.
Thinking line:
Traditionally, the bureaucracy and governance follow legal rational approach. However,in modern
times, it is moral legal and rational approach which is to be followed. The civil servants and
politicians are expected to examine a problem from ethical view. However, in doing so, they have
to take personal initiatives and they may have to go against their interest. So, ethical analysis of
a problem is generally sidelined by them.
Morever, in a parliamentary democracy, the civil servants or the politicians have to undergo
troublesome procedure to bring changes. It involves a large burden on them and is considered a
difficult process.The bureaucrats and government leaders are in ease with the current trend and
do not want to change the things. But in order to bring innovative reforms and to make the
process of governance a successful one, it is necessary to follow a moral legal rational approach.
Hints: Test-2 [269]
3. Citizen Charters are a proactive approach to good governance. Critically examine. Suppose
you become the head of district transport office. How you will display your proactive
approach in this respect?
Thinking line:
Citizen Charters are the set of committments made by an organization regarding the services
which it delivers. These are essential for good governance as they enhance accountability by
providing citizens with a clear understanding of service delivery standards, including timetables
and options for grievance redress. It creates more professional and client responsive environment,
increase organizational effectiveness and performance by making a public committment to adhere
to measurable standards. Thus it can be said citizen charters are a proactive approach to good
governance.
As a head of district transport office, the head can formulate a citizen charter as to how the
various services will be delivered by the office. How much time will it take for the issuing of
licenses and other certification. Whom the people should approach for redressal of their grievances?
Such initiatives will instill faith in the people about the organization and will decrease opportunities

E
for corruption by increasing transparency and educating citizens.
4. What is the difference between Responsibility and Accountability. How the administration
OR
could be made more accountable to citizens?
Thinking line:
Responsibility is the authority which makes an individual do a particular set of actions. It comes
as a result of holding a place in an office or government. Accountability is the answerability of a
person as to why he performed a particular action while holding a position. Accountability is
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more external in character and responsibility is related with inner life or something within the
individual.
To make the administration more accountable to citizens, some of the steps are
Formulating citizens charters.
Making suo-moto disclosure under section 4 of RTI act.
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Effective regulatory mechanisms.


Periodic monitoring and evaluation of reports of the public servants.
Opening up the public offices for public scrutiny to ensure that people themselves act as
auditors.
Redressal of the grievances and mechanism to provide information if anyone seeks it.
5. What are the major factors which affect Ethics in International Relations. Do you think
that United Nations Organisation has played its role well in promoting Ethics in
International Relations.
Thinking line:
The international system lacks legal binding to follow ethical norms. However they are based on
cooperation, international regimes and international law. The major factors that affect ethics in
International relations are-
Cooperation between nations through bilateral agreements.
Global response to the problems of other countries
[270] Hints: Test-2
Legitimacy issues.
Issues of accountability and transparency.
Enforcement of mandates.
The UNO from very birth has impressive record of promoting ethics by extending help to poor
countries and insisting for accountability and good governance. The agencies of UNESCO have
promoted democratization and intellectual activity which aim to improve material as well as
spiritual life. But still, there are some instances when we witness corruption, decline of ethical
and moral values. The UNO through its various agencies has played its role to good extent in
promoting ethics in international relations.
6. Explain Corporate Accountability. Is it justifiable that government should take various
initiatives to bring Corporate Accountability?
Thinking line:
Traditionally, corporate accountability was defined in narrow legalistic and accounting terms.

E
But now it has become an important aspect of social responsibilities of modern corporates. It
accounts for the responsibility which big corporate organizations hold to the society. At present,

OR
the companies seek to enforce this accountability in respect of corporate behaviour with the
provisions of Companies act, 2013.
A business enterprise can function only in its social environment and as a result of its dominant
position. It produces far reaching impacts on other groups and institutions. It is the moral
responsibility of the business organization to do something for the welfare of society they live in.
So the action of the government to bring concept of corporate accountability is justified. In India,
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the same is enforced through Companies Act, 2013. The working of non-government companies,
on a voluntary basis, to work for corporate accountability by an appropriate authority is necessary
in the national and social interest. To enforce the same, the action to take initiatives in form of
laws and to contribute a part of profit of company for social welfare is justified in present scenario.
7. For global funding, donor institutions insist for various conditions. What are those conditions?
Do you justify these Aid Conditionalities?
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Thinking line:
The donor institutions like IMF and World bank impose various conditions before granting sanction
for a loan or a project. These are
Decentralization of project
Civil services standards
Transparency
Accountability
Following certain global standard practices.
Protection of human rights and maintenance of good governance.
Ability to pay back loans.
These aid conditionalities help these donor institutions to make sure that the money is utilized
efficiently. The compliance of transparency and accountability measures ensure funds are used
for the purpose these are intended to be used. The imposition of these conditions minimize
corruption and has helped to promote ethical norms in international organizations. However,
Hints: Test-2 [271]
there is also a disadvantage that the developing nations who are in almost need of funds fail to
get loans as there is no strict following of norms in these nations. But, overall, such conditionalities
are justified.
8. What you mean by honesty? How this value will help you to make a good Civil Servant?
Thinking line:
Honesty can be referred to when a person without looking to the benefits that he can derive from
holding a position in public office, remains true and faithful to his duties. It is a quality which has
been suggested even by the NOLAN committee for officials holding public authority.
Possessing this virtue is very essential for a good civil servant. Civil servants are expected to have
huge access to public funds. They are even expected to take decision where they might have to
choose between public and private relations. So, if a civil servant is not honest he would not be
able to be faithful to his office. Persons who are not honest look to derive benefits from public
funds by involving themselves in corruption and other wrong acts. At the time of taking decisions,
they might favour their relatives or friends. This is liable to bring bad name to the authority they

E
hold. So, it is very important, a good civil servant is honest to his office and to his duties.
9. Differentiate between Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics. Why implementation of Code of

OR
Conduct has failed in government organisations?
Thinking line:
A code of ethics is a document, usually issued by organisation that outlines a set of principles
that affect decision-making. For example, a code of ethics might stipulate that XYZ Corporation
is committed to environmental protection and green initiatives. The expectation is that
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individual employees, when faced with the option, will select the greenest solution.
Whereas a code of conduct outlines specific behaviors that are required or prohibited as a
condition of ongoing employment. Codes of conduct lay out guidelines and procedure to be
used to determine whether violations of the code of ethics have occurred and delineate the
consequences for such violations. Conduct codes govern things like conflicts of interest or
acceptance of gifts and what penalties should be imposed for specific infractions.
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The problem with Codes of Conduct is that it is easy to stick them on the wall, but hard to
bring them in practice.
The reason for poor implementation of Code of Conduct are:
a) Effective communication to all employees and ensuring that it do not create an
unmanageable burden.
b) Setting the tone from the top is essential. Hence it leads by examples not by strict regulations.
c) A Code will not be effective if it does not include a comprehensible, easy and direct way
for employees and other stakeholders to report problems, concerns and seek guidance
on how to conduct themselves in different situations.
Hence for proper implementation of code of conduct the organisations leadership must take
the lead and be prepared to allocate, and be seen to invest time and resources in the
development process. The key stakeholder groups must be consulted over the process by
which the Code will be developed, with the aim that every member of the organisation will
understand the basis of the Code, and its intended purposes and operation.
Unless the organisation is prepared to be open and listening to both positive suggestions and
also critical comments, then the bona fides of organisation will not be established and the
development will become an empty exercise.
[272] Hints: Test-2
10. Wisdom, compassion and courage are the three universally recognised moral qualities of
men. (Confucius). But with respect to civil service a sense of public service interest is
more important. Do you agree?
Thinking line:
Public servant carries with it a unique obligation to uphold the public interest.
This demands that people working in the Civil Service attain standards of professional
behaviour which will maintain public confidence and trust. Public Officers should in all
circumstances be polite, courteous and respectful towards the public.
They should treat members of the public with fairness and equity. They should address the
needs of any member of the public regardless of the status, religion or sex of the person.
They should understand that, while discharging their duties, they are doing no favour to
members of the public.
They should diligently, fairly and sympathetically attend to inquiries from members of the

E
public.
It is the duty of Public Officers to give to the public any information required, and to provide

OR
reasonable assistance. They should help the public to understand their rights and obligations.
When Public Officers exercise discretionary powers, they should ensure that they take all
facts relevant to the case into consideration. They should also respect the confidential nature
of certain information disclosed to them by members of the public for procedural purposes.
This requires wisdom for making fruitful decisions based on knowledge and experience,
SC
compassion for weaker section of the society and courage to implement the programmes
efficiently under political and social pressure.
Hence a sense of public service utility needs these characteristics in totality rather than in
discrete form to develop as an ethical civil servant.
GS

Hints: Test-2 [273]


ETHICS WORKBOOK

www.iasscore.in

ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.3
1. Most of the social thinkers and reformers realised that the surest way for the salvation of
the oppressed and untouchables lies in higher education, better employment and better
ways of earning a living. Now that improvement is occurring due to urbanization and not
by social workers. Do you agree? Give you viewpoint.

E
Thinking line:
Investments in education, training, health and other social services lead to human

OR
development. Higher level of human development have an influence on economy through
increasing peoples capability and consequently their creativity and productivity.
Many social reformers like Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj provided equal opportunity and
representation to the other caste and native Indians. Similarly Mother Teresa used to teach
in the slums of Kolkatta.
SC

But in present scenario urbanisation can offer the employment opportunities needed for
human development due to presence of vast opportunities and demands.
Most new jobs have been generated in towns, and the urban economy is the major contributor
to economic diversification, competitiveness, and growth in the region.
More schools, colleges and universities are established in cities to train and develop human
resources. Variety of educational choices are available offering students a wide choice for
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their future careers.


It also leads to better social integration as people of many caste, groups and religions live and
work together in cities, which creates better understanding and harmony and helps in
breaking down social and cultural barriers.
Hence urbanisation can lead to human development but only if it is processed properly i.e.
sustainable urban development with provision of basic amenities and opportunities to all
alongwith environmental conservation.
2. "The corrupt have many masters. The honest serve none". In the light of this statement,
discuss the reasons for decrement of ethics in the public service.
Thinking line:
The traditional cultural and spiritual values, which have been the mainstay of our civilization,
seem to be losing their grip over society and politics due to Corruption. The corruption is
prevalent in all the field of governance whether executive, legislature, judiciary, civil society,
etc. each is supporting other to compromise national interest by providing service to powerful
bribe-givers while paying lip service to the country's good.
There are certain departments and posts, which offer ample opportunities for graft. For
instance, at the state level departments of public works forests, excise, sales tax, revenue,
[274] Hints: Test-3
police, food and civil supplies, road transport and health are favourite pasture of the corrupt.
Earlier the politicians used to occasionally help a corrupt official in difficulty and get their
reward. Now in all these departments, lucrative assignments have been clearly earmarked,
and only those officials are given these posts with whom the politicians have reached a clear
understanding on sharing the spoils. In the states appointments even to the Public Service
Commissions are mostly done on a quid pro quo basis, and the candidates they select are
those whom the ministers have recommended.
Thus the corrupt has many masters whereas honest serves the none.
The reasons for erosion of values and increment of corruption are: Most of the employees
in government sector are paid low wages and salaries. Hence some employees revert to
corruption for more financial benefits; Due to lack of job opportunities at will, there are
many people who like to go for corruption mode to get the job offer; Even if someone is
found guilty or even caught red-handed by the anti-corruption officials or media, the convicts
get less punishment.
3. Silence is a big enemy of morality. Speak out when there is some injustice taking place in

E
front of you and if you fails to do so you are equally responsible for it whether you are
pointed out for the same or not. Explain the relevance of the above statement in the context
of a dynamic and emerging society like India.
Thinking line:

OR
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." (Edmund
Burke)
In order to stop evil and malicious acts from occurring, the people whose responsibility is
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to enforce the laws must step up and stop these terrible acts. By ignoring the evil and not
attempting to stop the evil, the good can harm themselves or other innocent people. When
the assertion is made that "evil triumphs when good men do nothing", the question that
comes to mind is "if they were good men, why are they doing nothing?"
For example, If we are silent about the things that matter then we will be more miserable,
and our point will never come across. If a person is being abused, and he remains silent on
GS

the subject, it is not going to help him/her at all. She/he will never benefit from that silence,
If she/he remains silent, she/he is going to be miserable. In fact, others will take the person
for granted and his/her life is at risk. When people are being abused their self-esteem is
usually ruined and it ends up hurting their mental health. After they feel worthless people
also tend to disconnect their relationships with other people as well.
Speaking up for what one believes is not only a sign of purpose but is also a form of
educating the individuals who are ignorant. Rather, not speaking up only causes the ignorance
to spread, resulting in a greater amount of ignorance. If something matters to an individual,
he or she should be motivated, ambitious, and pro-active about it. We must think if Gandhi
has chosen to remain silent during that fateful night on a train a South Africa, what would
have been the course of history? Case like, Nirbhaya is also a reminder that we need to
speak up otherwise moral fabric of society will be ruined.
4. If you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can
shape the world to your own desires. Comment.
Thinking line:
Opportunity is an appropriate or favourable time or occasion that comes in the life of almost
everyone only if one takes it positively. But if a person works hard and use his mind and
imagination at its best then he can convert even the adverse situation in opportunity.
Hints: Test-3 [275]
The challenge for all people is to do the hard work of analyzing the situations to find the
"nuggets" of opportunity to build upon. But not all people could be successful as some are
unable to escape the limitations.
The individual must develop the personal ethos to seize every moment in order to insure all
opportunities will lead to success.
Thus success of individual depends on its positive mindset.
5. Every day we face problems. Techno-economic human beings are skilled to solve various
problems. However, Problem-preventing values have more importance than Problem solving
skills. Do you agree? Substantiate your opinion with suitable illustration.
Thinking line:
Every unit of existence, whether individual or society or country, stands on 2 legs: 'doing'
the work and `becoming' the being. There are cultures or eras where or when one of the legs
begins to get more powerful, and the other more weak.

E
Today the world is leaning heavily towards the 'doing' leg. When an individual engages in
'doing', she/he uses skills relevant to the particular work or profession.
OR
Skills are external methods and techniques applied to perform a given task-from cooking and
eating to accounting and marketing, from carpentry and surgery to teaching and dancing.
Their role is to make doing 'efficient' according to certain tangible criteria.
Preponderance of the 'doing' ethos creates imbalance and undermines the 'becoming' process.
Because of this efficiency may increase, but ethics may decline.
SC

Values, on the other hand, are the internal motives and impulses, feelings and emotions,
behind every external action. They are the basis of either `becoming' or 'not becoming'.
The manner of application of relevant skills for any external work is determined by the
quality of values in the internal world of the doer. A good human being has to develop
holistically-values and skills together.
GS

Thus, Holistic Excellence = 'Efficiency + Ethicality = skills human + values.


(Put suitable illustration to substantiate your opinion/view, etc.)
6. Most of the festivals in the country are fast deteriorating into opportunities for fun and
entertainment mixed with the western style of celebration. The cultural aspects of our
festivals are being ignored, which eventually leads to depleting the essence of Indianness.
Do you agree? Give reasons.
Thinking line:
A calendar year in India is incomplete without festivals. Some festivals are celebrated to
welcome seasonal happenings such as the rains or the harvesting time whereas others are
celebrated to respect Gods and Goddesses. Indian festivals are synonymous with rituals and
the faith that surrounds them. These festivals are perhaps the true identity of our country.
Festivals in India are celebrated by one and all irrespective of their social or economic status.
Every major festival celebration in India has unique aspects that just cannot be ended; The
lamps and lights everywhere, the firecrackers, the food during Diwali; The colours, and
dragging reluctant people out of their homes and dousing them with a bucket of cold water,
the throwing of water baloons or colors at random strangers during Holi; the huge dandiya
dance events during Navratri, the 10 days of Durga Puja in and around Bengal, the 10 days
[276] Hints: Test-3
of Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra, celebration of Eid in all over India, Christmas celebrates
the birth of Jesus Christ and conveys his message of love, tolerance and brotherhood. It's a
celebration of humanity and mankind, Sikhs commemorate the lives of their 10 Sikh gurus
including their teachings and many other local festivals.
But the westernization of culture, demanding work life than earlier and the amalgamation
of cultures happening globally, the Indianness of the festivals are reducing.
People do celebrate festivals, but more often than not, it's more of a family get-together or
partying rather than following tradition itself.
Earlier, people used to be looking forward to the festivals with great anticipation but now
the festivals seem to exist just as a namesake.
They acted as a platform for social bonding, cementing friendships and ending hostilities.
As for example festivals were used during freedom struggle to bring national unity and
social consciousness towards cultural values.

E
Festivals should not be an occasional holiday or a time for lavish spending. Love and
harmony are the most important features of a festival but our ethics and morals seem to be

7.
OR
getting diluted. Festivals have just become an occasion of extravagant and ostentatious
show.
Serving the nation and people does not require big power and big money. It can be done from
wherever you are and whatever you do. Is this idea a practical idea or only a high moral
ground which is never realisable?
SC
Thinking line:
One of the most important aspects of progression in all spheres of life is the offering and
provision of service to others without any thought whatsoever of reward or self-gratification.
Selfless service is absolutely fundamental, both from an individual perspective and from the
perspective of the entire human race, without which there can be no true progression.
Thus serving the nation and the people do not require the big power and big money. It just
GS

requires a good intention.


It is a practical idea because even following one's civil duty service to the nation can be done.
Many of society's problems come because some individuals and families do not live honest
and moral lives, or do not work to support themselves. Before we can be of service to our
community or nation, we must live honest and good lives ourselves. We must first take care
of ourselves and our own families and try to overcome any problems that affect us.
Serving our nation also includes obeying its laws. Peace can exist only when everyone obeys
the law.
8. Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating and reforming the society.
Examine the statement in the context of being an agent of change and progress.
Thinking line:
A role model is a person on which other people look up to in order to help determine
appropriate behaviors.
Role model helps in leading others i.e. to engage, energize, and enable the team to excel. This
requires leading and communicating.
Hints: Test-3 [277]
Role model should lead from the front and communicate with clarity, conviction and
enthusiasm. It's about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication
to a diverse range of citizens. It is about establishing a strong direction and a persuasive
future vision; managing and engaging with people with honesty and integrity, and upholding
the reputation of the organisation.
Role model act as an agent of change by creating positive, professional and trusting working
relationships with a wide range of people. He translates the vision and values into day-to-
day activities and behaviors; guides and motivates others to take actions that support the
vision and values.
But coaching and developing others is a continuous effort focusing on the broader, more
long-term growth of individuals. It includes providing timely guidance and feedback to help
others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a
problem.
9. What is trust? How is trust sustained? Why does trust matter in public relations as well
as private relations?

E
Thinking line:

OR
Trust lies at the heart of a strong relationship. Trust is the foundational value in relationship.
The feeling of Trust in relationship is defined as: "To be assured that each human being
inherently wants oneself and the other to be happy and prosperous".
Everything is built on trust. To sustain trust one needs to practice core values, consistency
faith in their professional and personal life.
SC

(a) Core Values lead to trusting relationships. Some examples are integrity, fairness, reliability,
strength of conviction, and openness. When these actions are repeated time and time
again, the relationship is strengthened and graduates to the next phase.
(b) Consistency enables us to anticipate probable behavior and actions. It provides a certain
degree of comfort that helps us to maintain the relationship even through difficult times,
which is very foundation of trust.
GS

Why trust in private and public life?


(a) The trust in Public services underlies two principles; they shall not use public office for
private gains, and they shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any
private organization or individual. The public service implement programmes and policies.
Hence, Trust in institutions is important for the success of many government policies,
programmes and regulations that depend on cooperation and compliance of citizens.
Also, trust is necessary to increase the confidence of investors and consumers in the
government.
(b) In all private relationships, trust is the foundation. A relationship without trust results
in opposition due to which the relationship itself gets shaken up. Trust creates a perfect
setting for complete unity and cooperation and strong bonding among members. It
brings transparency in relation.
10. Leadership is one of the essential determinants for values in organization. Describe how
effective leadership can raise the ethical standards of an organization?
Thinking line:
Ethics refers to well-based standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought
to do, usually in terms of duties, principles, specific virtues, or benefits to society.
[278] Hints: Test-3
An organization consists of resources and human being, and for efficiency and effectiveness
in the organization the maintenance of ethical standard is important. A positive and ethical
culture improves the morale among workers in the organization, which may increase
productivity and employee retention; this, in turn, has financial benefits for the organization.
Higher levels of productivity improve the efficiency in the company, while increasing employee
retention reduces the cost of replacing employees.
But in maintenance of ethical standard of role of leadership is indispensible. First, ethical
leaders must act and make decisions ethically, as must ethical people in general. But, secondly,
ethical leaders must also lead ethically - in the ways they treat people in everyday interaction,
in their attitudes, in the ways they encourage, and in the directions in which they steer their
organizations or institutions or initiatives.
A leader's general ethical values - for example, the importance of fair and equal treatment
for everyone - creates a motivation in people. The leader should deliver a clear and consistent
ethical message to the team members so they can apply ethical approach when making
decisions.

E
OR
SC
GS

Hints: Test-3 [279]


ETHICS WORKBOOK

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ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.4
1. "An honest civil servant without effectiveness is like a soldier without gun". Explain the
essence of this statement in the context of recent trend developing among working of honest
civil servants.
Thinking line:

E
Good man is a man of 'integrity'. His honesty and ethics can be trusted unconditionally.
They honour their commitments and hence are supposed to be dependable. They are consistent

OR
and that is why predictable also.
If such people remain as 'mute' spectators when everywhere evils has spread then what will
happen to the society and nation.
Unfortunately an unhealthy trend is fast developing when we find the people in authority
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especially civil servants prefer to play safe in moments when they are supposed to act
decisively.
Some of the recent big ticket corruption cases, such as 'Coal Scam' and '2G Scam' are
manifestations of this 'inaction'. We cannot put the blame for these unfortunate happenings
purely on political executives, because had 'civil servants' exercise their power and authority
these incidents could have been prevented or at least their extent could have been controlled.
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In fact inaction by civil servants at these critical moments amount to betrayal of public trust.
2. Discuss the acquaintances between ethics and professionalism in public service. Suppose
you are heading one division of PWD; what steps will you take to sustain ethics alongwith
professionalism in your department?
Thinking line:
With the advent of the modern state, government officials have been and are seen as stewards
of public resources and guardians of a special trust that citizens have placed in them. In
return for this confidence, they are expected to put public interest above self-interest.
Hence, Public Officers in the performance of their duties should demonstrate a high degree
of professionalism and carry out their roles with dedication and commitment to the Civil
Service and its core values. They should comply with and uphold the law, and project a
good, right and positive image of the Civil Service. They should deal with the public fairly,
efficiently, promptly, effectively and to the best of their abilities.
In the performance of their duties, Public Officers should not act arbitrarily or to the detriment
of any person, group or body and should have due regard for the rights, duties and relevant
interests of others. They are, in addition, required to respect the privacy of individuals when
dealing with personal information.
[280] Hints: Test-4
Public Officers have the duty to always conduct themselves in such a way that confidence
and trust of the public in the integrity, impartiality and effectiveness of the Civil Service are
preserved and enhanced. Public Officers also have a duty to treat the public and their
colleagues with courtesy and respect.
As a head of PWD the steps for maintaining ethics along with professionalism in organization
are:
(a) The administrative policies should be clear without ambiguity.
(b) Maintain oversight agents that provide incentives and penalties to encourage public
servants to professionally carry out their duties and observe high standards of conduct.
(c) Inculcate shared values and basic skills in staff to professionally carry out their official
duties.
(d) A culture of professionalism and pride needs to be nurtured through the recognition of
good work and correction of poor performance.

E
3. Emotional intelligence adds more qualities that make an individual more humane. Discuss
those qualities and their importance in the public service.
Thinking line:

OR
The work environment of the civil services is much more complex, demanding and even
hostile at times. And given its present state, it is in no position to handle and tackle the
problems in the old ways. Even the well intending civil servants cannot do much because
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all their energies are exhausted in sheer survival.
Obviously there is a need for reforms. Many reforms have been introduced in the recent past
without adequate and appropriate results. One of the reasons for the failure is that certain
vital issues have not been addressed. No doubt, structure, resources, organization and
processes are important; but the way these are operationalised is equally, if not more,
important.
GS

Here, lies the role of Emotional Intelligence. The qualities of emotional intelligent public
servant are:
(a) Greater interpersonal skills (crucial for good citizen administration).
(b) Increased capacity to handle changes in work (Pressures and Stress and Conflicts).
(c) Ability to see the long-term effects of one's actions/attitude.
(d) Increased levels of commitment, trustworthiness and conscientiousness.
(e) Being able to see things in a holistic manner.
(f) Being able to bounce back from setbacks and maintain optimism.
(g) Having greater motivation - achievement drive, initiative, persistence, motivating others
as well.
(h) Better ability to communicate.
(i) Enhanced group dynamics in terms of cooperation, collaboration and building bonds.
(j) Ability to appreciate diversity and value of others.
Hints: Test-4 [281]
He/she is able to move out of the religious, social bias which hampers professional competence;
can take decisions rationally rather than working as a puppet in the hands of others; can
influence a group toward the achievement of goals in the organization and will be able to
empathize with people and will be able to serve the masses selflessly.
More importantly it improves the governance process as it reduces the gap between public
servants and people.
4. Explain the ethical issues about the following in not more than 75 words each.
(a) 'Orthodox loyalty' to superiors in administration.
(b) Self-imposed morality v/s state imposed laws.
Thinking line:
(a) In Indian society, it is customary to show respect to superiors and to refrain from criticism
of higher authorities. In government office any voice against the superior is considered as
an act of insubordination. In such a cultural climate, even the honest employees do not

E
speak out against the unethical practices of their seniors. All this represents a misplaced
loyalty. The public servant has to work according to the Constitutional principles and to
establish democratic values, but Orthodox loyalty converts the organizational culture to yes-
manship. OR
(b) State imposed laws focuses on principles of morality outside human beings. It places outside
obligation on the human being to be ethical and morally correct in actions but it does not
places obligation on the human being to follow it judiciously. The punishments and penalties
can't place obligation on human being unless there is self-imposed morality on the human
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being to follow the rules. But we are afraid only of the baton wielding police and the highly
complicated law courts because self-imposed morality needs an enlightened human being
having high conscience.
5. What are the different forms of corruption? List out some of the factors that have made
corruption, 'low risk and high gain'.
Thinking line:
GS

The corruption is defined as the misuse of power and authority for personal gain. Apart
from traditional definition, elements of corruption are illegal gratification, obtaining any
valuable things, pecuniary advantages by corrupt or illegal means, abusing power and
authority, possessing disproportionate assets, misappropriation, forgery, cheating. Other factors
which breed corruption are following
- Gross or willful negligence of duty.
- Recklessness in decision making.
- Blatant violations of rules and procedure.
The different forms of corruption are: coercive and collusive corruption. Collusive corruption
corrupts the entire body politic, whether individual groups, institutions or political process.
Awarding of contracts for public works and procurement of goods and services, recruitment
of employees, evasion of taxes, substandard projects, violation of regulations, adulteration of
foods and drugs, obstruction of justice and concealing or doctoring evidence in investigation
are all examples collusive corruption.
Whereas in coercive corruption citizen is a victim of extortion and is compelled to pay a
bribe in order to get a service to which he is entitled. Experience has taught most citizens
[282] Hints: Test-4
that there is a vicious cycle of corruption operating and they often end up losing much more
by resisting corruption. Delays, harassment, lost opportunity, loss of precious time and
wages, uncertainty and, at times, potential danger of loss of life or limb could result from
resistance to corruption and non-compliance with demands. In such cases, the citizen is an
unwilling victim of coercive corruption.
Following factors are responsible to make corruption of low risk and high gain.
- Misuse of article 311 by corrupt civil servants.
- Burden of proof lies with prosecution.
- Very low percentage of convictions in corruption related cases.
- Long delays in sanction for prosecution and delay in trials.
- Multi-level of appeals which delays justice.
6. "Anger is just anger. It isn't good. It isn't bad. It just is. What you do with it is what

E
matters." In light of this statement and the fact that anger comes very naturally to many
of us, give ways in which it can be used constructively and how can it be managed?
Thinking line:
OR
Anger is "an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and
rage. The instinctive, natural way to express anger is to respond aggressively and it is a
natural outflow of emotions.
But the anger can be converted or redirected. This happens when person hold in anger, stop
SC
thinking about it, and focus on something positive.
Hence for managing anger following steps are needed:
(a) Angry people need to become aware of their demanding nature and translate their
expectations into desires.
(b) Angry people tend to jump to - and act on - conclusions, and some of those conclusions can
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be very inaccurate. Hence, listen carefully to what the other person is saying and take time
before answering.
(c) Listen to what is underlying the anger.
(d) Find healthier ways to express your anger.
7. Define 'wisdom'. Why we require more wise persons in administration than intelligent
ones?
Thinking line:
Just as love is the highest quality of heart, wisdom is the highest quality of mind. Cultivation
of both these qualities is essential for the full flowering of human greatness. Wisdom provides
a total, synthetic and holistic understanding. It is the culmination of knowledge and experience.
Wisdom does not come about merely due to accumulation of knowledge, nor by long
experience of doing something repeatedly. Wisdom emerges when deep knowledge and
profound experiences are combined together.
Bertrend Russel has said: "Knowledge is power, but it is power for evil as much as for good.
It follows that, unless men increase in wisdom as much as in knowledge, increase in knowledge
will be increase in sorrow".
Hints: Test-4 [283]
We require more wise people in administration than intelligent one due to following factors:
(a) Wise people are intelligent while converse is not always true.

(b) Wisdom helps the people to distinguish what is right and wrong.
(c) It helps to decide upon their priorities.
(d) Wisdom helps in developing interpersonal relationship, which is essential for building
a team.
(e) Wisdom is essential for developing a long-term vision.

8. Discuss how citizen's participation in governance could be conceptualized. After getting


into civil service, suppose you become Police head of a district. How will you involve
people in improving law and order in the district?
Thinking line:

E
Participation could be conceptualized in governance by adopting following measures:
(a) Citizen seeking information - by promoting RTI act and making it more people friendly.

-
OR
(b) Citizens giving suggestion - by ensuring:

Public hearings (JantaDarbars).


- Surveys, Referendum.
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- Citizens express their problem and possible solution.

(c) Citizens demanding better service - for this to achieve civil servants should be accountable
not only to their superiors but also to citizens.

(d) Active citizen's participation in administration/decision making - giving citizens access


to the decision making process can help them to negotiate with the government for
better policy, better plans and better projects.
GS

Involvement of people in improving law and order could be ensured by following ways:

- Getting regular feedback from people regarding criminal activities in their area.
- Making Thana level committees and nominating people in those committees.
- Asking the people to maintain vigilance in their surrounding.

- Evolving the people in projects like 'community policing' and 'Bhagidari'.


9. Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. What is your
dream and the biggest fear in your life? What steps have you taken to achieve your dream
while overcoming your fear?

Thinking line:
The above statement is undeniably true, as most of the time we are surrounded by fears of
losing our dreams and not being able to fulfill our desires.
On the other hand, we can see that those who were able to break free of those fears and
achieve complete freedom have materialized some of the greatest stories.
[284] Hints: Test-4
Hence in order to live our life to the fullest, we need to learn how to control our fears, get
over them and make a great story out of it. Perhaps the biggest fear we have in our minds
is the fear of failure and this is what prevents most of us from taking risks. We do not want
to risk our relationships, jobs or money. Most people want to walk on safe and secure
grounds and to avoid any failures or tragedies in their lives.
This keeps the capabilities and potential of an individual under check.
Steps needed:
(a) Acknowledge the fear that failure is part of life and in doing new things failure is
natural.
(b) Reach to the source of fear. Analyse the reason for this fear, i.e., whether due to family
pressure, peer pressure or society.
(c) Start taking a small step at a time and start practicing living life without fears by doing
what is ethical and moral in your view and avoid concentrating on social pressure.

E
(d) Then take steps with clear determination, planning and hard work to achieve the goal.
10. According to you, for a civil servant what is more important "being empathetic" or "being

Thinking line:

OR
compassionate" towards weaker section? Give arguments to justify your views.

Empathy refers to understanding what others are feeling. Empathy is the capacity to
understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within, i.e., the capacity to
place oneself in another's shoes.
SC

Whereas Compassion refers to a step further, where a person not only feels empathy but
also a desire to help alleviate the suffering of the other person. Compassion is the
response to the suffering of others that motivates a desire to help.
Thus, the emphasis in compassion is on action and wanting to help. This is more
important for a country like India where most of the citizens are not aware of their rights
GS

and obligations owing to their socio -economic conditions rather than out of ignorance.
In their absence, the administration will become mechanistic, rigid and ineffective.
The vision of "more inclusive and more sustainable growth" can't be achieved in true spirit
unless civil servants have 'compassion' towards the weaker section of the society.
Thus compassion holds much relevance for the civil servants and guide their actions towards
the morality by keeping people at the center.

Hints: Test-4 [285]


ETHICS WORKBOOK

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ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.5
1. What is the relation between 'Intention' and 'Behaviour'? Why a police officer who is
investigating a criminal case should look into the aspect of 'intention?
Thinking line:

E
There is a deep relation between intention of an individual and his/her actual behaviour.
One can accurately predict specific behaviour from the intentions of their performers.

OR
In criminal acts it has to be investigated beyond doubt whether the particular act had been
because of the motive or just accidental.
Intent is a mental attitude with which an individual acts, and therefore it cannot ordinarily
be directly proved but must be inferred from surrounding facts and circumstances. Intent
refers only to the state of mind with which the act is done or omitted. It differs from motive,
which is what prompts a person to act or to fail to act.
SC

For example, whether A has hit B because of intention to harm B or just accidentally or for
his/her self defence. This is the reason why police officers go for this aspect while making
criminal investigations.
2. Humility is the mother of all virtues, purity, charity and obedience. Comment. Do you
consider yourself humble? How can you prepare yourself to become more humble?
GS

Thinking line:
Humility is variously seen as the act or posture of lowering oneself in relation to others, or
conversely, having a clear perspective and respect for one's place in context.
Humility is an asset for self-improvement. By remaining humble, people are receptive to
opportunities to improve. Beyond personal success, humility is also a virtue for inner well-
being. Frustrations and losses don't have the same impact if a person doesn't get his ego
involved. If a person combine humility with motivation, he has the ability to drive towards
success without letting the failures knock him out of balance.
Steps needed to develop humility:
(a) Speak as little as possible about yourself.
(b) Keep busy with your own affairs and not those of others.
(c) Do not interfere in the affairs of others.
(d) Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded.
(e) Be courteous and delicate even when provoked by someone.
[286] Hints: Test-5
(f) Do not seek to be admired and loved.
(g) Do not protect yourself behind your own dignity.
3. Todays civilization committed to the quest for continually improved means to carelessly
examined ends. Illustrate.
Thinking line:
There are some questions asked, the answers to which have been highly debated and largely
unsolved. And that is because of the logic of the arguments that support the different answers.
Human civilisation is driving towards technological development in each and every field to
continuously improve the human lives though in materialistic term, i.e. in form of comfort.
But in this drive human being does not take into account the impact of it on larger scale.
Means and ends have become interchangeable, and both are measured by their relative
efficiency of improving human life.

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Due to all this there is little opportunity for non-material, order threatening activities such
as spiritual contemplation or exercise of free will.

OR
The virtues such as equality, equity, belongingness has taken a back seat and each human
being considers other as a means towards his ends rather than as a dignified human soul.
Human life becomes mechanical without ethical and humane angle.
4. Values are the very core of our behaviour, the motive force of our lives. Substantiate with
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example.
Thinking line:
Values are important and lasting beliefs or ideals shared by the members of a culture about
what is good or bad and desirable or undesirable.
Values provide the prime motivating force behind our thoughts, emotions and actions. They
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affect our attitude and behaviour as they are at the core of our beliefs.
Values have major influence on a person's behavior and attitude and serve as broad guidelines
in all situations. They do not change with time and space and tend to be relatively stable
and enduring.
For example: When a person is driven by the value of 'Courage', he tend to act courageously
in daily life. We need to develop our character through human values like perseverance,
courage, generosity, kindness, beneficence, and compassion.
Similarly for healthy work culture trust and respect among employee-employer is must.
Hence work culture is driven by these values.
5.
(a) Happiness is not the goal of human striving. It is a consequence of pursuit of goodness.
Comment.
Thinking line:
Everywhere we see people seeking pleasure, wealth, and a good reputation. It last for few
days or few hours hence known as pleasurable sensations.
Hints: Test-5 [287]
But Happiness is a final end or goal that encompasses the totality of one's life. It is more like
the ultimate value of a persons life as lived up to this moment, measuring how well he have
lived up to his full potential as a human being.
The key to happiness is not to be found in the goods that one accumulates, or even the
projects that form the ingredients of one's life, but rather in the agency of the person himself
who gives his life a direction and focus, i.e. pursuing common good.
When a person work for emancipation of others, he gets a sense of inner satisfaction which
is the ultimate source of happiness.
(b) In the context of defence services, bravery demands readiness to even lay down ones
life in the battlefield. According to you what does bravery implies in daily life?
Thinking line:
Bravery is mental toughness, knowledge, and confidence all wrapped up into one trait. With
bravery one can make tough decisions, take action without wasting time, and approach
uncomfortable situations comfortably.

E
Bravery is just as much about understanding risks as it is about taking them on. Jumping
into something blindly isn't necessarily brave; it can actually be quite foolish.
OR
The act of bravery in daily life are:
a) The courage to take responsibility whether at home or at workplace.
b) The courage to live with integrity without moulding values when under pressure.
c) The courage to challenge assumptions and beliefs present in the society that are harsh
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to mankind.
d) The courage to be who you are and remain as it is.
e) The courage to speak up and give voice to concerns, feelings and thoughts.
f) The courage to overcome setbacks and failures.
Engaging in small acts such as the ones mentioned above can eventually lead one down the
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road toward more global acts of courage.


6. There is one and only one social responsibility of business to use its resources and engage
in activities designed to increase its profits so long as it stays within the rules of the game,
which is to say, engages in open and free competition without deception or fraud-Milton
Freidman. Critically examine this statement and elaborate on the present prevalent thinking
on Corporate Social Responsibility.
Thinking line:
The above statement states that businesses should be allowed to do anything that might
increase its profits but it should include the sense of social responsibility.
A social responsibility is an obligation that businesses have to act in ways that benefit the
society. It means that businesses have an obligation to help out the poor, or to help clean
up an oil spill. Also the businesses have to follow the healthy competition, and rules and
regulations.
These rules of the game are important. They create the side-constraints that businesses must
act within. They must act in ways which allow the free market to function, and they may
not commit fraud. They prohibit business from acting in ways that would harm the
functioning of the society that they "live" in.
[288] Hints: Test-5
The rules of the game also go way beyond those enforced by governments. Economies
function within a set of societal norms - about how much employees and executives should
be paid, gender roles, community obligations, how seriously to take tax laws, appropriate
behavior toward customers and that can change over time, and have a huge impact on
overall economic success.
The present CSR aims at creating accountable and transparent work culture alongwith
initiation of projects for the welfare of people. But the ultimate gain of profit remain inherent
in it and businesses work for getting shareholders, local people and government support to
manage the things properly.
7. Civil Servants should be fully aware of office politics, however they should be minimally
concerned about it. Critically examine the statement.
Thinking line:
An organisation is the group of people hence the interaction among them motivates the
people in attaining the organisational goal. Hence awareness towards informal group and

E
office politics is important.
The term office politics often has a negative connotation, in that it refers to strategies people

OR
use to seek advantage at the expense of others or the greater good. In this context, it often
adversely affects the working environment and relationships within it. But awareness to
Good "office politics", help the person fairly in promoting one's cause, and is more often
called networking and stakeholder management.
Similar is applicable to civil servants also as they have to deal with various departments.
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Being aware about the politics gives him a view of the way things are progressing. At the
same time, however, it is essential that they should not be affected by this politics or make
themselves a part of any of the group otherwise it will lead to split within the organization,
finally leading to decrease in the efficiency of the workers.
The civil servant should be good observer and should use the information to build a strong
network to operate in.
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8. There are various ethical concerns and dilemmas before public administrators. What are the
major sources of ethical guidance and how you prepare yourself to resolve various dilemmas
with the help of these sources?
Thinking line:
An ethical dilemma can be described as a circumstance that requires a choice between competing
sets of principles in a given, usually undesirable or perplexing, situation. Conflicts of interest
are possibly the most obvious example that could place sector leaders in an ethical dilemma.
Public servants find themselves in dilemmas that include conflict between: the values of
public administration; justifications for the institutions; aspects of the code of conduct;
personal values and supervisor or governmental directive; professional ethics and supervisor
or governmental directive; personal values and professional ethics versus government directive;
blurred or competing accountabilities; and the dimensions of ethical conduct.
The various sources that guide them are laws, rules, regulations and conscience.
Law focuses on principles of morality outside human beings. It places outside obligation on
the human being to be ethical and morally correct in actions but it does not places obligation
on the human being to follow it judiciously.
Hints: Test-5 [289]
The punishments and penalties can't place obligation on human being unless his conscience
is elevated to follow the rules judiciously.
Conscience is something within human beings that determines the morality of human action.
Conscience is a special act of the mind that comes into being when the intellect passes
judgement on the goodness or badness of a particular act. It is a practical judgement on
particular, concrete, human actions.
To handle dilemmas upright conscience is must which can be attained by the human values
of integrity, honesty, commitment to work, etc.
9. The Indian view of work depicts it as worship and act which is done for the betterment of
common good rather than individual, but in reality it is quite opposite since time immemorial.
Why?
Thinking line:

E
From the earliest dawn of civilization, man has to work and struggle for his livelihood and
survival. For few, the work is a source of livelihood, for others it is a sense of achievement
in life. But Indian view on work depicts it as worship, i.e. dedication to work for the
OR
livelihood of oneself as well as for the benefit of the society. It states a larger goal of common
good rather than satisfying selfish needs. Work that is done for the welfare of human beings
is worship.
But in reality, the people follow the work for the selfish motive since time immemorial. At
the personal level the reason can be family pressure, peer pressure, rise of consumerism and
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materialistic life.
In the organization when people are not able to connect with the goal of the organization
and do not get healthy work culture, they start working just for selfish motives, i.e. salary
and promotion and does not vision for the organizational goal.
Hence happiness, sense of belongingness and social cohesion makes the work as worship,
and the organizational culture, education system as well as society should inbuilt this at
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individual level to make it a prosperous society working for common good rather than
selfish motive.
10. Persuasion is a potent weapon in hands of civil servants. Critically examine. Illustrate
through example.
Thinking line:
Persuasion can be defined as a conscious attempt by an individual to change attitude or
behavior of a group through transmission of some message.
The civil servants have to work, generally with teams and people belonging to different
departments.
Persuasion has been perceived as potent weapon in the hands of civil servants through
which they can encourage their team mates to work with more efficiency.
People do things for two reasons, because they want to and because they have to. When civil
servants treat people with kindness, courtesy and respect, he can make them to do things
for the goal of organisation. They are motivated to go out of their way to help and solve
problems and accomplish goals.
[290] Hints: Test-5
Being nice to other people satisfies one of the deepest subconscious needsthe need to feel
important and respected. This is done using persuasion.
There may be times when the team may lose its energy level, then the team leader by using
his persuasion skills like appeal to reason, appeal to emotion and communication abilities
can persuade his teammates to work towards their goals.
The good leadership qualities are also needed for setting examples.
But persuasion cannot always be a method of attaining goal because each individual is
different and each has different motivational goals thus one size may not fit to all.

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OR
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Hints: Test-5 [291]


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ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.6
1. Free and fair elections are important for maintenance of political justice. Describe the work
of few administrators for facilitating political justice in India. Also discuss the significance
of it to the marginalised section of society.
Thinking line:

E
Political justice implies that all citizens should have equal political rights, equal voice in the
government. Free and fair elections form an important characteristic of it.
OR
Free and fair and credible elections depend on:
a) An enabling legislative framework,
b) The impartial and neutral practices of election administrators, the media and the forces
that maintain law and order and
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c) Acceptance of the competitive electoral process by all the political forces in the country.
Work of few administrators in facilitating political justice in India is discussed below:
a) James Michael Lyngdoh fulfilled the most taxing responsibility of conducting impartial
and just elections as the Chief Election Commissioner of the country. In his own way
he exercised his strong determination and control to organize elections in the strife-torn
Jammu & Kashmir state.
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To facilitate his work, Lyngdoh adopted two new rules and these he followed explicitly.
The first rule was to keep himself away from publicity. He did not allow either his friends
or detractors from hanging around him. This way, he saved himself from giving speeches
which would have brought him unduly into limelight and in the news. Similarly, he followed
the other rule of keeping himself away from political leaders, parliamentarians and ministers.
Despite a disciplined conduct he maintained such a distance that the people could not
reach him. Thus, Lyngdoh did not allowed any pressure from politicians, flatterers, critics
or media to come in his path. He reaped the benefits of his policy later in life.
b) T.N Sheshan in December 1990, took charge as the tenth Chief Election Commissioner.
During his tenure, Seshan introduced many changes in the electoral process to ensure
independent and free elections. He kept on trying to introduce his decisions fearlessly.
With his concerted efforts the democratic system got strengthened and the voter began
to place confidence in the system. He provided voice to the voiceless and encouraged
public participation in the governance.
Importance of free and fair election for marginalised people
Free and fair elections are important because with a vote comes a voice. When citizens cannot
speak freely or are banned from elections, whole group of people become disenfranchised, and
[292] Hints: Test-6
their rights and interests are ignored. When opposition is suppressed and unions cannot be
formed, citizens cannot elect leaders that will work to assuage their grievances.
Free and fair elections are also an important step toward economic empowerment. As
USAID states, Critical development efforts cannot succeed without a legitimate and
democratically elected government that is responsive and accountable to its citizens.
2. Emotional intelligence in recent times has become the buzzword for determining the success
of a person. Do you agree? If yes, mention the steps you have taken in your life to develop
emotional intelligence.
Thinking line:
Emotional intelligence has been defined as the ability to perceive, access and generate
emotions, to assist out, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge and to reflectively
regulate emotions to remote emotional and intellectual growth.
When an individual has not developed their EI, they tend to get stopped by setbacks. They
either cant get past these kind of situations, or they struggle past it after a long period of

E
time. They may react negatively to the other people involved, which results in increased
animosity and difficulty in being productive. They may take things personally that are not

OR
meant to be. They may feel like a victim rather than feeling empowered. All in all, these
types of situations prevent them from being as successful as possible in the workplace.
Someone who has a highly developed EI still face these types of situations, just like everyone
else. Yet the way they react is different. They are able to stop and analyze what they are
feeling, and to understand how those feelings are impacting their behavior and their choices.
They are able to recognize how other people are feeling and to empathize with them.
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They can then choose the behavior and actions that will help them to not just move past a
situation, but to resolve it both within themselves and in relationship with others. And as
they practice, they will get faster and faster at recovering from stumbling blocks. At their
highest level of emotional intelligence they can see setbacks as learning experiences and
chances to improve their relationships with others. Then these roadblocks no longer stop
them, but rather help them develop their potential.
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Steps taken for developing emotional intelligence:


a) Emotional intelligence mainly depends on controlling ones emotions first. Hence when
one feel adversely about someones behavior, he should avoid jumping to a negative
conclusion right away. Give a rational thinking to it.
b) Take responsibility for ones feelings and behavior and do not point the reason for ones
behaviour on other.
c) Start practising empathy. Empathy is about understanding why someone feels or behaves
in a certain way and being able to communicate that understanding to them.
d) Develop social skills to interact freely with people.
3. Emotions are not hurdles but are facilitators and help to become a very beautiful person.
Elaborate.
Thinking line:
Emotions are composed of a subjective component (how we experience the emotion), a physiological
component (how our bodies react to the emotion), and an expressive component (how we behave
in response to the emotion).
Hints: Test-6 [293]
Emotions are generally flash of feelings and are generally treated as negative and obstacle to the
personality development. But emotions act as tools to understand ones self and ones need.
Emotions serve an adaptive role in our lives by motivating us to act quickly and take actions that
will maximize our chances for survival and success. Emotions also help us make decisions without
bias.
Emotions are perhaps the greatest potential source of uniting all members of the human species.
Hence management of emotions are critical to mental health, academic achievement, and good
social relationships. It helps in personality development.
4. An attitude of contentment is an antidote to the tendency of consumerism. Do you agree
with this idea of contentment? Substantiate.
Thinking line:
Wealth itself is not evil; the important thing is how it is made and used. In present scenario wealth
is provoking consumerism which is chronic purchasing of new goods and services, with little
attention to their true need, durability, product origin or the environmental consequences of

E
manufacture and disposal. Pleasure seekers get caught up in high consumption, compulsive
acquisition and instantaneous gratification, they want to have the latest and the greatest.
OR
It is praiseworthy to use wealth to give ease and pleasure to oneself and to share it with others but
if ones attitude to ones wealth is greed and longing then the blind run for consumerism and
wealth is not good.
The antidote to consumerism is contentment, a quality that is an indispensable part of true spirituality.
Contentment is the state of being satisfied with what one has, with her/his status and current
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situation. It is not resignation, which is more about giving up, being a victim and feeling
disempowered. Being contented means that one is truly satisfied with her/his life as it is right now.
Of course, there is always room to grow and expand who we are and how we live our lives. But we
can also be satisfied with how much we have and accept ourselves as we are. This is a powerful
way to be in the world. This means we are not victim to others opinions.
Further to reduce consumerism one should contemplate on the difference between a want and a
need. A want is usually based on fantasy. Its usually something we dont have and we think that
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when we get it we will be happy. Wanting something leads to never feeling satisfied because the
mind is very creative thing, easily persuaded by the latest trends and always dreaming up more
and more things to want. This means we rarely get the chance to fully enjoy what we already have.
A need, on the other hand, is more practical and has to do with the basics either physical, emotional,
mental or spiritual. The secret of contentment is not about HAVING; its about BEING.
5. Bureaucratic morality in any society is but a mirror of the political morality prevailing
there in. Illustrate with examples.
Thinking line:
Independent India inherited the best administrative machinery among all developing nations, along
with a highly moral and dedicated public service. During the past three decades there has been an
enormous increase in the scope of governmental activity and in the range of its objectives. This
expansion has deposited immense power and authority in the hands of public officials, thereby
increasing opportunities for abuse of power and authority, as well as incidents of unethical activities.
Bureaucratic immorality soon engulfed the political and administrative apparatus of the country.
Perhaps the most important determinant of the integrity of public servants is the quality of politics.
If politics attracts and rewards men and women of integrity, competence and passion for public
good, then the society is safe and integrity is maintained. But if honesty is incompatible with survival
[294] Hints: Test-6
in politics, and if public life attracts undesirable and corrupt elements seeking private gain, then
abuse of authority and corruption becomes the norm. In such a political culture and climate, desirable
initiatives will not yield adequate dividends. The bureaucrats align themselves with political leaders
to serve their vested interests. This led to the politicization of the bureaucracy.
6. Sustenance of human value, ethics and morals in human society is an important goal. The
duties leading to rights or from-me-unto-others sequence are decidedly a more effective and
meaningful educational philosophy to follow. Explain.
Thinking line:
A right balance of Rights and Duties define the moral and ethical standard of the human society.
But, today people are more inclined towards want of rights rather than serving ones duty. The
mounting din about rights from every quarter is due to two reasons:
(a) Deliberate dereliction of duties by relevant functionaries and institutions forcing the affected
people to register their protest by openly emphasizing rights;

E
(b) Rabble-rousing power-seekers who manipulate non-existent or irrelevant or harmful
expectations and demand among different segments of the population.
In all cases loud assertion of rights is only a reaction against the perception of either genuinely
neglected duties.
OR
Sri Aurobindo states that duties are of great value in training the immature moral nature and
setting up a standard which discourages the action of selfish desire. Each role in society and
organizations is actually an aggregation of duties expected of the person occupying that role. The
serving of ones duty curtail raw egotism, self centeredness and arrogance which is the means for
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growing towards higher states of being.
Hence if each performs duty of giving to the society then everyones rights will be maintained in
turn. If doctors perform ones duty then Right to livelihood it already maintained. Hence, the more
the duty of giving is performed, the less becomes the need for the right of grabbing.
7. Freedom without responsibility becomes license, and responsibility without freedom, a
burden. Comment.
GS

Thinking line:
Freedom is the absence of external constraints as well as the existence of conditions in which people
can develop their talents. People like freedom because it gives them a sense of mastery over things
and people. They dislike responsibility because it constrains them from satisfying their desires. Yet
they do not understand the relationship between freedom and responsibility. The two go hand-in-
hand. Everyone wants to be free, but there are times when we are terrified by the responsibility that
freedom brings.
Gandhiji equated freedom with self-rule because he wished to build into the concept of freedom the
notion of obligation to others as well as to oneself. The notion of self-rule implies the voluntary
internalization of obligation to others, i.e. a responsible attitude towards society and oneself.
Freedom is possible only when one is ready to take the responsibility of being free. We are answerable
not just for the things we do but also for the kind of people we become. Every thought, word and
deed in our lives shapes our character. We create our own character through the decisions we
make. If we establish the habit of making the right choices in given situations, we create the foundation
for a good character. Poor choices, on the other hand, lay the groundwork for developing bad
character. In this way, we determine to a great degree our destiny through the quality of character
we develop. Hence freedom with a sense of responsibility design our character.
Hints: Test-6 [295]
8. Climate change has been described as a perfect moral storm? Critically analyze.
Thinking line:
Climate change is one of the most challenging issues facing the world today. It is not caused by a
single agent, but by a vast number of individuals and institutions. It is affecting worlds biological
diversity - entailing not only social and economic changes, but also raising serious ethical issues.
The main ethical issue that might be is how to define and differentiate responsibilities between
present and future generations, developed and developing countries, and human and non-human
beings.
The climate change impact lives of people in following ways:
a) Threats to the lives of people.
b) Food security of people exposed to climate change events such as regular floods, prolonged
droughts, frequent storms, the loss of coral reefs, or melting ice.
c) Exposed to disease vectors that have shifted in range as a result of changes in climate.

E
d) Threats to cultural heritage, mainly to traditional ways of living, or to architectural
masterpieces of various kinds, particularly in the case of sudden irreversible submergence of

e)
inhabited land. OR
Threats to cultural heritage, mainly to traditional ways of living, or to architectural
masterpieces of various kinds.
f) Threats of possible mass emigration by climate change refugees, particularly in the case of
sudden irreversible submergence of inhabited land.
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g) Threats to the dignity of people who become victims of climate change.


Hence the ethical concerns in climate change arise within following dimensions: emissions from
carbon uses benefit the developed world but making the life worse for poor people, by intensifying
literal storms or changing rainfall patterns.
Thus Climate change is not merely a technical, economic, or political challenge but fundamentally
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a moral one.
9. What could be the influence of a civil servants private life on his/her Public life? How
would you prepare yourself to separate the two?
Thinking line:
There is a two way linkage between private and public life of a civil servant.
The private life act both as a motivating or an obstacle to public service according to the personality
of the public servant. The public servant of high integrity, honesty, empathy and objectivity maintain
these characteristic in public life also. Only a compassionate civil servant can understand the need
of marginalized and vulnerable people.
Similarity on the negative side, private life can induce the dilemmas of personal gain or organizational
goal. The decision making may get influenced by personal preference, political or other affiliations,
or even personal aggrandizement, thereby disregarding known facts and thus the possibility of
rational decision-making.
Hence, to maintain a balance between the two, a detached personality should be maintained. Civil
servant should practice right set of values and conduct. He should work according to code of ethics
and high conscience so that the goal of civil service vocation can be achieved.
[296] Hints: Test-6
10. Explain any four of the following with respect to the Civil Services:
a) Consistency
b) Uprightness
c) Altruism
d) Selflessness
e) Commitment
Thinking line:
(a) Consistency
Consistency means that the person is reliable, dependable and trustworthy. A consistent person
gives predictable, reliable results in the service everytime irrespective of conditions. Consistency is
not about giving it 110% every time. It is about standing firm despite the lows, and also at times of

E
highs.
In civil services, public servant has to act as a tool for implementation for welfare activities. He

trust of common citizens.


(b) Uprightness
OR
should be consistent in his work to achieve the goal properly. A consistent person also gains the

Uprightness is a rich and complex notion. It refers to integrity, justice, honesty, fidelity, mercy and
sincerity. Yet it is more than these. It also demands a harmony between moral principles and personal
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wholeness.
In public service, uprightness in the public servant brings:
a) Reverence for the resources.
b) Balance between personal and organizational goals.
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c) Strong cooperation within the organization.


d) Sense of responsibility for his actions and how they affect others.
Upright human being in civil services facilitate procedures in public administration through concrete
and pragmatic measures in view of improving the performances of users of public services.
(c) Altruism
Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others. Altruists choose to align
their well-being with others - so they are happy when others thrive and sad when others are suffering.
Altruism in public office helps the public servant in taking decisions solely in terms of the public
interest. They do not do work in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves,
their families or their friends. This increases the publics trust and confidence in government.
(d) Selflessness
Selflessness is characterized by low levels of self-centeredness and a low degree of importance
given to the self. Selfish motivation often discourages public servants from taking initiative and
helping others unless these activities are directly rewarded, which can be detrimental to their long-
term performance, reputation and career.
Hints: Test-6 [297]
A selfless public servant demonstrates the highest standards of professional competence, efficiency
and effectiveness, at all times and put possibilities for personal advantage to one side.
(e) Commitment
Individual commitment to a group effort makes a team work, a society work and a civilization
work. Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes... but no plans.
Committed public servant do whatever it takes to excel, even if it means taking on extra tasks, or
staying beyond their allotted schedule. He is highly involved in achieving the objectives.

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OR
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[298] Hints: Test-6


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ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.7
1. Following are the two quotations of the moral thinkers/philosophers. What they mean to
you and how are they still relevant in the present situation?
a) Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear
and obstacles vanish into air.

E
Thinking line:
In order to achieve someones goals and objectives, one has to work, with commitment and devotion.

OR
There may be times when one has to confront failures and disappointments. During these times, it
is the courage and perseverance, which enables an individual to overcome the difficulties. When
courage is there it enables one to get up from the downfalls. Perseverance does not let the morale
down and gives strength.
There have been great people like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel who did not lose hope during
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failures. It was their courage and perservance that turned their failures into success. In present time
also when one looses hope, the dedication and perseverance appear as a magical talisman before
which difficulties disappear, obstacles vanish into air and success is achieved.
(b) The king should surrender his individuality in the interest of his duty.
Thinking line:
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The Kautilyas Arthashastra was the first document to give direction to the ruler. It advised to him
not to follow his individualistic goals and practice the larger interest of duty. A ruler should not
look to his individual goals, benefits and commitments but work for the ultimate welfare of its
people. It also gives a set of guidelines regarding the various approaches to be followed to fulfill the
duty which is to ensure justice for the people.
In present context, when the rulers or leaders start overlooking their duties and responsibilities just
to gain profits from their office then the statement becomes more relevant. It is the need of the hour
that the rulers should not just exercise their power in the name of individuality and gains but for
the larger interest of duty. It is possible when a moral approach is followed along with the legal and
rational approach. With the reforms in governance it is hoped that the rulers will realize their
duties and roles.
2. Explain 'Ethics of Duty'. What could be consequences when citizens do not perform 'civic
duties'?
Thinking line:
In Indian tradition, the spirit of Dharma is the same as that of ethics of duty. We have our general
obligations to others as a part of this duty which includes helping, sharing and caring, respecting
and protecting life in all forms, protecting truth and non-violence, upholding the social order, etc.
Hints: Test-7 [299]
'Civic duty' constitutes another group of social duties. These concern our duties as citizens of a
community; of a democratic society; and a sovereign nation. These citizenship duties have
been well articulated as a set of ten 'Fundamental Duties', in part IV A of the Indian Constitution.
If citizen do not perform civic duties, there will be problems of lawlessness everywhere,
problems of sanitation and hygiene, etc. No government, howsoever, big and strong, will be
able to solve the problems and will be able to restore normalcy in the society.
The strongest proponent of duty as the standard for ethical conduct is 'Immanuel Kant'. He
postulated that like the laws of nature, there are moral laws for the governance of human
conduct.
3. What is the role of society in inculcating values? Is it correct to say that 'selfishness' is
bringing adverse effect on society?
Thinking line:
Man lives in society for his mental and intellectual development. Society preserves our culture and
transmits it to succeeding graduations. A society is like the rivers boat when it is composed of men

E
and women who are intelligent, hard working, honest, and dutiful. An ideal society is one which
gives opportunity to every individual to grow physically, intellectually, and morally.

OR
Society is expected to perform the following roles:
Society brings morality and ethics in individuals.
Society removes the evils of social indifferences like, caste for example.
It brings tolerance and national integration.
SC

Society teaches ethics of national integration.


Discipline (individual and collective) is brought by society only
Selfishness is brining following adverse effects in society:
- It is the root cause of every trouble in the world.
GS

- The state is under constant pressure to frame laws to neutralize the adverse effects of
selfishness.
- Because of this selfishness we remain as an 'individuals' and never become a 'person'.
4. Explain the following in context with 'civil services'.
(a) Gratitude
Thinking line:
'Gratitude' is a feeling of being grateful and wanting to express thanks. It originates from the heart
and then opens our eyes to the beauties of nature. Mark Twain has rightly said 'I can live for two
months on a good compliment.' Civil servants have to remember always that power and authority
that has been vested to them is for the wellbeing of the people and they express their gratitude to
the people by providing them satisfactory service.
(b) Magnanimity
Thinking line:
'Magnanimity' is a quality of being 'kind' and forgiving. Person filled by 'magnanimity' do not seeks
revenge. Mahatma Gandhi throughout his life chose magnanimity over revenge as his guide for
[300] Hints: Test-7
making his decisions. E.H. Chapin writes 'Never does the human soul appear so strong and noble
as when it forgoes revenge and dares to forgive an injury.'
Civil Servants sometimes work in very adverse and hostile circumstances. In those critical houses,
they are supposed to forget their personal interests and issues and work towards happiness of
people.
(c) Humility
Thinking line:
Humility is a quality of not thinking that you are not better than other people. Confucius has rightly
said, 'Humility disappears as soon as we think ourselves superior or feel our needs are greater than
those of another. Do not think yourself so big that other people look small.'
People look towards civil servants with suspicion, because they find most of the civil servants are
full of arrogance, egoist, and power drunk; civil servants need to dispel this notion from the minds
of people by becoming humble.

E
5. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good man to do nothing". Explain
in the context of recent trend fast developing among working of honest civil servants.
Thinking line:
OR
Good man is a man of 'integrity'. His honesty and ethics can be trusted unconditionally. They
honour their commitments and hence are supposed to be dependable. They are consistent and that
is why predictable also. If such people remain as 'mute' spectators when everywhere evils spread
what will happen to the society and nation.
SC
Unfortunately an unhealthy trend is fast developing when we find the people in authority especially
civil servants prefer to play safe in moments when they are supposed to act decisively. Some of the
recent big ticket corruption cases, such as 'Coal Scam' and '2G scam' are manifestations of this
'inaction'. We cannot put the blame for these unfortunate happenings purely on political executives,
because had 'civil servants' exercise their power and authority these incidents could have been
prevented or at least their extent could have been controlled. In fact inactions by civil servants at
these critical moments amount to betrayal of public trust.
GS

6. How ability to regulate emotions is developed and what are its benefits, especially to a
civil servant?
Thinking line:
Following are ways through which ability to regulate emotions is developed.
- Developing ability to be open to feelings (both pleasant and unpleasant)
- Engaging or detaching from an emotion.
- To monitor emotions in relations to him/her and others.
- To manage his or her own emotions as well as those of others by moderating negative
emotions and enhancing positive ones.
- To build rapport with various segment of society.
People in control of their feelings and impulses generally make good leaders and are well respected.
- Such people have better ability to analyze emotions. The civil servants ability to recognize
and understand their own models help them in taking good and useful decisions.
Hints: Test-7 [301]
- It also leads to emotional facilitation of thinking. A civil servants ability to put him or her
in another's shoe and think from their perspective facilitates organic rational development.
- It also helps to express emotions. A civil servant's passion for work for reasons other than
money and power and his or her ability to vigorously and persistently pursue goals are
important.
7. What are the characteristics of 'Corporate Excellence'? Discuss some of the provisions of
new Company Act 2013.
Thinking line:
Corporate excellence is the ultimate aim of good corporate Governance. It is achieved by:
- Satisfied stake holders
- Closeness to customers
- Productivity through people

E
- Value driven organization
Some of the features of amendment are:
-
-
OR
1/3rd of the Board should consist of independent directors
The board has to meet at least four times a year
- Audit Committee should be comprised of majority of qualified independent directors
- Setting up of nomination and remuneration committee
SC

- Setting up of stake holder's relationship committee


- Setting up of national company law tribunal and national company law appellate tribunal
8. How 'professional loyalty' can bring a positive work culture in an organization? What are
the after effects of poor professional loyalty of the civil servants?
GS

Thinking line:
Loyalty to one's profession and organization is requisite to positive work culture unfortunately; the
Indian state and the society have failed to inculcate a sense of belonging and loyalty among its
employees towards the government. For most of the government employees, work is treated as a
load and not as worship.
Following are aftereffects of poor professional loyalty.
- Dullness and boredom in the organization.
- Work is considered as a load or occupation and not as a mission.
- A culture of complaints, and dissatisfaction.
- Low level of punctuality and promptness.
- Little respect of time and huge time wastage.
- Only a marginal care for citizen's satisfaction.
- Complacency and indolence (laziness).
- A holiday culture.
[302] Hints: Test-7
9. Below are the quotations of moral thinkers/philosopher. What are your views of them and
how they are relevant to present day situation?
(a) 'Communal harmony is especially relevant to national integration' - M.K. Gandhi.
Thinking line:
Gandhi was the greatest advocate of religious tolerance and preached equality of religious tolerance
and preached equality of different religions on following principles.
- God is supreme.
- Non-violence is the central theme of every religion.
- No religion is perfect; therefore there is no question of superiority of any religion over other.
- All religions indicate towards higher truth.
In the present circumstances, the Gandhian emphasis on communal harmony is especially
relevant in the context of national integration.

E
Gandhian concept of communal harmony did not have political objective, rather he
considered it is a means of promoting an unbreakable bond of brotherhood between


OR
followers of different religions.
One must show for other religions the same regard, he accords to his own. According
to him if people adopt this attitude, religions will no longer be a source of discard but
of harmony.
SC
The above thinking of Gandhi is very relevant in the present situation when many of
the political parties and groups openly preach communal hatred.
(b) 'What you do not, wish done to yourself, do not do others'. - Confucius.
Thinking line:
According to Confucius 'Is there any one maxim which may serve as a rule of practice for the whole
of one's life. It is the maxim, what you do not wish done to yourself, do not do others. In Mahabharata,
GS

it has been mentioned, 'This is the sum of all true righteousness; dead with others as thou wouldst
thyself be dealt by. Do nothing to thy neighbor which thou wouldst not have him do to the hereafter'.
Confucius was of the opinion that it is better to live in peace than in bitterness and strife.
It is better to believe in one's neighbor than to fear and distrust him.
Confucius sayings are still relevant especially for bringing harmony in society and for peaceful
coexistence of people. Consideration for others is the basis of a good life, a good society.
Confucius continues, 'feel kindly towards every one; be friendly and pleasant among
yourselves; be generous and fair.'
Today nearly a fourth of human race loves and cherishes the memory of Confucius and look
upon his words as sacred writ. For twenty five centuries, the teachings of Confucius have
remained one of the world's strongest moral forces.
(c) The execution of the laws is more important than the making them. - Thomas Jefferson'
Thinking line:
Judiciary is the strongest pillar of democracy in United States of America. The rule of law
especially its enforcement has made USA a successful democracy.
Hints: Test-7 [303]
Americans make the laws with consultations of all stakeholders but once laws are made, it
has zero tolerance towards anyone who violate. They always uphold the majesty of law and
never forgive anyone who willfully violate.
What Thomas Jefferson has said is very relevant in Indian context. We have plenty of laws
but it is also a fact that neither we have a professional enforcement mechanism nor sensitive
judiciary which could deliver prompt justice. This situation has made India a soft state.
What needs to be done in India is to review our laws, weed out most of them and concentrate
on enforcement of rest of laws. Our judges and prosecutors also need to be trained accordingly.
10. Explain 'Emotional Competencies'. What are the significant emotional competencies of the
following:
(a) Law enforcement officer
(b) Tax collector

E
Thinking line:
Emotional competence is a learned capability that leads to outstanding performance at

work.
OR
Emotional intelligence is potential for learning practical skills which are based on five elements
of
- Self awareness
- Motivation
SC

- Self regulation
- Empathy and
- Adeptness in relationships.
Emotional competence shows how much of the above mentioned potential is translated in
GS

to on-the-job capabilities.
For a law enforcement officer the significant emotional competence is the ability to use
minimum force and yet be effective. For example if a mob which is violent and brick batting
a police station and SHO without using force makes the violent mob peacefully dispersed
only by competence of persuation their it is a valued ability.
For a tax collector emotional competence is that the person has all social skills apart from
having best ability of accounting.

[304] Hints: Test-7


ETHICS WORKBOOK

www.iasscore.in

ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.8
1. Explain the following in the context of a Civil Servant.
(a) Self control
(b) Conscientiousness

E
(c) Trustworthiness
(d) Rigidity
(e) Building bonds
Thinking line:
OR
(a) Those who can bear stress and remain calm, confident and dependable in the hour of crisis
are said to have 'self control'.
SC

(b) Those who own responsibility, by admitting their mistakes and failures are said to have
conscientiousness. Such people focus themselves on such problems and move on to find the
solution without caring for the lapses.
(c) Such people who are having high level of integrity and having strong concern for their
subordinates and colleagues are said to be trustworthy.
GS

(d) Inspite of failness, such people are unable to adapt to organizational culture. These category
of people neither change themselves nor can be improved upon.
(e) Successful civil servants can work in diversity, because they know how to establish personal
relational ship in a changed situation and hence they can work with all type of people.
2. Discuss the various functions of attitude with suitable examples.
Thinking line:
Following are important functions of attitude -
Utilitarian - Utilitarian attitudes help people materially to have benefits and avoid losses.
For example a civil service aspirant who is from humanities background will always like that
paper like CSAT should remain qualifying, because it is heavily loaded in favour of engineering
and management people.
Knowledge - Through knowledge, we collect various information and decide upon what to
do and what not to do. Like in rural areas earlier people were not so particular about quality
of drinking water, but after coming to know that 30% of diseases are water borne, villagers
take corrective steps not to draw drinking water from raw source.
Hints: Test-8 [305]
Ego defensive - People do not want to do any thing so that they could fall in their own
mechanism of denial, repression, projection and rationalization. The best example is a fox
is attracted by lovely bunch of grapes hanging from a tree and when she could not get it,
she pronounced grapes are sour.
3. What had been the views, of Lord Buddha on 'Right livelihood'? Why it is relevant even today?
Thinking line:
Lord Budha views on 'Right livelihood' signifies that one should earn his bread and butter only
through legitimate means and while putting one self into any profession, one should ensure that
'Righteousness' should not be compromised. He has also advocated that only non-violent means
should be used for earning livelihood.
Incidentally he has recommended that following professions should be avoided
- Dealing in weapons

E
- Slave trade and slaughtering of animals and profession connected with
- Selling intoxicants
OR
Right livelihood was never so significant as it is to day because many people earn huge
money out of illegal work like smuggling, corruption etc and hence strictly abiding by
'Buddha's ideology can only bring ethics and morality in the life of the people.
4. Given below are four quotatations of moral thinkers/philosophers. What they mean to you
and why they are still relevant?
SC

(a) 'The proceeds of land and property tax should be invested in a welfare system' (Thomas
Paine)
(b) 'Those who do ill shall suffer more if they are not caught than those that are' (Boethius)
(c) 'The king should surrender his individuality in the interest of his duty' (Kautilya)
GS

(d) 'Prayer should not ridicule forms of worship of other creeds' (Raja Ram Mohan Roy)
Thinking line:

(a) The thinker was of the view that poorest people also live in vicinity where rich people do live.
This inequality has much to do with land and property ownership. This privilege of the rich
people must be taxed so as to make the state capable enough to undertake welfare activities.
The above theory holds good in every form of government and in every part of world.
In Indian value system the state has a legitimate right to impose taxes particular tax
based on land and property and thereafter invest the resources for the benefits of people
in general and marginalized section in particular. The various social sector initiatives are
financed from taxes generated through these sources only.

(b) The thinker maintains that those who avoid punishment continue to be bad, rather than good and
therefore move themselves yet further from blessedness and ultimate happiness.
Boethius says that virtuous men are always good and bad men always undesirable and
hence steps should be taken to correct the bad men and transform them to good one.
The above thinking is very much relevant these days. State can only check crimes, corruption,
etc by ensuring that such people are identified and given exemplary punishment.
[306] Hints: Test-8
(c) Kantilya recommended that the king has to come up in the way that he should think not in his
happiness but in the happiness of his people. He suggests "In the happiness of the subjects is
the happiness of the king; there well being his. The kings welfare lies not in his own pleasure
but in that of his subjects.
This philosophy is still relevant even in the democratic form of government. People
expect the paternalistic approach of the state. Even the civil servants are being suggested
that they should forget that they are mere individuals. They become 'person' which
comes only in comparison with other person.
(d) Raja Ram Mohan Roy suggested big change to make 'Hinduism' a universal religion. His
religion reforms aimed at creating a fair and just society. He very well knew that society
does not consists of Hindus alone. What he meant that whatever religious practices we make
should never hurt others.
The above view has become so significant nowadays that if strictly followed, will bring
communal harmony and brotherhood.

E
5. Discuss the concept of law. Why the citizens are bound to obey the law and under what
circumstances, they need not obey the law of the land?
Thinking line:

OR
'Civil law', commonly known as 'law' is derived from natural law. Civil law has to be in
conformity with natural law.
We as a citizen are duty bound to follow the civil law because civil laws derive their force
SC
not from the powers of legislature, but by reflecting moral principles dear to human heart.
Civil laws are necessary for smooth conduct of society and maintaining order. Laws put not
only moral but legal obligations on individuals.
Laws should meet the following conditions for obedience of people.
- Civil law should be in accordance with natural law
GS

- Law should be made by legitimate government.


- Should be morally possible to follow
- They should promote social good and not individual benefits.
If the law does not meet any of the above criteria, citizens need not follow but they should
remember that legally they are liable and should be ready for punishment.
Gandhi violated the salt law because it was against natural law but was legally liable for
punishment which he gladly accepted.
6. How would you classify the conscience? Suppose an old man has a pension claim before a
civil servant and according to law it is a doubtful claim, what he should do and why?
Thinking line:
Classification of conscience -
- A true conscience means judgment is in accordance with fact.
- A conscience is erroneous when the judgment is false.
Hints: Test-8 [307]
- A conscience is certain when the judgment on the morality of action is without prudent
fear of error.

- A doubtful conscience comes when the judgment almost excludes all prudent fear of
error.

The question of a doubtful claim arises only when signature does not match, photograph
appears to be different. In such cases civil servant should not outright reject the claims,
rather should go for secondary evidence like affidavit, election photo Identity cards, Aadhar
Card etc. and thereby remove his doubts before sanctioning pension to old man.

7. Do you agree that 'Aid Conditionalities' imposed by International Financial Institutions


have promoted international ethics? Suppose a road project has to be sanctioned in any part
of the country by World Bank, what will be minimum expectations of the bank?

Thinking line:

E
Following are some of the aid conditionalities imposed by international financial institutions.

- Decentralization

-
Civil service reforms

Transparency, etc.
OR
It was felt that with these first generation reforms, international ethics will be promoted. It
is really shocking that many studies suggest otherwise, that it lead to increased corruption,
SC

drainage of scarce talent from the bureaucracy and weakening of institutional capacity and
accountability.

Modern view is that the first generation reforms should be supplemented by following
measures to promote international ethics.

- Legal political reforms


GS

- Setting regulatory institutions

- Anti corruption measures

- Labour reforms and WTO agreements

- Social safety nets and

- Poverty reduction.

Following will be minimum expectations of world bank

- Project is useful, should generate economic activities in the area.

- Entire projects of sanction, construction including tendering etc should be transparent.

- There should be an inbuilt mechanism for accountability, user charges, repair and
maintence etc.

- As far as possible, project should be implemented in PPP mode.

- There should not be any scope of corruption.

[308] Hints: Test-8


8. Explain the ethical issues about the following in not more than 70 words each.
(a) 'Work ethics' in government.
(b) 'Maxim of fusion' of self and organisation.
(c) 'Orthodox loyality' to superiors in adminstration.
(d) 'Accountability'
(e) Self-imposed morality v/s state imposed laws.
Thinking line:
(a) It represents a commitment to the fulfillment of one's official responsibilities with a spirit of
dedication, involvement and sincerity.
It also implies that a government functionary would love his work and not treat it as
a burden.

E
And that efficiency, productivity and punctuality will be the hall marks of his
administrative behaviour.

OR
(b) An administrator should rationally bring about a fusion of individual, organization and social
goals to help evolve a union of ideals and imbibe in his behaviour a commitment to such fusion.
In situation of conflicting goals, a concern for ethics should govern the choices made.
(c) In Indian society, it is customary to show respect to superiors and to refrain from criticism of
higher authorities. In government office any voice against the superior is considered as an act
SC
of insubordination. In such a cultural climate, even the honest employees do not speak out
against the unethical practices of their seniors. All this represents a misplaced loyality.
As Indian democracy becomes more mature, it is hoped that whistle blowing will be
considered a legitimate and rational activity.
(d) Ethics and accountability are closely related. Effective accountability helps the achievement
of ethical standards in governance system. Legislative control through questions, debates
GS

and committees provide ample opportunity to people's representatives to raise among others,
issues of ethics and morality in the governance system. Ethics can be considered a form of
self accountability or an inner - check on public administrators conduct.
(e) Although ethics is the mother of all human laws, today we do not seem to care for the
mother at all.
We are afraid only of the baton wielding police and the highly complicated law courts.
Would life not be simpler and much more enjoyable if we were all self-conscience of our
moral responsibility?
9. What are the salient features of a 'positive work culture'? What could be the after effects
of a negative work culture, in an organization?
Thinking line:
Salient features of work culture
- Stress on development
- Clarity about goals and a well laid out plan to achieve them
Hints: Test-8 [309]
- Setting deadlines for achievements
- Rational distribution of responsibility
- A system of periodical evaluation of performance
- A rational system of reward and punishment
- Continuing skill development through training and capacity building
- Value for creativity and innovation
- Deep loyality to the organization and positive leadership
- Empathy for citizens.
After effects of negative work culture could be-
- Low productivity, efficiency

E
- Substandard goods and services
- Fatigue, stress and ill health of personnel
-
-
OR
Little or no respect for leadership
Low motivation and morale.
- Low discipline
10. Why 'integrity' in civil services is essential? How a team is benefitted when leader is of
SC

unimpeachable integrity?
Thinking line:
Public services are backbone of government. It is necessary for civil servants to be honest as
well as efficient. For an administrative leadership, unimpeachable integrity is an essential
qualification.
GS

In its wider connotation, integrity would include intellectual honesty, a free and frank
expression of one's view, a scientific attitude of mind, a high degree of objectivity and a high
sense of justice. All such things are necessary in an administrator.
Civil servants are expected to evolve measures to make their subordinate honest and efficient.
Honesty, integrity commitment etc also follow the law of gravitation i.e. if the team leader
is honest, then honesty percolates downwards among the team members.
If the team leader is a person of integrity, then he can better guide his team mates and his
command will not only be followed but also respected. Leader will be courageous and will
not be influenced by external pressures, and will be protecting the entire team.

[310] Hints: Test-8


ETHICS WORKBOOK

www.iasscore.in

ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.9
1. Explain the following in respect of civil services.
(a) Demonstrative leadership
(b) Righteousness

E
(c) Altruism
(d) Selflessness
(e) Commitment
Thinking line:
OR
(a) This is a primary value of a civil servant because he/she is expected to lead by personal
examples. They are expected to lead from the front. This means that they are not only
SC
expected to issue directions and orders, they are also to establish that these orders are
implementable. For example, the head of an organization expects that his/her subordinates
reach the office by 10 AM definitely, then he/she should ensure personally to come office
every day before 10 AM without fail.
(b) It is which morally right and good. This is one of the foundational value of a civil servant
that he/she always stands for what is 'right' and 'good'. While considering the right and
GS

good, it should be in respect of others. Civil servants are expected to stand for 'right' of
others and do the things for public benefits. This they do by upholding the majesty of law
of the land. This also includes concerns of civil servants for equality of opportunities, the
fulfilling of basic needs of others etc.
(c) 'Altruistic' actions are those which is performed for good of others, for their sake, rather than
for the good for oneself. It is often understood in contrast to egoism. As a moral obligation
altruism requires us to promote the interests and well being of others even if we do not feel
inclined to do so. Public servants requires to think that public service is a vocation.
(d) Holders of public office should act solely in terms of public interest. They should not do so
in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. Public
servants whether selected or elected must realize the fact that they get their perks from the
public funds and hence they have to rise above the self and promote public goods.
(e) It is a promise to do or to behave in a particular way. It includes willingness to work hard
and give your energy and time to the job/assignment which has been given to you. Civil
servants act in a well defined job profile along with certain responsibilities. It is always
expected that through their untiring efforts, they will rise to the occasion and fulfill their
obligations.
Hints: Test-9 [311]
2. What are the obstacles that one has to encounter in performing human action? Illustrate
with suitable examples.

Thinking line:

In the process of performing human act one has to encounter certain obstacles. They are
following:

1. Ignorance - Lack of adequate knowledge in an individual with regard to nature or


moral quality of the act sometimes comes as an impediment. For example someone goes
for hunting a bird which is in the bush and while shooting the birds hits a person who
is taking rest there.

2. Passion - It is a powerful or compelling emotion or feeling. It is said to be a strong


tendency towards the possession of something good or towards the avoidance of
something evil. These passions come as an obstacle in the human act. Most of the
undesirable sexual acts are done out of passion.

E
3. Habit - It is an acquired tendency for doing something as a result of repeated practice.
Sometime sharp shooters in police become encounter specialist because of their habits.

4. OR
Fear - This is defined as shrinking back of the mind on account of an impending danger.
We kill people in self defence only on account of fear.

3. 'Is it correct to say that great leaders, reformers, and administrators could out - shine only
because they loved their people'. Illustrate through a suitable example.
SC

Thinking line:

People like Gandhi, Vimoba Bhawe or civil servants like Mangat Rai are still remembered
only because of their deep love of humanity and sacrifice. Gandhi lived in a Bhangi colony
and those who joined his ashram at seve gram or Sabarmati were subjected to a rigorous
discipline of simplicity and sacrifice.
GS

E. N. Mangat Rai ICS (1938-72) served in the district of Hissar during (1940-41) at a time
when district was badly affected by famine. He moved from village after village providing
villagers foodgrain, medicines, etc. besides supervising loan distribution. The government
records say that during this period he travelled -

- 1761 km - by camel

- 1219 km - by horse

- 2758 km - by bus

- 1230 km - by cycle

- 86 km - by foot

- and 3, 116 km - by government jeep.

Great administrators are generally anonymous. They are the living examples of service to the
humanity and sacrifice.

A civil servant should always remember that an honest commitment of the cause of the
people is a reward unto itself.
[312] Hints: Test-9
4. Shrewdness and cleverness are considered as hallmark of an efficient administrator, but
probity is put above this. A philosopher has said in this regard, "Take from a man his
reputation for probity, and the more shrewd and clever he is, the more hated and mistrusted
he becomes." Examine.
Thinking line:
The administrators are involved with the coordination and implementation of different
programmes and policies and oversee and supervise the team work.
They require shrewdness and cleverness for:
(a) Seeing things clearly; seeing things as they are
(b) Acting in prudent and effective ways
(c) Acting with the well-being of the whole in mind
(d) Knowing when to act and when not to act

E
(e) Being able to handle whatever arises with peace of mind and an effective, compassionate,
holistic response

(f)
OR
Being able to anticipate potential problems and avoid them
But most important aspect is that these have to accompany with probity to prove its right
intention and authenticity.
Probity means integrity, trustworthiness, openness and honesty, and is expected in all areas
SC
of governance, not solely in connection with financial dealings.Probity maintains strict
adherence to a code of ethics based on undeviating honesty, especially in commercial
(monetary) matters and beyond legal requirements.
Without probity the characteristics as shrewdness and cleverness depicts a negative
connotation.
Hence, administrator needs to be conscious at all times to uphold the highest standards of
GS

conduct in their dealings on the government's behalf, which includes acting with integrity
and avoiding conflicts of interest.
5. Corruption, embezzlement, fraud, these are all characteristics which exist everywhere. It is
regrettably the way human nature functions, whether we like it or not. What successful
economies do is keep it to a minimum. No one has ever eliminated any of that stuff. Do
you agree? Give reasons.
Thinking line:
In present day India, corruption has found an acceptance in the social psyche and behaviour.
Social evils like bribery, nepotism and favouritism have come to be accepted in the society.
Corruption promotes illegality, unethicalism, subjectivity, inequity, injustice, waste, inefficiency
and inconsistency in administrative conduct and behaviour.
It destroys the moral fabric of society and erodes the faith of the common man in the
legitimacy of the politico-administrative set up.
Corruption effects include the rise of inflation, increase in black money, an unstable marketplace
and risk of investment, thus the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer.
Hints: Test-9 [313]
This effects the overall social environment as well as economic development.
Thus good government always tries to minimize corruption.
Government has taken many new initiatives as e-governance, fair recruitment, training of
emotional intelligence, value inculcation, etc for reducing corruption. Apart from that
government has taken human development initiatives as education and skill development to
reduce the poverty and unemployment.
These Good governance initiatives create enabling environment conducive to the enjoyment
of human rights. Without good governance, human rights cannot be respected and protected
in a sustainable manner.
Explain these aspects and cite some good examples to substantiate your answer.
6. Suicide rate among the youth and especially students are increasing in India. Education is
to be blamed for this to a great extent. Education is today imparting attributes needed for
competition and existentialist requirements in the market place and it is failing to give us

E
eternal values like courage, character, patience, perseverance, endurance, honesty, integrity,
etc. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Thinking line:

OR
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young adults worldwide.
The reasons for suicidal behaviour can be the lack of self determination, immaturity in
handling challenges, lack of patience, etc.
This can be due to faulty education scenario which fails to inherent life-skills in an individual.
SC

Thus reorienting education for values is needed.


Role of informal education is of equal importance.
The current model of education contributes to the lopsided development of students. This
model of education puts exclusive focus on cognitive to the total neglect of the affective
domain and presents an alienation between head and heart.
GS

Students are nurtured in a spirit of excessive competition and are trained right from the
beginning to relate to aggressive competition and facts detached from contexts.
The individualistic idea of excellence is promoted at the cost of emotional and relational
skills. Young learners hardly understand why they are in school, why they are studying
different subjects and how their schooling will be helpful to them.
Their understanding is limited to learning about the subjects. They hardly know how they
should live their lives, commit themselves to the welfare of the country, care about the
environment and other social and moral issues. They are not clear as to what sort of persons
they hope to become when they complete their school education. Education of this kind
turns children into machines. Such a perspective defeats the very purpose of education - the
wholesome development of personality including ethical development which is fundamental
for making responsible decision making in case of moral conflicts.
This requires adoption and structuring of the curriculum in such a manner that optimizes
the transmission and assimilation of values within and outside the classroom. Every lesson,
routine activity and environment becomes value-centric and the entire gamut of relationships
and processes in the school is thereby strengthened and empowered.
We also need to see about the role of various institutions in this regard.
[314] Hints: Test-9
7. Discuss the positive correlation between economic development of a country with the level
of ethics in governance system.

Thinking line:

Economic growth is the most important means of raising people's incomes and reducing
poverty in the developing world - it creates jobs and opportunities for poor people to
support their families and build more stable futures.

Many developing countries face particular challenges that make it difficult for them to
stimulate and sustain economic growth. These challenges include weak institutions, high
unemployment, poor infrastructure, a lack of access to financial services and unsuitable laws
and regulations.

This exists for a few reasons. First of all, if a small, corrupt nation is run by a dictatorial
regime, one that extracts much of the country's wealth for personal gain, the private sector
will be weak and unemployment will be high. Secondly, this type of environment is also

E
unattractive to multinational corporations looking to expand. It's also not conducive for local
business development. Hence, the result is a dual-class citizenry (i.e.; the "haves" and the

"have-nots").

OR
The lack of ethical governance also leads to slow human resource development as most of
the steps for increment in education, health failed to show results due to poor implementation
scenario.

Even in terms of gender disparity and discrimination lack of ethical governance aggravate
SC
the situation.

8. Freedom and liberty are genuine aspirations of the people in a democracy. But without
reasonable restrictions and self discipline there is a danger that we may end up in an
unprincipled anarchy. Examine the above statement in view of some of the recent happenings
in the country.
GS

Thinking line:

Freedom is said to exist when external constraints on the individual are absent. In terms of
this definition an individual could be considered free if he/she is not subject to external
controls or coercion and is able to make independent decisions and act in an autonomous
way. However, absence of constraints is only one dimension of freedom. Freedom is also
about expanding the ability of people to freely express themselves and develop their potential.
Freedom in this sense is the condition in which people can develop their creativity and
capabilities.

But no individual living in society can hope to enjoy total absence of any kind of constraints
or restrictions. It becomes necessary then to determine which social constraints are justified
and which are not, which are acceptable and which should be removed.

In the recent times debate over freedom of expression and restrictions over it to maintain
peace and stability has increased. In the Section 66A judgment even Supreme Court has
stated that freedom of expression is rights of individual but government can place restrictions
on the content in tune to national security. Thus disciplined freedom is needed.

Hints: Test-9 [315]


9. Morality which depends upon the helplessness of a man or woman has not much to
recommend it. Morality is rooted in the purity of our hearts. Explain the statement in the
context of the behavioural traits of citizens including politicians, bureaucrats and common
men in India.

Thinking line:

"Morality" refers to a code of conduct that would be accepted by anyone who meets certain
intellectual and volitional conditions, almost always including the condition of being rational.
This is important to ensure fair play and harmony between individuals; to help make us
good people in order to have a good society.

Morality conduct should be done from heart not when any other person is in helplessness.
The feeling of helplessness is one of severe pain where a person finds all his knowledge, wit,
might and ability incapable of restoring normalcy.

This principle is applicable to all citizens including politicians, bureaucrats and commen

E
men.

"Morality" is the set of correct moral principles, which, though they probably will never be

OR
universally adopted, ought to be adopted for the peaceful development of society.

Politicians and bureaucrats design some of schemes and policies according to the ground
situation to gain advantage whether in elections or in day to day provisions. Their act of
morality is more inclined in favor of their own short-term self-interest that does not define
any particular course of action to establish moral society but changes with situations and
SC

their interest.

Same is the case with common citizens. The principles of morality should be universally
established with irrespective of the situations of the other person.

10. Free flow of information for citizen empowerment should be accompanied by proper utilisation
of information. Discuss the steps required for increasing the capability of individuals for
GS

utilising information properly.

Thinking line:

Information is crucial to good governance as it reflects and captures government activities


and processes.

Every citizen of the state has right to access information under the control of public authorities,
consistent with public interest.

The main objective of governments providing information to its citizens is not only to promote
openness, transparency and accountability in administration, but also to ensure participation
of people in all matters related to governance.

It not only empowers the people to exert demand for better services, it also empowers the
service providers to benchmark and make effort to provide better services.

The free flow of information also improves the rational thinking of people. It helps them in
coming to the decision making as the information provides them different dimensions and
consequences of any decision made. It also helps people in bringing an ethical approach to
their actions as they are in a condition to analyze the impact of their action properly.
[316] Hints: Test-9
But the utilization of information in correct format is becoming increasingly important. The
mis-communication or the negative interpretation of information can lead to improper use
of information which can have impact on society.

The steps needed are:

(a) Production and dissemination of details on implementation of programmes and projects


by all Government Departments/Agencies/Undertakings in local language.

(b) Wide publicity through print and electronic media.

(c) Discussions, seminars, meetings and similar other public discourses should be organised
to explain the pros and cons of the problems at all levels.

(d) The administration will have to be proactive rather than merely reacting to public
criticism. This will require a change in the mindset of the higher bureaucracy; periodical
training, change management and refresher courses will help in this task.

E
(e) The two-way communication should be established.

OR
SC
GS

Hints: Test-9 [317]


ETHICS WORKBOOK

www.iasscore.in

ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.10
1. The ethics is concerned with the morality of human action which should be knowledgeable,
voluntary and done by free will. But if a civil servant even under the pressure of politician
gets involved in scams, then will it be an unethical conduct on the part of the civil servant?
Discuss by giving your viewpoint.

E
Thinking line:
Ethics is primarily interested in human actions and, following that, in their legality or illegality.
OR
The following three requirements must be concurrently present for any action to be human:
(a) There must be some knowledge involved;
(b) There must be voluntariness present;
(c) The action must be freely done.
SC

If any one of these elements is not present, the action according to discipline of Ethics is not
a human action, and therefore it is not a fitting subject for ethics.
In the above case the civil servant has been involved in scam because of pressure, however
he is aware of what he is doing.
According to conduct rules, civil servant is bound to follow the orders from above but if it is in
written. Even if he does not agree with the decision of minister, he can put a decent note. So,
GS

involving in scams cannot be said to be ethical just on the definition of human actions.
In that also inherent benefit to the civil servant in form of promotion, transfer, etc. can be
involved. Corruption is not just related to financial resources only but it covers a broader
definition of use of powers for illegitimate private gains.
They have special responsibility to perform and to continue with their work they enjoy
constitutional protection.
2. There is a common belief that many things in India have become very disorderly and ugly
and have deteriorated beyond repair so much so that there is a common respite that now
nothing could be done for change, things will move only on their natural pace. But great
Indian spiritual guru Swami Vivekananda believed that it is our own mental attitude and
thoughts which make things beautiful or ugly and so we should learn to see things in the
proper light. In the light of the above statement explain how is it possible to change things
for better in our country by citing some appropriate examples.
Thinking line:
India is going under numerous types of changes and problems within the country and from
outside the country. Some of the issues are poverty and employment, discrimination,
corruption, etc.
[318] Hints: Test-10
Due to presence of such widespread issues, many believe that nothing can be done to bring
changes.
But as rightly said by the Swami Vivekananda, mental attitude decides the positive and
negative of the situation. All things are neither good nor bad it is perception which decides
it.
Hence positive attitude is must to bring fruitful change in the society.
Positive attitude helps to cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism
into life, makes them happier, brighter and more successful. It is certainly a state of mind
that is well worth developing and strengthening.
To bring change in the society, true empowerment is needed which can be brought by
poverty alleviation and employment.
Sustainable development can be brought by people participation that may lead to true
empowerment. When people move out of the vicious cycle of daily issues, then only he

E
thinks about societal development and common good.
3. Dedication and motivation can get people far in life. Motivation turns into dedication and

OR
dedication turns into success. List the steps needed to keep the civil servants motivated to
achieve the goal of welfare of the society.
Thinking line:
Motivation is the positive attribute that energise, direct and sustain the relevant behaviour.
SC
A motivated and willing civil servant is the best instrument to achieve the outcomes desired
by the state and society. Motivation comes through incentives, purpose of work etc. Contrary
to popular perception that it is monetary incentives which matter the most, the fact is that,
academic theory as well as experience, both in the Corporate sector and in Government,
indicates that it is the non-monetary incentives which are the key factors in motivating
employees especially in the context of Government.
GS

These returns satisfy the self-esteem and self-satisfaction needs of the employees. They include,
for instance, the pride of having an association with an organization, job challenge and
satisfaction, opportunities for learning and advancement, a sense of being part of a nobler
cause, job security and so on.
The steps needed for motivating public servants are:
(a) Sense of mission.
(b) Linking rewards with performance.
(c) Utilise performance appraisals that are not just task related but also reflect on competencies
specifically relevant to public service work.
(d) Convey social significance of job.
(e) There is need to recognise and promote the outstanding and innovative work of serving
Civil servants.
(f) Promote value-based leadership.
Improve training programs and processes in order to fulfil the expectation of citizens because a
sense of fulfilment of duty towards society gives a sense of accomplishment.
Hints: Test-10 [319]
4. Do you agree that the long legacy of unethical practices in governance in India has enhanced
the tolerance level for administrative immorality? Discuss with examples and also suggest
the steps needed for improving administrative morality.

Thinking line:

The unethical principles which are present since ancient time bear a great influence on the
ethical character of the governance system. Kautilyas Arthashastra mentions a variety of
corrupt practices in which the administrators of those times indulged themselves. The Mughal
Empire and the Indian princely rule were also afflicted with the corrupt practices of the
courtiers and administrative functionaries with bakashish being one of the accepted means
of selling and buying favours.

The East India Company too had its share of employees who were criticized even by the
British parliamentarians for being corrupt. The forces of probity and immorality co-exist in
all phases of human history.

E
Thus the long legacy of presence of corruption has been accepted by the people as a part
of society thus when corruption cases comes up, the reaction against them is dismal.

Hence the steps needed are:OR


(a) Effective laws which require civil servants to give reasons for their official decisions (for
example: a Freedom of Information law).

(b) Management approaches which encourage all public officials and civil servants to deal
SC

positively with corruption and unethical practice when they encounter it.

(c) Whistleblower Protection Law to protect appropriate 'public interest disclosures' of


wrong-doing by officials.

(d) Ethics audits to identify risks to the integrity of the most important processes (for
example financial management, tendering, recruitment and promotion, dismissal and
discipline).
GS

(e) New Human Resource Management strategies (which link, for example, ethical
performance with entry and advancement, and ethical under-performance with
disciplinary processes), merit based promotion and recruitment, anti-discrimination
protections.

(f) Training and development in the content and rationale of Ethics Codes, the application
of ethical management principles, the proper use of official power, and the requirements
of professional responsibility.

(g) Effective external and internal complaint and redress procedures.

(h) Violation and breaches of Code of Ethics should invite sanction and punishment under
the disciplinary rules.

(i) The ethical framework should provide for prevention and guidance, investigation,
disciplinary action and prosecution.

(j) Ethical Guidance should include training in ethics awareness and development of essential
skill for ethical analysis and moral judgment.
[320] Hints: Test-10
5. "True character is revealed in adversity". Discuss the statement in light of the various
challenges that public service throws upon public servants? How would you respond to
them?
Thinking line:
Life is about living, loving and learning. Individuals need to make the changes and choices that
are truthful, honest and right for life. Even in those times of adversity where life is not going
as have been planned. But when adversity comes up an individual is not able to adjust to it
properly and in irrational manner either due to frustration or lack of emotional intelligence in
handling it.
Discipline is the cornerstone to building character. Only when individual is able to control
impulses he can taken decision properly. Discipline helps develop inner strength and the will to
make and fulfill commitments.
Civil servant faces many challenges during the course of career as

E
Political interference,
The numbers of civil society institutions are increasing which act as watchdog for the public

servants.
Judicial activism
Media activism
OR
International pressures
SC
Blatant use of 'transfers', 'postings' and 'extensions' is increasing work pressure on bureaucrat.
People agitation
Thus civil servant has to be firm and mentally sound to face the pressure in such adverse
situations. In that situations civil servant should be able to take rational, ethical decisions and
work for public good.
GS

Emotional intelligence can be a solution for it.


6. A group of voters were dissatisfied with a candidate because of various acts of omission
and commission. Unfortunately the candidate was from the same community as that of the
group. Other communities voters were also dissatisfied with the candidate and hence the
group wanted to go with them in order to please them. However on the date of polling,
caste factor played the decisive role hence the group could not go against the candidate,
because of his social background.
How would you explain that attitude determines behaviour?
Thinking line:
The situation was such in the beginning that the group wanted to go against the candidate
because the group had a negative attitude towards the candidate. The group also wanted
to please other voters (because the subjective norm for voting in respect of candidate was
low).
The group however later realized that habit of voting for a candidate belonging to their
community is deeply engrained and requires a strong confidence to go against the candidate
of their community.
Hints: Test-10 [321]
Because of low perceived behavioural control, the group could not vote against the candidate
despite various acts of omission and commission.
Thus in spite of proper attitude and subjective norms, the group voted in favour of candidate
as the attitude that was deeply engrained in them played a significant and influential role
in determining their behaviour.
7. Outside obligation on the public servant to be ethically and morally correct fails to improve
ethics in public service rather the conscience of individual needs to be enlightened. What
steps will you take to enlighten your conscience for acting ethically correct while in service?
Thinking line:
Laws and conscience are the two sources of guidance by which human beings can judge the
morality of their action.
Laws set out specific conditions or constraints that have to be complied with in pursuing the
goals or in gaining access to the rights whereas conscience is experienced as an inner

E
sanctuary or tribunal, rather than something external.
Conscience gives the power to create a happier and fulfilling life. It's about opening oneself

OR
to newer possibilities, reconnecting with inner self, embracing the divine within and most
importantly, free from the pain and suffering that has been holding the person down.
The steps needed are:
(a) Devotion to duty irrespective of circumstances.
SC

(b) Reduces areas of conflict of interest mainly between public and private life.
(c) Work on improving emotional intelligence to understand one's and others' emotions
properly.
(d) Differentiate between "need" and "wants" to maintain integrity in functioning.
8. In an organization there are two types of people. One who don't work properly and other
GS

who want to do work but not allowed to do so either due to internal or external pressure.
Discuss the attitude of these two types of people. Discuss the importance of attitude
management in moulding people's behavior toward following of one's duty.
Thinking line:
Attitude represents the positive or negative mental and neural readiness towards a person,
place, thing or event.
Every human being differs in their intention to work and attitude towards work.
Few people have casual behavior towards their work and do not fulfill ones duty properly.
This shows a latent attitude. Whereas some people want to work properly but due to
internal pressure as unhealthy working environment, poor salary structure or work culture,
etc. and external pressures as political interference or government policies, etc. find some
limitations while performing their tasks. This type of people take work as worship so give
their best in adverse circumstances also.
Hence, from the above two cases, it is clear that attitude management is must.
Peoples attitude is shown by their behavior, feelings, beliefs, and tendencies to act toward
other persons, groups, ideas, or objects.
[322] Hints: Test-10
Thus before selecting a strategy for influencing attitudes, there is need to determine exactly
what is to be changed. It is desirable to select goals that are both specific and attainable.
After establishing the goals there are several factors which are need to be considered in
selecting a strategy, that includes both individual and organizational constraints.
A healthy work culture with proper incentives and freedom for innovation should be
maintained. Job enrichment can be a solution for attitude change as it may bring a sense of
satisfaction and responsible attitude within an individual.
9. If an individual want to grow up as successful human being one essential thing is to have
rational thinking. What does rational thinking means to you? Is it just controlling one's
emotion or something else? Discuss with example.
Thinking line:
Rational thinking refers to logical or reasoning being involved in the thought process. It adds
an element of calculation and planning to a steam of thoughts rather than basing them on
emotion or personal opinion.

E
It is a kind of objective process of thinking and an analytic approach to any problem.
Rational thinking begins with the sensory awareness of existence, employs valid reality-

OR
based concepts, and applies logic consistently and systematically.
It is much more than controlling ones emotions. Controlling of emotions may lead to
converting the agitation to positive feelings but rational thinking is much more than that. It
is controlling of emotions to take right decision by analyzing all the aspects of the theme
rather than taking decision based on social prejudices and norms.
SC
10. What precautions are needed while criticizing the performance of work of subordinates?
Suppose you are head of a disaster management team and have assigned the work of
distribution of foodgrain to one of your subordinates, which he could not handle properly.
How will you comment on his performance?
Thinking line:
GS

For generation of evaluative judgments and for maintaining motivation in the organization,
constructive criticism should be done.
Following precautions are needed while criticizing the performance of subordinates.
(a) Specificity: Criticism or comments should be specific with facts.
(b) Providing or suggesting solution: The senior civil servant should offer solution also so
that mistake may not be repeated in future.
(c) Face to face contact: Should say whatever to say on the face of the subordinate.
(d) Empathy: Subordinate to be treated in an empathetic manner. One should always
remember that mistakes in performance take place because of lack of experience.
While making comments on the performance of a subordinate who has been involved with
distribution of food grain, comment should be specific that in a particular village 2 or 4
families have been left out and could not be provided with food grain. The subordinate
could be suggested that this omission could be corrected while providing them food grain
in second round. It is always better to call the officer separately and tell him instead of
making this comment when he is not there. Since the officer is quite junior and lacks
experience hence one should be empathetic to him.
Hints: Test-10 [323]
ETHICS WORKBOOK

www.iasscore.in

ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.11
1. There has been surge of interest in spirituality both at personal level and at workplace.
What is spirituality? Do you think there is a relationship between productivity and
spirituality?
Thinking line:

E
A spiritual life is a life that aims to develop higher states of consciousness.

OR
Spirituality gives a perspective that our role in life has a greater value than just what we do
every day. It can separate a person from dependence on material things and establish a
greater purpose.
It would mean that work would move from merely being a place to get enough money to
survive - from just earning our daily bread - to being a place of livelihood.
SC

With respect to productivity, spirituality leads to personal development of integrity, team


morale and costs.
It seeks to build the capacity at two levels, i.e. individual and organization. At individual
level, it seeks to nurture the creativity, imagination and intuition besides improving the trust
and honesty.
At organization level, spirituality holds out potential to improve organization performance.
GS

If everybody in a team is pulling their weight then the team is likely to be a happy team.
If some people are not pulling their weight then there is likely to be dissatisfaction and
frustration.
It also affects the level of trust between people in a team. Other benefits are that spiritual
people are more in touch with the source of creativity, have increased authenticity in
communication and increased ethical and moral behavior.
2. What do you understand by the term personal effectiveness? Explain the role of self-awareness
in enhancing personal effectiveness.
Thinking line:
Personal effectiveness means making use of all the personal resources at disposal - talents,
skills, energy and time to enable oneself to achieve both work and life goals.
Personal effectiveness is important for improving organizational management, as those who
can first manage themselves will ultimately be able to effectively manage others.
Being self-aware, making the most of strengths, learning new skills and techniques and
developing behavioural flexibility are all key to improving personal effectiveness.
[324] Hints: Test-11
Hence self-awareness is the core for improving personal effectiveness. Self-Awareness reflects
the importance of recognizing one's own feelings and how they affect one's performance. It
is a key to realize one's own strengths and weaknesses.
Self-awareness helps administrators identify gaps in their knowledge, skills attitude etc, and
thus ultimately stimulates overall development.
3. There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving and that your own
self. Comment
Thinking line:
The characteristics required for being an ethical and moral sound person can be taught to
people but whether he will adopt it or not depend on oneself attitude towards those values.
Self is the core of any development and the first stage and place of improvement.
This is true for everything external to us. We can't control all the external conditions coming
in life; we can just keep our internal soul in peace and solace to handle the uncertainties

E
with perfection.
The person can do all is to move for personal development. Personal development is about

OR
developing and improving aspects of an individual which can include areas such as education,
motivation, feelings, health, skills, abilities, and more.
As life and circumstances are constantly changing, it is necessary to continue developing as
a person in order to improve as individuals and to be able to adapt to changing situations.
Gandhi rightly said: "You must be the change you want to see in the world."
SC

"As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world - that
is the myth of the atomic age - as in being able to remake ourselves."
If you change yourself you will change your world. If you change how you think then you
will change how you feel and what actions you take. And so the world around you will
change. Not only because you are now viewing your environment through new lenses of
GS

thoughts and emotions but also because the change within can allow you to take action in
ways you wouldn't have - or maybe even have thought about - while stuck in your old
thought patterns.
And the problem with changing your outer world without changing yourself is that you will
still be you when you reach that change you have strived for. You will still have your flaws,
anger, negativity, self-sabotaging tendencies etc. intact.
So any development starts with the "Self." This is place you are certain about. Once you
bring improvement consequence will reflect in the outer world also.
4. Human society is today creating more problems than skills can solve and only human
values & ethics can reduce problem creation. Illustrate you opinion.
Thinking line:
Human society is creating problem by increasing the conflicts among themselves. Conflict
between people or groups often arises from competition for resources, power, and status.
Family members compete for attention. Individuals compete for jobs and wealth. Nations
compete for territory and prestige. Different interest groups compete for influence and the
power to make rules.
Hints: Test-11 [325]
Skill which is an ability and capacity acquired through deliberate, systematic, and sustained
effort to smoothly and adaptively carryout complex activities or job functions is not able to
solve these problems as it does not require intellectual mind but a emotional and feeling
mind which can be attained by inculcating ethical and human values only.
Ethics refers to well-based standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought
to do, usually in terms of duties, principles, specific virtues, or benefits to society. With
ethical standards and human values the conflicts in the human society may decrease.
5. Real freedom is of the mind and spirit it can never came to us from the outside. Analyse.
Thinking line:
Freedom as 'inner freedom' emphasizes on the inner aspect of life. The closest English
equivalent would be 'freedom-hood' meaning 'freedom of one's consciousness state', the
conscious inner struggle for inner freedom for which all human beings strive for understanding
knowledge of one's connectedness with the world and other beings in the world i.e.

E
'enlightenment'. Enlightenment is the mental condition of inner freedom. Inner freedom is
freedom from the ignorance of human nature and human potentiality... 'freedom of thought',
freedom of mind, freedom of conscience...
OR
Freedom is said to exist when an individual is not subject to external controls or coercion
and is able to make independent decisions and act in an autonomous way.
Freedom is also about expanding the ability of people to freely express themselves and
develop their potential.
SC

Freedom in this sense is the condition in which people can develop their creativity and
capabilities.
In the present era people has been given sovereign power in their hands. But this power is
robbed by hosts of self-seekers.
The ideal form of freedom is curtailed on every side. Peoples' thoughts are fashioned according
GS

to the plans of organized interests; in its choosing of ideas and forming of opinions is
hindered either by punitive force.
6. 'The quality of our life would be certainly poorer without aesthetic value'. Comment.
Thinking line:
Aesthetic values are concerned with our inherent sense of beauty. Perception, appreciation
and enjoyment of beauty, and creation of things of beauty are important human activities.
The experience of beauty makes life vibrant, colourful and happy. A beautiful flower, a great
work of art, or an evocative and soulful musical composition can transport an aesthetically
sensitive person to a higher realm of existence, above the ordinary and mundane concerns
of living.
But besides these largely sensuous pleasures, it can touch our deepest emotional chords and
even arouse noble human sentiments by stimulating our imagination and providing appealing
semblances of harmony, peace and unity.
The quality of our life would be certainly poorer without such sensitivity and experiences.
A refined aesthetic sensitivity has always been regarded as an important hallmark of a
cultured person.
[326] Hints: Test-11
Philosophically, Beauty has been ranked as high as Truth and Goodness. It is a very well
known credo of the Indian tradition.
The pursuit of fine arts, particularly of music, is often described as (Sadhana), i.e. a sacred
and disciplined striving for the realization of the absolute.
Whichever way we look at them, aesthetic values are essential components of all that is
valuable for human beings.
They indeed contribute significantly to the fullness of good life.
In the modern times aesthetics has become an important area of academic enquiry. It examines
all the different aspects of man's experience of art and beauty, like the meaning of beauty,
the identity of a work of art, the nature of aesthetic experiences, art appreciation, and the
historical, sociological and psychological factors affecting our aesthetic taste, thus analyses
the importance of aesthetic value for the betterment of mankind.
(In the above context one can conclude answer taking contemporary example).

E
7. Doing morally correct things can solve many problems associated with poverty. Substantiate
your view with suitable illustration.
Thinking line:

OR
Poverty is primarily inaccessibility to get the basic amenities of life and probably hunger is
the worst kind of poverty.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, "There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot
SC
appear to them except in the form of bread."
We see children toiling in the streets in harsh conditions to earn the difficult bread. In the
process they are compelled to miss the light of education.
Then there are men and women, barely fed and dressed (malnutrition apparent from their
physique and poverty loudly speaking on their faces) working at low wages and poor
conditions affecting their health adversely to earn the bread which means realization of god
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to them.
To cater the issue of poverty in India, government has launched many poverty alleviation
schemes but the programmes and schemes failed due to moral crisis.
The moral crisis may be on the part of individuals or on the part of institutions.
The empirical evidences show that there is huge leakage and wrong targeting of these
welfare expenditures due to indifference, corruption and other manmade reasons.
The water supplying bodies are corrupt and lazy. The mid-day meal schemes have killed
students due to food poison. There are examples of non-payment of minimum wages to the
workers under MNREGA or lesser payment than legally stipulated. Some children died in
some hospitals because of use of expired polio vaccines.
There is no doubt, such failures are not because of scarcity of resource, but because of lack
of moral responsibility.
A little better moral understanding can help us in understanding the poor and their problems.
It can help us in pushing the poor children to schools. It can help us to implement the
poverty alleviation and welfare programmes without leakage and corruption.
Hints: Test-11 [327]
It can help us to be empathetic. Being moral and ethical can help us to offer a dignified
treatment to the poor and the weak, to be human and kind.
But the irony is that we do not generally opt to be moral and ethical. We are Darwinians.
We have to succeed, we have to win, no cost is bigger to achieve adaptability and become
the fittest to survive.
As rightly pointed out by Dwight D. Eisenhower towards the heartless competition among
the nations of the world for establishing hegemony and to be reckoned as superpowers -
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final
sense, a theft from those who are empty stomach and are not fed, those who are in cold and
are not clothed. This world is not only spending money on arms alone. It is spending,
draining out the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, and the hopes of its
children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is
humanity hanging on a cross of iron."
8. The deepening value crisis in the contemporary Indian society is casting its evil in all walks

E
of life. Analyze.
Thinking line:

OR
The many ills that our society as a whole is suffering today are mainly due to crises of values.
Values are principles that allow us to guide our behaviour to fulfill ourselves as individuals.
They are fundamental beliefs that help us prefer, accept and choose one thing over another
or a behaviour over another.
SC

There is erosion of social, moral, cultural, economic and political values at all levels. The
erosion of values has led to the spread of selfishness, unlimited greed, corruption, violence,
and destruction, abuse of human rights, frustration and crisis of character.
Value Crisis at the Individual Level
The sole aim of all the strivings at the individual level has become attainment of personal
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success. It is a worldly success, defined in purely materialistic terms as acquisition of money,


power and prestige.
The rat race to this success commands enthusiastic support of the powerful elite classes.
Their upbringing and enculturation have tuned them for single-minded pursuit of career
growth and economic success.
All other life values, which give meaning, worth, and fullness to human existence are seen
as roadblocks and unnecessary diversions from the high road to material success.
Similarly, the concept of a good life has been restricted to very narrow confines. Good life
is one with unrestricted enjoyment of sensuous pleasures and fulfillment of unlimited desires.
It is a consumeristic haven filled with all kinds of artifacts for comfort and luxury. Its
guiding slogan is, 'higher the quantity of consumption, better the quality of life'.
Value Crisis at the Societal Llevel
The Indian society has traditionally been a group-oriented society. It provided a counter-
balancing communitarian pull to the tendency of selfish individualism. With the ascendancy
of ideologies and isms like/individualism, consumerism, rights-ism, etc., this communitarian
feeling has declined.
[328] Hints: Test-11
This deadening of social consciousness has reduced our sensitivity to a variety of social evils
like, poverty, injustice, exploitation, caste, class and gender inequalities, etc.
The better endowed citizens, whose sensitivities and attitudes affect social transformation,
have closed their eyes to these problems and have retreated into their own citadels of
comfort and prosperity.
Value Crisis at the Cultural Level
Indian culture is an unbroken living tradition spanning several millennia. In its evolution
over this long span, with many ups and downs, it has generated a variety of ideas,
philosophies, religious beliefs and social customs. But the value crisis is reflected in the
confusing, ambivalent attitude of a section of society towards their culture. The most talked
about point of current cultural crisis is the fast change in lifestyles, food habits, forms of
greetings, common courtesies, modes of entertainment. Some of these changes are due to
changing socio-economic conditions but many are the result of copying western modes.
The crisis of values can only be overcome by combined efforts of all. Everyone has to commit

E
himself towards ethical standard in his life. Unfortunately, there is a big gap between
preaching and practicing of what one believes or what one says.

OR
One's actions must reflect the values that one intends to inculcate in children. Problems
cannot be overcome by pointing fingers on others.
Education occupies an important place in societal development; therefore it could be used
effectively to transform the society. This can be achieved through well articulated policies on
value education and the incorporation of value education in the school curricula at all levels
SC
of education.
9. 'Dis-value among public servants ultimately makes democracy dysfunctional'; corruption is
just one example of it. Analyze.
Thinking line:
Civil servants have a special responsibility of managing resources on behalf of the community,
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delivering services to the community and taking decisions that affect a citizens life. The core
concept of democracy is associated with a system of welfare and redistribution aimed at
narrowing social inequalities; system of decision-making based on the principle of majority
rule. This concept has led to the implementation of Welfare activities as a democratic value
in the nation.
For implementation of these ideals government has initiated many programmes and policies
Public servants are severely criticized for their irresponsiveness, insensitivity and lack lustre
performance in the delivery services in the field of transport, health, education, social sector
urban development and environment management. Further the recent disclosures of affairs
and scandals have shown the deep rooted dis-value system in the organization. Target of
these initiatives are not reaching the beneficiaries.
Corruption is a very serious social and societal evil as it generates economic distortions in
the public sector by diverting public investment into capital projects where bribes and kickbacks
are more plentiful. Corruption reduces the quality of government services and infrastructure,
and increases budgetary pressures on government.
Hence the dis-value in the public servants are discouraging them in fulfilling their duty
which in turn makes democracy dysfunctional
Hints: Test-11 [329]
10. What do you mean by honesty? How this value will help you to become a good Civil
Servant?
Thinking line:
Honesty can be referred to when a person without looking to the benefits that he can derive
from holding a position in public office, remains true and faithful to his duties.
According to Nolan Committee holders of public office have a duty to declare any private
interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in
a way that protects the public interest. Holders of public office should be truthful.
Civil services as an organization are expected to play a pivotal role in process of development.
A an honest civil servant may help to foster good policymaking, effective service delivery,
accountability and responsibility in utilizing public resources which leads to inclusive growth.
So, if a civil servant is not honest he would not be able to be faithful to his office. He may
not be able to differentiate between public and private interests. He may also reduce the

E
trust of citizens in them.
To maintain honesty of Public Servants must: Conduct the business of Government honestly
OR
and responsibly; Attend work on time when scheduled; Be courteous and respectful while
serving the public; Administer public money judiciously and efficiently with a view to
obtaining best value for money and in accordance with Financial Orders; Resolve any conflict
that arises between private interests and official duties in favour of the public interest.
SC
GS

[330] Hints: Test-11


ETHICS WORKBOOK

www.iasscore.in

ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.12
1. Explain with examples how Whistle-blowing is both an ethical and unethical act if seen in
different perspectives?

Thinking line:

E
Whistleblowers are those individuals who call attention to possible wrongdoing within their
organizations. Whistle-blowing is the act, for an employee (or former employee), of disclosing
what he believes to be unethical or illegal behavior to higher management (internal whistle-

OR
blowing) or to an external authority or the public (external whistle-blowing).
According to few whistleblowers are noble characters, willing to sacrifice personally and
professionally to expose organizational practices that are wasteful, fraudulent, or harmful to the
public safety. On the other hand few thinks that whistleblowers are, by and large, disgruntled
employees who maliciously and recklessly accuse individuals they feel have wronged them in
SC
order to attain their own selfish goals.
Whistleblowers do call attention to genuine abuses of power by decision-makers in business and
government. They do often suffer retaliation for their ethical resistance. However, whistleblowers
may often be wrong in their accusations and their motives are not always pure. Their actions can
disrupt a workplace, and may cause serious harm to individuals wrongly accused.
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Thus if seen in different perspectives the act of whistle-blowing become both ethical and unethical.
Hence the purity of their motives with which it has been done can decide the nature of it. Before
taking action in relation to the complain, thorough checking of the intention should be done to
maintain the decorum and dignity of the organisation.

The process of whistle-blowing should be according to the rules and they should not suffer
inpersonal reprisals for using internal channels to report perceived wrongdoing. The establishment
of a fair and impartial investigative process should be done.
2. People generally teach their children how to read, write, speak but never teach how to
develop a positive thought process. Discuss the importance of teaching a healthy thinking
process. Why generally it has taken a back seat in the learning process?
Thinking line:
Parents are the most influential agents in the child's learning of morals. Mother is the first teacher
and Home is the first school". The minds of children develop in the major way through the
process of non - formal education at home. Parental attitudes and behavioral responses to right
and wrong, good and evil, acceptable and unacceptable, set the tone and direction of the child's
moral development.
Hints: Test-12 [331]
Hence in the whole process of teaching parents teaches how to read, write, speak but forget to
teach the positive thinking that acts a basic ground for development of individual as a morally
and ethically sound individual.
Positive thinking aims to help people be more aware of the power of their thoughts and moods
and how to manage them in order to lead happier and more successful lives. The central idea
is that it is not what happens to individuals, which leads them to be happy, healthy or successful,
but how they interpret what happens to them and the extent to which they believe that it is
possible to influence such events.
Whilst positive thinking has traditionally been viewed as a strategy for helping people to deal
with problems, but implementation of positive thinking programmes is needed in order to improve
the quality of learning and achievement in young people.
It generally takes a back seat because children are pushed to the competition arena since childhood.
It lays greater emphasis on developing memorization and reproduction abilities rather than
developing oneself as a ethical person.

E
Parents must guide their children to become practical heroes but not platform heroes.
3. As organization is made up of human resource hence social constraints & culture play a
OR
more important role than the mere management principles. How can integration between
the two shall be introduced in the organization to maintain healthy work culture?
Thinking line:
An organization has its boundaries, goals and objectives, technology, managerial practices, material
and human resources. The human resource forms the crux of organization thus the organizational
SC

and organismic components interact, and over time establish roles, norms, and values pertaining
to work. Organizational culture is shaped by and overlaps with other cultures - especially the
broader culture of the societies in which it operates.
Every person or employee in the organization has own different values and beliefs that he/she
works with them. He remains stick to the culture and values that has been with him since
childhood.
GS

Thus integration of work culture and social culture is needed to maintain a healthy balance
between the two. Mere principles may not govern the individual.
This can be achieved by:
(a) The organisation should acknowledge that people differ in their capabilities and needs, use
this as a strength rather than a problem and takes this into account in all areas of its
business and plan accordingly.
(b) The organization should provide individuals with meaningful work and with opportunities
to use and develop their skills in a stable employment environment.
(c) The organisation should values and acknowledges the contribution that employees make
both financially and through other forms of recognition. It works to ensure that employees
at all levels share the vision of the organisation and are encouraged to contribute at an
appropriate level.
(d) The organisationshould communicate openly and effectively to staff and to the outside
world. When difficult decisions are necessary, they are addressed in a timely and equitable
way and communicated sympathetically.
This will help in creating a sound work culture and enhancing the performance of the organization.
[332] Hints: Test-12
4. Temperance and Prudence fetch respect from colleagues rather than the high intellectual
level. Do you agree? Illustrate with example.
Thinking line:
Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern true good in every circumstance
and to choose the right means of achieving it. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment
of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with this
judgment. With the help of this virtue he apply moral principles to particular cases without error
and overcome doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid. In working prudence
applies in three areas: Wisdom, insight/foresight and knowledge. This helps in taking the decision
morally and ethically correct.
Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance
in the use of created goods. It ensures the will's mastery over instincts and keeps desires within
the limits of what is honorable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what
is good and maintains a healthy discretion. This creates a balanced and disciplined life.

E
Thus prudence and temperance fetch more respect than higher intellectual level.
5.

OR
The crisis of ethics in public life is more because of attitudinal problem of public servants
rather than organisational ineffectiveness. Critically analyse.
Thinking line:
Effective and efficient institutions form the backbone of a successful development and
governance process, the laws made by the Legislature, executive or judiciary may be sound
SC
and relevant, but they are not properly implemented by government functionaries properly.
This results in a mismatch between what is required and what is being provided.
This is because organisation is an amalgamation of material, money and human resource
hence the attitude of people towards organisational vision and mission is more important for
the success of programme and policies.
The public servant's attitude is one of indifference and insensitivity to the needs of citizens.
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The end result is that officers perceive themselves as dispensing favours to citizens rather
than serving them.
This restricts the person from fulfilling his/her duty of serving the people and the nation and
reduces organisation just to wooden, inflexible, self-perpetuating and inward looking system.
6. For the proper maintenance of law and order, a policeman should consider himself as a
citizen with uniform and a citizen as a policeman without uniform. Discuss.
Thinking line:
The aims and objectives of Police are to act as upholders of law and to protect life, limb and
property of the members of the public.
It signifies that the Police should enforce the Law firmly and impartiality without fear or
favour, malice or vindictiveness, but with strict regard to the preservation of the Human
Rights of the citizens of India.
The Police must recognize that they are members of the public with the only difference that
in the interest of the society and on its behalf they are employed to give full time attention
to duties which are normally incumbent on every citizen to perform.
Hints: Test-12 [333]
On the other hand citizens are also obliged to cooperate with police organisation for
maintaining law and order. They should participate in community policing and should
follow rules judiciously.
If everyone performs his/her duty religiously, proper relationship will be maintained between
citizen and government organisations.
7. What do you mean by 'Perseverance'? Explain with examples. How can you prepare yourself
to achieve this attribute in order to become a successful civil servant?
Thinking line:
Perseverance is the quality of continuing to try to achieve a particular aim despite of the
difficulties. It trumps both failure and fatigue. It is a lense through which people view life
that is focused on succeeding not on failing. eg. it is seen people like Abraham Lincon,
Mahatama Gandhi, have been great personalities as they were never disappointed because
of hardships or failures.

E
In order to become a successful civil servant, it is essential one is not disappointed or
distressed because of hardships like long working hours, stressful office work and working
in unfavourable conditions. This is possible when the civil servants develop the energy to
OR
overcome fatigue and failure in life. It can be achieved by associating oneself with the
hardships and problems that the common people suffer, developing energy and stamina to
work for long hours and not being disappointed by failures. Along with it, patience; which
is widely expected from a good civil servant at times is a vital component of perseverance.
8. Without leadership from the top, any attempt to achieve major ethical reforms in an
SC

organisation is bound to fail. In the light of this statement, elaborate on the leadership role
displayed by Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore.
Thinking line:
Much of Singapore's success is attributed to a clean and efficient government. This was
possible due to the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew.
GS

He believed that civil service reform is the biggest step for achieving inclusive growth as civil
servants play a pivotal role, in process of development.
With their emphasis on rules and regulations, division of labour, hierarchy, role specialists,
rationality, impersonally and neutrality, civil services ensure smooth process of development.
They took part from policy formulation to policy implementation and ultimately to public
welfare.
The most important component of civil service reform is attracting best talent of the nation
to the public service, it requires competitive salaries. According to him Low salaries will not
attract able men who are or can be successful in their professions or business. Low salaries
will draw in the hypocrites who sweet talk their way into power in the name of public
services, but once in charge, will show their true colour, and ruin the country.
But salary cannot be the sole criteria for entering such a prestigious service. The ethical and
morality on an individual also play a pivotal role. Lee KuanYew, himself lived an ethical life
and set example to be followed by the other people.
He worked for the emancipation of human resource capital of the nation and invested
heavily in education and health. He also propagated the idea of gender equality to bring a
sense of belongingness and participation in the governance.
[334] Hints: Test-12
The Singapore experience demonstrates that in an ethical political arena, dedicated efforts
of even an idiviual can bring a change in the system.
With the clear vision and mission of Lee Kuan Yew and leadership role played by him in
motivating the staff and people for the goal of peace, prosperity and growth.
9. A commitment to the common good could bring us together and solve the deepest problems
of this country and the world now faces. Critically analyze.
Thinking line:
The common good is a notion that originated more than 2,000 years ago in the writings of
Plato, Aristotle and Cicero. More recently, contemporary ethicist John Rawls defined the
common good as "certain general conditions that are...equally to everyone's advantage."
This approach focuses on ensuring that the social policies, social systems, institutions and
environments on which we depend are beneficial to all. Examples of goods common to all
include affordable health care, effective public safety, peace among nations, a just legal

E
system, and an unpolluted environment.
Appeals to the common good urge us to view ourselves as members of the same community,

OR
reflecting on broad questions concerning the kind of society we want to become and how
we are going to achieve that society.
10. Knowledge is power, but it is power for evil as much as for good. It follows that, unless
men increase in wisdom as much as in knowledge, increase in knowledge will be increase
in sorrow." Do you agree? Illustrate.
SC
Thinking line:
Education, if looked at beyond its conventional boundaries, forms the very essence of all our
actions. What we do is what we know and have learned, either through instructions or
through observation and assimilation.
Wisdom is the way knowledge is used to add value to life. Wise use of knowledge is that
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which leads to the well being of the individual and society.


Wisdom is more closely related to the experience than to the knowledge.
It is born out of profound experiment of the life and repeated reflections on them.
How knowledge is being used is more important.

Hints: Test-12 [335]


ETHICS WORKBOOK

www.iasscore.in

ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE


Answer Hints: Test No.13
1. The world becomes completely our own when it comes within the range of our emotions.
Elaborate with examples.
Thinking line:

E
Emotions have very strong influence on ethical behavior.
It has great impact on our decision making ability.

OR
Generally it carries a negative connotation, however it is incorrect.
Emotion or feeling could be desirable and positive such as Gratitude, humanity, simplicity,
charitableness, compassion, etc.
Whereas undesirable and negative emotions are envy, anger, vanity, malice, hatred, greed, etc.
SC

The former promotes human values, which translate into ethical action.
2. In order to enter politics and become an effective participant in transforming society, one
has to win an election, but to win an election he must sully his hands. In this way, his
genuinely noble objective is tainted much before he has an opportunity to realize it. Why
establishment of ethical framework in politics has become a distinct dream?
Thinking line:
GS

Ethics is based on adherence to the universal moral principles of honesty, integrity, promise
keeping, loyalty, fairness, caring and respect for others, law abidingness, pursuit of excellence
and accountability.
There are two vital steps to ethics: knowing what is right and doing it. In the real world of
politics, both are difficult.
Politics and those engaged in it, play a vital role in the legislative and executive wings of the
State. The members of the ruling party, having the majority, push through various policy
initiatives, which are formulated by the Cabinet, having planned within the respective
ministries after consultation with affected interests or concerned communities.
Hence they decide the course of government and design the welfare agenda for the nation.
Due to the vastness of responsibilities, coding an ethical framework for them become difficult
as many functions are done at their discretion and all cannot be coded.
Laws and rules are appropriate when they concern the use of public funds, property,
facilities and influence, and in safeguarding the independence of public officials by specifying
unacceptable forms of conflict of interest. Laws are needed to establish minimum norms of
behavior, clarify the responsibilities, and prevent abuse of public office.
[336] Hints: Test-13
Referring to such laws and rules as 'ethics laws' or 'ethical standards', however, is misleading
and counter-productive. Misleading because the laws deal only with a narrow spectrum of
ethical issues facing professionals in the public sector; counter-productive because it invites
those subject to the regulations to treat the minimalist laws as standards of ethical propriety.
Hence designing an ethical framework for politicians is a difficult task.
To improve the ethical quality of government, there is a need to acknowledge the limited role
of laws and more important the role of character and commitment of an individual.
3. The theory of utilitarianism has been criticized for many reasons. Critics hold that it does
not provide adequate protection for individual rights, that not everything can be measured
by the same standard, and that happiness is more complex than reflected by the theory.
However, in an era today some have characterized it as "the age of self-interest",
utilitarianism is a powerful reminder that morality calls us to look beyond the self to the
good of all. Analyse.
Thinking line:

E
The Utilitarian Approach deals with consequences; it tries both to increase the 'good' done
and to reduce the 'harm' done.
Utilitarianism was conceived in the 19th century by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill

OR
to help legislators determine which laws were morally best.
Ethical actions are those that provide the greatest balance of good over evil.
But there is rise of individualism and consumerism in the globalized world. Hence according
to Utilitarian Approach one should not be self-centered or self-seeking individual only rather
their action should serve the larger interest.
SC

As John Stuart Mill once wrote: The happiness which forms the utilitarian standard of what
is right in conduct, is not...(one's) own happiness, but that of all concerned.
4. What is self realisation? Do you think it is important to achieve self realisation for every
person? If yes, why and if no, why not? Explain its relevance and importance with respect
to public service.
GS

Thinking line:
The meaning of self-realization can be explained by understanding the concept of self. Self
denotes the individual character that distinguishes oneself from others. Every individual is
unique and encompasses different attributes but that attributes have to be utilized properly
to attain a purpose in life.
Thus for utilizing these attributes self-realization is must. It is analysis of ones weaknesses
and strengths. If an individual is able to understand himself then only scope for improvement
arises.
Hence self realization is must for attaining true purpose in life and improving oneself step
by step without stubbornness or wrong prejudices about oneself.
The benefits of achieving self-realization are: It reduces stress and fatigue, restores emotional
balance, and gives one a sense of peace and satisfaction, even in the most turbulent of
circumstances.
It lead to Freedom from worries and fear; Scientific solutions to inner and external conflicts;
Smoother relationships; Inner peace; Equanimity amid any circumstances; Eternal happiness;
Experience of your true eternal Self and Experience the depths of spirituality while fulfilling
your worldly responsibilities.
Hints: Test-13 [337]
The relevance with respect to Public service:
a) Public services are going through major changes in response to a range of issues. He has
to adapt to continuing economic and social changes resulting from information and
communications technologies; be more responsive to the citizens who are demanding
accountability; has to respond swiftly to government demands for action, etc.
b) Hence for facing these challenges self realization of ones competency and potentiality
is important. Then only he may be able to analyse the true aspect of situation and steps
needed for handling it.
c) Self realization is also important for inner peace and stability and to develop as an
emotional intelligent person who can adopt to frequent changes easily.
5. Differentiate between treating a work 'as a job', 'as a career' and 'as a calling'. How would
you like to treat your aspiration of being a civil servant?
Thinking line:

E
The meaning of work is determined either internally by our individual personality
characteristics or externally by the specific characteristics of the job. Hence work can be
treated as: OR
(a) Work as a job - work is merely a means to an end. In this dimension people go to work
because of compulsion or more because of 'have to'. Job provides the financial resources
that a person need. Your job provides the financial resources for you to enjoy life outside
of work.
SC

(b) Work as a career - Work as a career states that individual enjoy it but are focused on
promotion to a better, higher-level job and the corresponding rewards such as higher
pay, social standing, power and self-esteem, again, i.e. individual is motivated by extrinsic
factors.
(c) Work as a calling - Work as calling states that work is an end in itself and it's one of
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the most important parts of life. If an individual take work as a calling, he do it for the
rewards or the advancement (although theses might be important), but for the
contribution it makes to the wider world and for the personal fulfillment it brings.
Being a civil servant can be treated as combination of Work as a career and Work as a
calling. It provides prestigious position in society alongwith incentives but most importantly
it brings a sense of accomplishment, a sense of contribution to the outer world which
provides a purpose in life.
6. Opportunities are those gateways to success and fulfilment that open up often but people
generally fail to recognize it. What are the major barriers in recognizing the opportunities
and what can you do to improve your ability of noticing new opportunities?
Thinking line:
Opportunity is an appropriate or favourable time or occasion that comes in the life of almost
everyone only if one takes it positively.
In the life of a person so many opportunities come but he ignores or give little importance
to them, sometimes unknowingly and sometimes knowingly. The result is that he suffers or
repents all his life.
[338] Hints: Test-13
The major barriers in recognizing the opportunities are:
(a) People are not looking for opportunity they get busy in current difficulties rather than
future success.
(b) People Think Opportunities are the Result Rather than the chance to work hard hence
keeps high expectations which make the opportunities small.
(c) Opportunities involve change and people are scared of change.
(d) Opportunities provide no guarantee of success hence create a sense of insecurity but it
teaches new things.
Steps needed for improving the ability of noticing opportunities are: the individual should
be alert and prepared to hear the call of the opportunity that may come at any moment. An
individual should be characterized by low levels of self-centeredness and a low degree of
importance given to the self. Whenever there is the notion of "self", there is fear; the fear of
failure, the fear of being defeated, the fear of being rejected, the fear of making mistake, the
fear of poor health, the fear of losing face and the fear of not being recognized. It is rather

E
common for us to see someone hesitating to do thing proactively because his or her mind
is too occupied with "self" which is followed by "fear". On the other hand, when one forgets
about "self", one will have no fear and see the opportunities more clearly.
7.
OR
Political corruption differs from other type of corruptions because its unethical affects
demoralizes the entire fabric of the society, which is doomed in poverty, illiteracy and
backwardness. Illustrate.
Thinking line:
SC
The corruption is defined as the misuse of power and authority for personal gain. It can be
coercive and collusive.
Political corruption is a form of collusive corruption which corrupts the entire body politic,
whether individual groups, institutions or political process.
Political or grand corruption takes place at the high levels of the political system, when
politicians and state agents entitled to make and enforce the laws in the name of the people,
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are using this authority to sustain their power, status and wealth.
It not only leads to the misallocation of resources, but it also perverts the manner in which
decisions are made. Under it the laws and regulations are abused by the rulers, side-stepped,
ignored, or even tailored to fit their interests.
It is when the legal bases, against which corrupt practices are usually evaluated and judged,
are weak and furthermore subject to downright encroachment by the rulers. In its broader
aspect, it seeks to politicize all walks of life and in its narrower sense, legitimizes unholy
political actions for benefiting vested interests whether personalized or institutional.
Political corruption becomes paramount evil in developing societies because masses in general
are illiterate and poverty stricken. Political corruption may destroy the very fabric of a
nation in a developing society.
8. What is the difference between a 'Professional' approach and 'Vocational' approach of the
civil services? Of the two, which one will be preferred by you and why?
Thinking line:
Profession is a career guided by a set of norms and procedures which failing to comply with;
invites disciplinary action. On the other side, vocation is not guided by such established
norms. Civil service is a profession which has its own codes, values and set of norms.
Hints: Test-13 [339]
In context of civil services, a professional approach is to be preferred. The civil servants who
have to deal with the politicians, general people in the society are expected to possess some
norms which reflect their high standard of conduct.
They should be accountable and responsible keeping in view their power and authority.
Those who do not comply with these standards should be punished with disciplinary
proceedings.
Making civil services a vocation does not establish these things. So to uphold the values of
civil services, it is essential that the civil servants practice it as a profession rather than a
vocation where there is no set of rules and norms to guide the people who are a part of it.
Vocational approach should be inculcated in the professional approach.
9. Not only the right ideas, right resources and right timing to realize our goals are required but
we also need to have right people and right institutions at right places for that. Explain this
idea in the context of Indian development experience in the post economic reform phase.
Thinking line:

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Indias post-independence development strategy showed all the signs of stagnation, but the
economy started showing the sign of recovery in the early nineties when the government
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adopted the new economic model known as Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization
(LPG) to meet a grave economic crisis; characterized by unprecedented adverse balance of
payment problem, inflation, decline in the foreign exchange reserve and the Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) growth rate.
The objective of the economic reforms adopted by the Indian Government was to transform
a backward and predominantly agrarian economy, lacking in basic infrastructure, into a
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modern developed economy.


But the post economic reforms failed to bring inclusive growth due to poor implementation
of regulatory provisions and presence of widespread corruption.
This can be more clearly discussed using the example of Planning Commission. It laid
emphasis on the need of planned development to raise the standard of living of the people
and to reduce the strain on the economy. The overall idea of development was good, even
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it has resources for implementing it but lack of right people and right institutional mechanism
has failed its goal of inclusive growth.
Having the advantage of the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, the Planning Commission
has steadily added to its functions and personnel and has stepped into the area of executive
authority of the Centre and the State Governments. It has been plagued by red-tapism.
Thus, the institutional mechanism alongwith a good and effective leader is needed for
running the organisation. Good Human Resource is most important for functioning of an
organization in an effective, efficient way with the maintenance of rule of law and equity.
10. Human beings are the only animals who have to work; other animals make their livings by
living. Today people work like crazy, thinking that they have to work assiduously in order to
stay alive, but this takes a toll on the quality of their work and life as well as creativity. It
would be good to give up that way of thinking and live an easy, comfortable life with plenty of
free time. Do you agree? How do you see this statement in terms of work life balance?
Thinking line:
Work-life balance is the state of control, achievement and satisfaction in life. It means that
a person have a sense of making choices that fit oneself and can give priority to the issues
that concern oneself i.e. involvement in work and non-work life.
[340] Hints: Test-13
But the craziness for success and achievement in life makes the person to give more priority
to work-life than the enjoyment and satisfaction in life. This creates a sense of tension,
feelings of depression due to non-achievement as person start giving more importance to
work than the family and personal needs.
Hence person should move for comfortable life as work-life balance is must to bring satisfaction
and emotional balance.
Perhaps the most important thing that anyone can do to achieve work-life balance is to
focus. Focusing on prioritiesones own priorities, rather than those of otherscontributes
immeasurably to a sense of balance i.e. make a fundamental choice in life that represent
ones attitude rather than that of society.
Further development of emotional intelligence is needed to bring a balance so that a person
can handle adverse situations easily and maturely rather than reacting in abrupt way. This
also leads the development of holistic thinking process rather than being self-centered.

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OR
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Hints: Test-13 [341]

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