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VisionIAS Value Added Material Ethics

The document is a comprehensive guide for mastering the UPSC Ethics (GS-4) paper, outlining key themes, foundational concepts, and analytical frameworks necessary for effective preparation. It emphasizes a shift from definitional knowledge to analytical application of ethical values in governance, structured across six parts that cover ethics, human values, and public administration. Additionally, it integrates real-world scenarios and thinkers' insights to enhance ethical reasoning and decision-making skills for civil service aspirants.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

136 views129 pages

VisionIAS Value Added Material Ethics

Uploaded by

ganpatigraphics2751

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

UPSC Ethics (GS-4): Trend Analysis (2014-2024)............................................................................................... 4

Section A............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Part 1: The Foundations of Ethics............................................................................................................................... 8
Essence of Ethics............................................................................................................................................ 8
Ethics vs. Morals vs. Values.............................................................................................................................................................8
The Purpose of Ethics..........................................................................................................................................................................9
Determinants of Ethics................................................................................................................................ 13
Ethics & Law............................................................................................................................................... 18
Consequences of Ethics in Human Action.............................................................................................. 20
Dimensions of Ethics................................................................................................................................... 24
Meta-Ethics: The ‘’Why’—Exploring the Nature of Morality..................................................................................... 25
Normative Ethics: The ‘What’ - Deontology, Utilitarianism, Virtue Ethics..................................................... 28
Applied Ethics: The ‘How’............................................................................................................................................................... 30
Ethics in Private vs. Public Relationships................................................................................................ 35
Part 2: The Architecture of Human Values......................................................................................................... 40
Values............................................................................................................................................................ 40
Factors affecting Values.................................................................................................................................................................41
Human Values........................................................................................................................................................................................41
Universal Values.................................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Inculcating Values...................................................................................................................................... 46
Role of Family........................................................................................................................................................................................46
Role of Society......................................................................................................................................................................................48
The Role of Educational Institutions...................................................................................................................................... 50
The Role of Teachers........................................................................................................................................................................ 53
Part 3: The Administrator’s Mindset...................................................................................................................... 57
Attitude: Content, Structure, and Function............................................................................................ 57
Moral Attitudes vs. Political Attitudes................................................................................................................................... 63
The Dynamic Interplay: Synergy & Conflict in Public Life.......................................................................................65
Attitude vs. Behaviour................................................................................................................................ 68
Impact of Behaviour on Attitude.............................................................................................................................................69
Attitude’s Influence and Relationship with Thought and Behaviour..............................................................69
Social Influence & Persuasion................................................................................................................... 70
Social Media Influencers and Consumer Behavior......................................................................................................71
Mechanisms & Strategies of Influence.................................................................................................................................71
Emotional Intelligence (EI)......................................................................................................................... 75
The Five Core Components of EI...............................................................................................................................................77
Application of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Administration & Governance.................................... 81
EI in Team Management and Public Engagement..................................................................................................... 82
Part 4: Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service..........................................................................85
Aptitude......................................................................................................................................................... 85
The Bedrock of Civil Service: Foundational Values............................................................................... 87
Integrity..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 87
Impartiality & Non-partisanship.............................................................................................................................................. 87
Objectivity................................................................................................................................................................................................88
Dedication to Public Service.......................................................................................................................................................88
Sympathy................................................................................................................................................................................................89
Empathy................................................................................................................................................................................................... 90
Compassion.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 90
Tolerance.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 91
Forgiveness............................................................................................................................................................................................ 92
Efficiency.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 92
Part 5: Guidance & Governance: Ethics in Public Administration..............................................................94
Ethical Concerns & Dilemmas in Governance....................................................................................... 94
Common Dilemmas.........................................................................................................................................................................96
Accountability & Ethical Governance.....................................................................................................100
Governance, Good Governance, and Ethical Governance..................................................................................101
The Link Between Accountability and Ethical Governance..................................................................................102
Ethical Issues in International Relations & Funding.............................................................................104
The Ethics of International Aid and Funding...................................................................................................................107
Corporate Governance...............................................................................................................................110
The Need for Ethical Corporate Practices.......................................................................................................................... 111
Part 6: Probity in Action: Tools for Transparency & Integrity...................................................................... 116
Probity in Action...........................................................................................................................................116
Information Sharing & Transparency in Government..........................................................................118
Codes of Ethics vs. Codes of Conduct..................................................................................................... 120
Work Culture............................................................................................................................................... 122
Quality of Service Delivery........................................................................................................................ 123
Utilisation of Public Funds......................................................................................................................... 124
The Challenge of Corruption.................................................................................................................... 125
8468022022 www.visionias.in

UPSC Ethics (GS-4): Trend Analysis (2014-2024)

An analysis of the theory questions (Section A) reveals clear patterns and recurring themes.
Understanding these trends is crucial for a focused and effective preparation strategy.

The Meta-Trend: A Shift from ‘What’ to

‘Why & How’ Ethics Paper Evolution
The overarching trend in the Ethics paper has been
a gradual shift from purely definitional questions to Definitional Analytical
Focus Application
more analytical and application-oriented ones. Emphasis on Analyze
foundational and apply
While foundational knowledge is essential, UPSC knowledge values
is increasingly focused on testing a candidate’s
ability to analyze the importance of ethical values
in governance and apply them to real-world
administrative challenges.
This graph illustrates the year-wise distribution
and proportion of different topics within Ethics from
2013 to 2024.

100%

75%

50%

25%

0%
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Year
Thinkers & Quotes Aptitude & Foundational Values/Probity in Goverance
Attitude & Emotional Intelligence Ethics Theoretical Framework

Approach of the Document

This document is crafted as a comprehensive and structured guide to mastering GS Paper 4,
Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude for UPSC Mains 2025. The goal is to go beyond surface-level definitions
and foster ethical reasoning, analytical depth, administrative relevance, and moral clarity—
attributes essential for an effective civil servant.
Key Features of the Document
Structured & Thematic Organization: The content is divided into six logically arranged parts,
reflecting a progression from ethical fundamentals to applied administrative tools:

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

The The The Aptitude and Guidance & Probity in
Foundations of Architecture of Administrator's Foundational Governance: Action: Tools for
Ethics Human Values Mindset Values for Civil Ethics in Public Transparency &
Service Administration Integrity

Each part ensures conceptual clarity, thematic focus, and continuity in ethical learning.
Focus on ‘Why & How’: The document adopts an application-oriented framework that moves
beyond rote learning:
It defines what the ethical concepts are,
Explores why these values are critically important in public service, and
Demonstrates how they can be effectively applied in tackling real-world governance challenges.
This three-pronged approach cultivates conceptual clarity along with practical insight.
Key “Boxes” within each Part: Each of the six main parts is further broken down into specific “Key
Boxes” (sub-sections). This detailed breakdown helps in systematic study.

Integration of Thinkers & Quotes

Ethics is incomplete without its intellectual lineage.
Every major concept is supported with insights from classical and modern thinkers creating
a philosophical scaffold for arguments.

Current Affairs Link

It connects abstract ethical concepts with real-world developments, such as AI regulation,
climate justice, or corporate fraud.
It will help candidates apply values to governance challenges and contemporary dilemmas.

Conscience Checks & Reflective Scenarios

Each chapter includes ethical dilemmas or micro case studies designed to develop ethical
reflexes and moral imagination under pressure.
Helps aspirants prepare for Section B case studies and ethical decision-making frameworks.

PYQ (Previous Year Question) Focus:

Each section includes a “Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus” with an “Answer Deconstruction”
and “Common Pitfall to Avoid.”
This helps candidates understand the examiner’s expectations and common mistakes.

This comprehensive structure ensures that candidates not only build foundational knowledge but
also develop the analytical and application skills necessary for the UPSC Ethics (GS-4) paper.
How to Use This Document
For Section A (Theory Questions) For Section B (Case Studies)
Use the conceptual summaries, PYQ discussions, Use the ethical frameworks and administrative
and thinkers’ quotes to formulate high-quality examples to structure, argue, and defend
written answers. choices with moral clarity and realism
(Refer Case Study document available on the
site).

Section A

Part 1: The Foundations of Ethics

Essence of Ethics Determinants of Consequences of Dimensions of Ethics in Private
Ethics Ethics in Human Ethics vs. Public
Action Relationships

Essence of Ethics
“Ethics is the activity of man directed to secure the inner perfection of his own personality.” —
Albert Schweitzer

PYQ: 2022 - “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and
what is right to do.” - Potter Stewart. What does this mean to you?
PYQ: 2016 - “Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being.”

At its core, ethics is the branch of philosophy dedicated to a

systematic and rational inquiry into human conduct to determine
what is right, wrong, good, or bad. It moves beyond mere societal
conventions or personal feelings to establish a reasoned framework
for moral judgment. It provides the standards by which we can
evaluate our actions and the actions of others.
For a civil servant, ethics provides a defensible and justifiable
framework for decision-making. In the face of public scrutiny or Balancing Life and Duty: An
political pressure, an administrator cannot simply act on a “gut Ethical Tightrope
feeling.” Their actions must be grounded in established ethical The Aruna Shanbaug case
(2011) laid bare the essence
principles (like justice, impartiality, and public good) that can be
of ethics: the clash between
clearly articulated and defended. compassion (the “right to die”
Ethics vs. Morals vs. Values for a suffering patient) and the
state’s obligation to
While often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct meanings.

Basis Values Morals Ethics

Nature Core beliefs or ideals Personal principles and A systematic, codified set
that are important to an habits regarding right and of rules and principles of
individual or group. wrong conduct. conduct.

Source Culture, Society, Family Individual (internalized Profession, Philosophy,

from values) Law (External)

Scope Broad, abstract ideals Personal, subjective Standardized, applicable

to a group

Example The belief in Honesty. A personal rule: “I will never A professional rule:
lie to my family.” “A journalist must not
plagiarize.”

Individual
Morals
Right &
Wrong

Judgement
Value
Ethics
Society

Thinker's Corner

For Socrates, ethics was synonymous with reason. His

famous assertion, “An unexamined life is not worth
living,” captures the essence of ethical inquiry.
He believed that true knowledge of the self and
virtue comes from questioning our own beliefs and Socrates’ Final Stand: Ethics Defined by
actions, a process that forms the very foundation Conviction
of ethics. Socrates’ decision to drink hemlock, and
not opting to escape the punishment,
“A man without ethics is a wild beast loose upon this highlights his unwavering commitment
world.” - Albert Camus to Athenian law He prioritized the integrity
of the state’s legal system and his lifelong
“In just about every area of society, there’s nothing
pursuit of truth over personal survival.
more important than ethics.” - Henry Paulson

The Purpose of Ethics Trust in a Cup: Meghalaya’s Honor System

The “Honest Tea Stall” concept in
Ethics is not merely a theoretical exercise; its primary Meghalaya highlights an intriguing ethical
purpose is practical. It serves as the moral compass that model. In Shillong, customers reportedly
guides human action towards desirable ends, ensuring the take tea and leave money in a box, with no
monitoring, yet it thrives.
stable and smooth functioning of society.
This unique example demonstrates how
ethical behavior can be deeply ingrained
within a community’s culture, fostering trust
and honesty without external enforcement.

Significance of Ethics

Enable Sound Offers a Moral Helps Address Promotes both Encourage helps Navigate
Decision- Framework Moral Conflicts personal and Impartiality Ehical
Making societal welfare and fairness Challenges

Ethics guides Provides structured Equips individuals Ethical conduct Ensures Provides resilience
choices beyond principles to navigate builds individual decisions are to face tough
expediency to (deontology, clashes between integrity and based on merit, situations and
justifiable, utilitarianism) to principles or fosters collective not bias, resist undue
sustainable systematically duties. trust and favoritism, or pressure.
outcomes. analyze dilemmas. Example: IAS progress. personal Example: Officer
Example: DM Example: Applying aspirant's Example: connections. facing false
prioritizing tribal Rawlsian justice dilemma on e-Governance Example: Midday sexual
rights over framework guides interview day: initiatives Meal scheme with harassment
powerful builder's fair vaccine family accident promoting Dalit cook charges to stop
land acquisition distribution, vs. career. Ethics transparency challenge: ethics disciplinary
ensures just prioritizing most helps prioritize curb corruption, demands action: ethics
development vulnerable during a immediate boosting citizen upholding provides fortitude
pandemic human need trust and overall equality against to uphold duties.
societal caste
well-being discrimination

In General For Public Servants

To Promote Social Harmony: To Guide Discretionary Power: Laws and rules cannot
By establishing a shared cover every possible situation.
understanding of right and Ethics provides the principles needed to guide
wrong, ethics reduces conflict the vast discretionary power that administrators
and fosters cooperation. wield.
To Build Trust: Ethical conduct in To Ensure Impartiality and Justice: Administrators
relationships—be they personal, make decisions affecting the lives and rights of citizens.
professional, or between citizens
An ethical framework is essential to ensure these
and the state—is the bedrock of
decisions are impartial and promote social justice,
trust.
especially for the weaker sections.
To Guide Character
To Uphold the Sanctity of Public Funds: Ethics provides
Development: Ethics provides
the moral imperative for probity, ensuring that public
a roadmap for individuals to
money is used efficiently and for its intended purpose,
cultivate virtues and lead a
free from corruption.
meaningful, “good life.”
To Maintain Legitimacy of the State: A civil servant is
To Provide a Standard for
the face of the state for most citizens.
Accountability: It creates the
basis upon which individuals Their ethical conduct directly impacts the
and institutions can be held perceived legitimacy and authority of the
responsible for their actions. government.

Thinker's Corner

For Aristotle, the ultimate purpose of ethics was to achieve Eudaimonia, often translated as
“human flourishing” or “the good life.”
He argued that this isn’t achieved through pleasure or wealth, EUDAIMONIA
but by living a life of virtue and reason.
Thus, the purpose of ethics is to help us understand and practice Take
Responsibility
Focus on wihat
You can control
Live with are
the virtue
Each day, each
the virtues (like courage, justice, and temperance) that lead to a Moment

flourishing existence.
In the Arthashastra, Kautilya intricately links the ethical conduct of the king (and by
extension, his administrators) to the stability and prosperity of the state.
His famous dictum, “In the happiness of his subjects lies his happiness; in their welfare
his welfare,” establishes that the ultimate relevance of ethics in governance is its direct
impact on the well-being of the people.
The Code of Hammurabi, created by King Hammurabi in 1750 BCE, is a
pioneering example of codified law. It established clear legal standards
and punishments, aiming to uphold justice and order within Babylonian
society through specific rules governing family, civil, and criminal law.
The code’s “eye for an eye” principle reflects the ethical foundation of
retribution (lex talionis), influencing later legal systems.

Current Affairs Link

Recent corporate scandals highlight the

consequences of an ethical vacuum.
In 2016, Wells Fargo faced a major scandal
involving the creation of millions of unauthorized
accounts, including checking and savings
accounts and credit card accounts, by
employees to meet aggressive sales goals.
In 2018, Facebook was found to have allowed Cambridge
Analytica to harvest personal data of millions of users
without their consent, which was used to influence
political campaigns.
The purpose of instilling strong corporate ethics is to
prevent such harms, protect consumers and ensure fair
competition.

The rollout of schemes like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) highlights the relevance of ethics.
While the technology is neutral, the ethical framework behind its use determines the
outcome.
An ethical application ensures it promotes transparency and inclusion.
An unethical application could lead to exclusion errors or data misuse, harming the most
vulnerable.

Administrative Viewpoint

The tenure of T.N. Seshan as the Chief Election Commissioner is a powerful

case study on the relevance of ethics. He simply applied the existing ethical
and legal framework of the Election Commission with courage and integrity. His
actions demonstrated how a single administrator’s commitment to ethics can
restore the credibility and power of an entire institution.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in Public
Administration?” (2014)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question requires a two-part answer. First, explain the universal purpose of ethics,
and second, narrow the focus to its specific, critical role in public administration.
Introduction: Define ethics as a rational framework for right conduct that guides human action.
Body
Part 1 (In Human Life): Explain that ethics seeks to promote social harmony, trust,
cooperation, and individual well-being by providing shared standards for resolving
conflicts.
Part 2 (In Public Administration): Explain its heightened importance here because
administrators wield immense power and public funds.
Conclusion: Conclude that ethics provides the moral foundation for both a good life for individuals
and good governance for society.

Common Pitfall to Avoid

The “Vague Generalization” Trap: Avoid simply saying “ethics is important to do good.” Instead,
be specific about what it promotes (e.g., “It promotes public trust by ensuring that decisions are
impartial and transparent”). Use specific ethical terms and frameworks to show analytical depth.

Conscience Check!!!

As a District Health Officer, you have a limited budget to establish one new
primary health center (PHC). You have two choices:
Village A, which is well-connected and has a politically influential leader
demanding the PHC, or Village B, which is remote, inaccessible, and
populated by a marginalized tribal community with a higher rate of infant
mortality.

Determinants of Ethics
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle

PYQ: 2019 - “What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest itself in the public
domain?”
PYQ: 2021 - “In case of a crisis of conscience, does emotional intelligence help to overcome
the same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow?
Critically examine.”
PYQ: 2020 - “The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values
which are often in conflict with traditional values.” Discuss.
PYQ: 2016 - Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct
so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence.
(a) Discuss how they achieve this objective.
(b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.

The principles of right and wrong are not formed in a vacuum. Determinants of Ethics are the
various factors and forces that shape, influence, and give rise to our individual and collective
ethical frameworks. They are the ‘inputs’ that create the moral code we live by, influencing our
judgments and actions.

Sources of Ethics
Human Conscience
Individual's internal guide to right/wrong, shaped by values.
Guides ethical choices beyond laws (e.g., refusing bribe).
Failure - crisis of conscience (e.g., Gandhi's Non-Cooperation withdrawal).
Influenced by society, but can be overridden by social pressure (e.g., inter-caste marriages).

Family
"First school" core values (honesty, respect, empathy) via guidance/example.
Instills moral integrity (e.g., Ramayana's duty).
Kalam/Gandhi's ethics shaped by parents.
Teaches private relationship ethics (e.g., caring for elderly).

Thinkers and Philosophers

Moral thinkers and philosophers provide systematic frameworks for ethical decision-making, shaping how
societies approach moral issues.
Influential Thinkers: Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Mahatma Gandhi, John Rawls, Philosophers like Socrates and
Plato contributed to ethical thought, teaching the importance of truth, self-examination, and justice

Culture
Defines ethical norms, shaping acceptable/unacceptable behavior.
Different cultures different values (Western individualism vs. Indian universalism).
Ethical relativism: morality varies by culture (e.g., polygamy, child labor).
Ethics evolves (e.g., child labor once accepted). India's shift on LGBTQ+ rights reflects changing standards.
Some principles (e.g., not stealing) are universal.

Religion
Source of moral guidance & ethical standards via divine teachings.
Hinduism Karma, Dharma;
Buddhism compassion, non-violence;
Jainism
Ahimsa;
Islam equality, justice.
Christanity- Golden rule

Legal System
Provides structured rules for societal behavior, ensuring justice (e.g., Indecent Representation of
Women Act).
Law ethics (e.g., death penalty legal but ethically debated).
Ethics transcends law (e.g., officer helping outside jurisdiction).
Constitution ethical foundation (justice, equality, liberty).

Thinker's Corner

Jean-Jacques Rousseau explored the

determinants of ethics by contrasting the People in their natural state are
basically good. But this natural
“natural man” with the “social man.”
innocence, however, is corrupted
He argued that humans in a state of by the evils of society.
nature are inherently good, guided by -Jean-Jacques Rousseaut

self-preservation and pity.

It is society, with its institutions and inequalities (determinants), that corrupts this natural
goodness.
His work highlights the powerful role of social and institutional factors in shaping our moral
landscape.
Aristotle emphasized the role of society and
habit in determining ethics. His famous quote, Be a free thinker and don't
accept everything you hear as
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence,
truth. Be critical and evaluate
then, is not an act, but a habit,” underscores what you believe in.
how family and society (socio-cultural -Aristotle
determinants) build our ethical character
through habituation.

Current Affairs Link

LGBTQ+ rights: The evolving debate on LGBTQ+ rights showcases

the dynamic nature of ethical determinants.
What was once determined by religious and traditional
social norms is now being reshaped by the legal framework
(Supreme Court judgments) and individual conscience
(growing acceptance).
This shows a direct conflict and evolution among different determinants of ethics in
modern India.
Echo chambers: Social media algorithms create “echo chambers”
that constantly reinforce a user’s existing beliefs.
This acts as a powerful modern determinant of ethics, often leading
to polarized moral and political attitudes and reducing individuals’
exposure to differing ethical viewpoints, thereby hindering ethical
deliberation.

Administrative Viewpoint

A civil servant must be acutely aware of the various determinants of

ethics at play in their district.
The ethical framework of a tribal community (determined by
custom) may differ significantly from the formal legal framework
(determined by the state).
An effective administrator does not dismiss one for the other but seeks
to understand and bridge these different moral worlds to ensure inclusive
governance.

The Individual, Socio-Cultural and Institutional Determinants

Individual Determinants: The Inner Compass Socio-Cultural Determinants: The External

Mould

These are the internal These are the external forces from our social
factors that contribute to environment that shape our ethical outlook from
a person’s unique ethical
birth.
perspective. Family & Society: The primary source
of moral education, where we first learn
Conscience: Often
concepts of right and wrong through
described as the
instruction, observation, and socialisation.
“inner voice,” it is the
intuitive capacity to Religion: Provides followers with a codified
distinguish right from set of moral laws, principles, and beliefs
wrong. (e.g., the Ten Commandments, the concept
of Dharma).
It acts as a guide and sometimes raises
a “voice of protest” against unethical Media: In the modern age, media (including
actions. social media) plays a huge role in shaping
public opinion about what is ethically
Crisis of conscience
acceptable or outrageous, often setting the
It is a profound internal struggle that agenda for moral debates.
occurs when an individual faces a moral
Villainous Karma in Disney
dilemma, where their actions or decisions
conflict sharply with their deeply held ethical Disney villains' downfalls, like Scar and
principles or values. Ursula, serve as clear ethical lessons. Their
lack of ethics directly leads to their undoing,
Human Values: Deeply held beliefs (e.g.,
illustrating karma in action. This reinforces the
honesty, integrity, compassion) that we
message that unethical behavior ultimately
consider important. These values form the
brings negative consequences, teaching
bedrock of our moral judgments.
morality through narrative.
Emotional Intelligence (EI): The ability to
understand and manage one’s own and
others’ emotions.
High EI, especially empathy, allows an individual
to better perceive the ethical consequences of
their actions on others.

Institutional Determinants: The Formal Boundaries

These are the formal systems and structures that provide a standardized framework for ethical
conduct in public life.
Legal Framework: The Constitution, laws, and rules set the minimum ethical standard. An
illegal act is, by definition, unethical in public administration.
“The Constitution is not a mere lawyers’ document; it is a vehicle of life.” — B.R. Ambedkar
Political System: A democracy inherently promotes ethical values like liberty, equality, and
fraternity, while an authoritarian system may prioritize obedience and state security.
Code of Conduct/Code of Ethics: These are explicit rules and principles laid down for a
profession (e.g., Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964) that guide behavior and provide a basis
for accountability.
The 2nd ARC recommends that all Codes of Conduct should incorporate “seven elements
of ethics”: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and
Leadership.
Early “grooming” in public service values is considered crucial, ideally from a young age
when minds are receptive.
Source: Ethics in Governance (Fourth Report); Refurbishing Personnel Administration (Tenth
Report)

Denmark’s “Jante Law”—The “Unwritten Rule Singapore’s Integrity Anchor

of Equality Singapore’s Corrupt
Denmark’s “Jante Law” Practices Investigation
is an unwritten social Bureau (CPIB) is a key
code discouraging institutional determinant of
individualism and ethics.
boastfulness. This independent agency, with strong
It emphasizes humility and that “you are legal powers (Prevention of Corruption
not to think you are anything special,” Act), rigorously prosecutes corruption in all
promoting collective good over personal sectors, ensuring accountability.
glory. Its direct reporting and “no one above the
It’s a key factor behind the trust and income law” policy determine Singapore’s low
equality often seen in Nordic societies corruption and high national integrity.

Administrative Viewpoint

An administrator’s individual determinants (e.g., a progressive value system) might clash with the
socio-cultural determinants of the area they serve (e.g., deeply patriarchal norms). Navigating this
requires high Emotional Intelligence to introduce change without creating social hostility, using
persuasion rather than coercion.

Ethics & Law

As we know, Ethics refers to a set of moral principles or values that govern a person’s or group’s
behavior. While law, on the other hand, is a system of rules created and enforced by a governing
authority (like a government) to regulate behavior. Laws are codified, publicly declared, and carry
sanctions for their violation. They dictate what we must do or must not do.
Relationship:
Foundation: Ideally, laws are rooted in ethical principles. Many laws, such as those against
theft, murder, or fraud, directly reflect widely accepted ethical standards of not harming others
or taking their property.
Minimum Standards: Laws often represent a societal consensus on minimum acceptable
behavior. They set a baseline below which actions are deemed harmful to society and therefore
prohibited.
Reinforcement: Laws can help to reinforce ethical behavior by providing consequences for
actions deemed unethical.
Societal Order: Both ethics and law contribute to maintaining social order and promoting a
functional society.
Differences:

Feature Ethics Law

Nature Moral principles, values, Codified rules, statutes,

conscience regulations

Source Philosophy, religion, culture, Government, legislatures, courts

personal

Enforcement Conscience, social pressure, State power, courts, penalties,

reputation fines, jail

“Bad” vs. “Illegal” An unethical act might not be An illegal act might not be
illegal unethical (e.g., jaywalking)

“Right” vs. “Legal” What is legal may not always be What is ethical may not always be
ethical (e.g., historical injustices) legal (e.g., civil disobedience for a
moral cause)

In essence, while laws tell us what we are required to do (or not do), ethics guides us on what we
ought to do, often pushing beyond the letter of the law towards a higher standard of conduct.
A truly just society strives for laws that are ethically sound, and individuals are encouraged to act
ethically even when the law doesn’t explicitly demand it

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context
of ethical decision-making? Discuss.” (2023)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question pitches an Individual Determinant

(Conscience) against Institutional Determinants (Laws, Rules).
A balanced answer must analyze the strengths and weaknesses
of both before providing a synthesized conclusion.
Introduction: Briefly define conscience as an inner moral
guide and laws/rules as external codified standards. State
that both are crucial, but neither is infallible.
Body
Part 1 (Case for Conscience): Argue that conscience can guide in grey areas where laws
are silent or unjust (e.g., helping someone despite a rigid rule). It represents a higher
morality.
Part 2 (Case for Laws/Rules): Argue that conscience can be biased or flawed. Laws
provide uniformity, predictability, and a check against arbitrary personal beliefs. They are
essential for a fair system.
Conclusion: Conclude that a civil servant should first be guided by law, but when a law creates
a deep ethical dilemma, their conscience should prompt them to seek a resolution within the
system (e.g., suggesting a rule change) rather than breaking the law outright. The ideal is a
“Constitutionally guided conscience.”

Conscience Check!!!

You are a senior officer in charge of a welfare scheme that provides aid to families below a
certain income threshold. An old widow, clearly in desperate need, applies for the aid. However,
her son has a small, unstable income that puts the family just ₹100 above the official eligibility
line, making her technically ineligible according to the rules (Institutional Determinant). What
would you have done?

Consequences of Ethics in Human Action

“The downfall of the Roman Empire was not due to external forces but internal corruption.” —
Edward Gibbon

PYQ: 2014 - “All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness
mean to you? Explain with examples.”
PYQ: 2022 - “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” -Dalai Lama.
What does this mean to you?
PYQ: 2022 - It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure the smooth
functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human
life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-
day functioning?
PYQ: 2014 - The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are the
consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What
can you do at the personal level to make yourself trustworthy?
PYQ: 2020 - “Hatred is destructive of a person’s wisdom and conscience that can poison a
nation’s spirit.’ Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.”

Ethical actions are not merely duties performed for others; they are fundamental investments in
the self. The consequences of living an ethical life are profoundly positive.

Positive Consequences

For Individual For Society

Builds Character & Integrity: Ethical choices Enhances Social Trust: Trust is the
strengthen moral character, fostering self- currency of social interactions. Ethical
respect and conviction. behaviour (e.g., honesty, fairness,
Leads to Sustainable Happiness: Ethical conduct reliability) builds social capital and
brings deep, lasting happiness and mental trust between citizens, and between
peace, unlike fleeting material pleasures. citizens and the state.

Enables Self-Actualization: Living by high Promotes Social Harmony: Ethical

values helps individuals realize their full potential values like tolerance, compassion,
(Maslow’s self-actualization). and respect for others reduce friction
between different groups, leading to a
more harmonious society.
Self- Self-fulfillment
actualization:
achieving one's
needs
Fosters Cooperation: A high-
full potential,
including creative trust, ethical environment makes
activities
Esteem needs: cooperation easier, enabling society
prestige and feeling of
to solve complex collective problems,
accomplishment Psychological
needs
Belongingness and love needs:
intimate relationships, friends from managing local resources to
Safety needs:
security, safety Basic
tackling national crises.
needs
Physiological needs:
food, water, warmth, rest

Cooperative Movements
The success of cooperative movements in India, like
Amul, is a direct consequence of ethical conduct. It
was built on a foundation of trust between millions
of farmers, fair and transparent payment systems,
and a commitment to the collective good.
This ethical ecosystem created immense economic
prosperity and social empowerment.

Administrative Viewpoint

A society with high ethical standards makes governance far more effective.
An administrator working in such an environment will find higher
voluntary compliance with laws, greater public participation in
schemes (like Swachh Bharat), and a willingness from the community
to co-create solutions.
“Ethical citizens are the greatest asset for good governance.”

What is a “Good Samaritan”?

A Good Samaritan is someone who helps an injured person in an
emergency, like after an accident, without being paid or having a duty
to do so. They just help because it’s the right thing to do.
What did the Delhi High Court say?
The court said that people who help someone in trouble should not be
bothered or harassed. It stressed that helping an injured person is the
most important duty.
How does India’s law protect Good Samaritans?
Supreme Court Rules: India’s highest court has set rules to protect these helpers.
Government Guidelines (Road Transport): These rules say that a Good Samaritan:
Can leave the scene right away.
Barriers to Helping
Will not be held responsible by Diffusion of
Lack of Empathy Fear of Legal Issues
Responsibility
law (no civil or criminal charges). People prioritize
their own. needs Everyone assumes People hesitate to
someone else will help due to potential
over others
Hospitals cannot keep them take action legal consequences

waiting or detain them.

Officials who try to force them
to stay or harass them will face
action. Selfishness Fear of Blame
Individuals focus People avoid
on personal gain helping to avoid
instead of helping being wrongly
accused.

These rules became law: In 2016, the Supreme Court made these guidelines mandatory
across the country.
Specific Law: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019, specifically Section 134A, now
legally protects Good Samaritans.
Basically, India wants to encourage people to help those in need by making sure they are
protected from any problems afterwards.

Negative Consequences of Unethical Action

Our behavior is governed by principles. Living in harmony with them brings positive consequences;
violating them brings negative consequences. - Stephen Covey

Unethical actions are like a cancer that metastasizes through the body politic. A single unethical
act by an individual in a position of power can have cascading negative consequences, eroding
trust, causing injustice, and ultimately weakening the foundations of the organization and society
itself.

Individual Society Governance

Leads to a loss of self- The most damaging Corruption: Leads to the

respect, mental peace, and consequence is the misallocation of public funds and
a constant fear of exposure. erosion of social trust. poor quality of public services.
It creates a ‘divided self’ It creates cynicism, Injustice: Unethical decisions
and undermines personal normalizes corruption, deny citizens their rights and
integrity. and can lead to entitlements, disproportionately
widespread social unrest affecting the poor and vulnerable.
and non-cooperation.
Loss of Legitimacy: Widespread
unethical behaviour by public
officials leads to a loss of faith and
legitimacy in the government itself.

K-Pop: Collective Dreams, Individual Costs

K-Pop idol contracts often illustrate how Korean collectivism
can clash with fair labor ethics.
Idols face exploitation through long, restrictive agreements,
demanding extreme personal sacrifice for group success.
This reflects a socio-cultural dynamic where intense
pressure for collective harmony can overshadow
individual rights and well-being.

Body Shaming
It is when you make fun of, criticize, or judge someone
because of their body’s look – like its shape, size, or overall
appearance.
Why does it happen (Socio-Cultural Factors)?
Unreal Beauty: Movies (Bollywood), ads (fairness
creams), and fashion set impossible standards for
how people “should” look.
Media Pressure: Social media (with filters and edited
photos) makes people feel bad about themselves.
For example, there was a sad case in Kerala where a girl
died from extreme fasting because of this kind of pressure.
Family/Culture Influence: Sometimes, families or cultural traditions put pressure on people
about their appearance, like being a certain size for marriage.
Friends & Society: Friends or other people around us can tease or make comments, and
schools or communities might not teach enough about loving your body as it is.

Thinker's Corner

Kautilya (Chanakya)
In the Arthashastra, Kautilya provides a stark analysis of the consequences of
unethical action. He identifies “forty ways of embezzlement” and warns that
a corrupt official not only steals wealth but also “eats up the vital interests of
the people.” For Kautilya, the ultimate consequence of unethical governance
is the decay and destruction of the state itself.

Administrative Viewpoint

When an officer indulges in an unethical act, the consequence is not limited to them. It tarnishes
the image of the entire civil service, the so-called “steel frame.” It makes the work of thousands
of honest officers more difficult by feeding a public narrative of universal corruption, thereby
damaging the citizen-administrator relationship.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law,
nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly. What do you
understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in contemporary times.” (2017)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question is directly about the positive consequences of having ethics and the
negative consequences of its absence. The best approach is to break down the statement and
explain the consequences for each of the three pillars mentioned.
Introduction: Define “shared moral values” as the foundation of social trust, which acts as the
invisible glue for all societal institutions.
Body
Part 1 (Law): Without ethical values like respect for the law, people obey only out of fear of
punishment. This leads to a high-cost police state, not a self-regulating society.
Part 2 (Democratic Government): Without ethical values like tolerance, public spirit,
and constitutional morality, democracy degrades into populism, identity politics, and
majoritarianism.
Part 3 (Market Economy): Without ethical values like honesty, trust, and fair play, a free market
degenerates into crony capitalism, monopolies, and consumer exploitation.
Conclusion: Conclude that ethics is the foundational “software” that allows the “hardware” of
law, democracy, and the economy to function effectively for human well-being.

Common Pitfall to Avoid

The “Blame Game” Trap: Avoid restricting the analysis to just politicians or bureaucrats. A
holistic answer acknowledges that “shared moral values” applies to all actors—citizens who
don’t follow traffic rules, corporations that evade taxes, and public officials who take bribes.
Show that the consequences are systemic.

Conscience Check!!!

A large food processing company is found to be using cheap, non-permitted additives to cut
costs, which poses a long-term health risk. A food safety inspector who discovered this was
offered a huge bribe to falsify the report. What would you have done if you were that food
inspector?

Dimensions of Ethics
A man without ethics is a wild beast loosened upon this world. - Albert Camus

PYQ: 2020 - “A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere
illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.” -
Socrates. What does this mean to you?
PYQ: 2015 - “What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss
any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics.”

Ethics is not a single, monolithic field. To analyze moral questions with clarity, it is divided into
three distinct but related branches or “dimensions.” This three-tiered framework allows us to
explore everything from the abstract meaning of “goodness” itself to the practical application of
principles in real-world dilemmas.

The Flow of Ethical Analysis

Meta-Ethics Normative Ethics Applied Ethics

(The ‘Why’) (The ‘What’) (The ‘How’)

Explores the Creates the Applies

origin and frameworks or normative
meaning standards to guide theories to
of ethical right and wrong specific,
principles. It is conduct. controversial
the most abstract moral issues.
level.

ETHICS
Meta Ethics Normative Ethics Applied Ethics

First Second Virtue Deontological Teleological

Classification Classification Ethics Ethics Ethics

Non- Quasi- Moral Kant's Categorical Ethical State

Cognitivism Utilitarianism
Cognitivism Realism Univeralism Imperatives Egoism Consequentialism

Moral Pawls Act

Moral
Emotivism Relativism Contractualism Utilitarianism
Realism

Rule
Moral Prescriptivism Utilitarianism
Anti-Realism

Expressivism

Meta-Ethics: The ‘’Why’—Exploring the Nature of Morality

META-ETHICS
Meta-ethics does not prescribe what actions are right or
wrong. Instead, it asks foundational questions about the
nature of morality itself. MORAL MORAL MORAL
SEMANTICS ONTOLOGY EPISTEMOLOGY
Core Questions: “What is the meaning of ‘good’?”,
What does it Is a moral Can a moral
“Where do moral principles come from—God, reason, mean to be judgment judgment be
Good Absolute supported or
or culture?”, “Are ethical truths objective?” Bad Relative defended?
Right one of a kind Truth
Purpose: To understand the language and foundations Wrong one of many Justification
of moral belief. Perception
Reason
Skepticism

Selective Morality
It refers to applying ethical standards inconsistently. It involves
consciously or unconsciously upholding certain moral principles
only when convenient, beneficial, or aligning with one’s self-interest
or biases.
This practice leads to moral hypocrisy, a disconnect
between professed values and actual behavior, differing from
situational ethics.
Examples:
Political Hypocrisy: During the National Herald case involving the Real Estate scam, public
figures and politicians demanded strict action against alleged corruption, but when similar
allegations arose within their own political circles, they either ignored or downplayed the
accusations, exposing selective moral standards in politics.
Social & Cultural Norms: Political and religious leaders in India advocate for gender equality
and women’s empowerment publicly, yet impose restrictive norms privately.
For example, while supporting women’s rights in public, some leaders oppose women’s entry
into temples like Sabarimala, citing tradition.
Economic Practices: Indian business leaders often preach corporate social responsibility
(CSR), but overlook unethical practices for profit.
For instance, H&M faced backlash for exploiting cheap labor in Indian factories while promoting
an image of ethical business through CSR initiatives, disregarding labor conditions.
Caste & Community Allegiance: In India, people demand strict caste rules for outsiders but
make exceptions within their community.
For example, reservation debates see leaders demanding merit-based criteria for general
categories but promoting caste quotas for their own, perpetuating caste-based favoritism.

Case Study: U.S. Hypocrisy in Human Rights – The Iraq War and Abu Ghraib
The United States has often positioned itself as a global
advocate for human rights and democracy. However, its
actions in Iraq, particularly during the early 2000s, reveal a
pattern of selective morality and double standards.
Background: The Iraq War
In 2003, the U.S. led an invasion of Iraq, citing the need
to eliminate weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and
promote democracy. Despite extensive searches, no WMDs
were found. The invasion resulted in significant civilian
casualties and long-term instability in the region.
Abu Ghraib Scandal
During the occupation, U.S. military personnel were implicated in the abuse of detainees at
the Abu Ghraib prison.

Photographs surfaced showing prisoners subjected to physical and psychological torture,

including beatings, sexual humiliation, and forced stress positions.
The U.S. government’s initial response was to downplay the incidents, labeling them as the
actions of a few rogue soldiers. However, subsequent investigations revealed systemic
issues and a lack of accountability.
Selective Morality and Double Standards
The U.S. condemned Saddam Hussein’s regime for its human rights abuses, yet its own actions
in Iraq mirrored many of the atrocities it criticized. This discrepancy highlights a selective
application of ethical standards, where moral outrage is contingent upon political interests
rather than universal principles. The failure to hold high-ranking officials accountable further
underscores the hypocrisy inherent in such selective morality.
“True moral leadership requires adherence to principles regardless of political or strategic
considerations.”

Thinker's Corner

The Nature of Moral Truths

G.E. Moore, in his book Principia Ethica, argued that the term
“good” is a basic quality, similar to how we understand the color
“yellow” – it can’t be broken down or defined by other things.
He cautioned against what he called the “naturalistic fallacy,”
which is the mistake of trying to explain “goodness” using natural
characteristics like “pleasure” or “survival”.
In contrast, emotivists like A.J. Ayer argued that ethical statements are not factual statements
at all. For him, saying “Stealing is wrong” is not stating a fact, but simply expressing a feeling of
disapproval, equivalent to saying “Stealing—boo!”

Current Affairs Link

Rule of Individual Right To Freedom of
Constitutional Morality Law Liberty Equality Choice
The frequent use of the term “Constitutional
Morality” by the Supreme Court is a meta-
ethical issue in practice. CONSTITUTIONAL
The debate explores the very source and MORALITY
meaning of this morality.
Preamble Due process
Is it derived from the explicit text of the of law
Social Procedure
Constitution, the implicit values of the Freedom of
Justice established
Expression
framers, or the evolving interpretation of by law
justice by the judiciary?
This is a meta-ethical inquiry into the nature of a specific moral framework.

Administrative Viewpoint

While a civil servant does not engage in abstract meta-ethics daily, they must be aware of the
source of their guiding principles. Is their primary moral authority the Constitution and the law of
the land, or is it their personal religious beliefs or cultural norms? Recognizing this is crucial when
facing a conflict between personal values and professional duty.

NORMATIVE ETHICAL THEORIES

Normative Ethics: The ‘What’ - Deontology,

Utilitarianism, Virtue Ethics HOW TO BE HOW TO ACT
Ethics of character Ethics of right action

This is the heart of ethical theory. Normative ethics seeks

to establish the criteria or principles for what makes an Character focus Rule/Duty Focus Results Focus

action right or wrong. It provides the frameworks that

help us decide how we should act.
Virtue ethics Kantian Rule
Act
deontology consequentialism consequentialism

The Good Place’s Trolley Problem Episode

The Good Place’s “Trolley Problem” episode offers a hilarious
yet deep dive into normative ethics. It vividly explores
utilitarianism (greatest good) versus deontology (duty-
based rules).
The show masterfully uses this thought experiment to reveal the complexities and real-world
struggles of applying these ethical frameworks, making philosophy accessible and engaging.

Deontological Ethics Teleological / Virtue Ethics

(Duty-Based) Consequentialist Ethics (Character-Based)
(Ends-Based)
This framework argues that This framework judges an This approach focuses not on
certain actions are inherently action based on its outcome. actions or consequences, but
right or wrong, regardless of The most famous version on the character of the moral
their consequences. is Utilitarianism, which agent.
The focus is on adhering to seeks the “greatest good It asks, “What would a
one’s duty and universal for the greatest number.” virtuous person do?” and
moral laws (Categorical Example: A government emphasizes developing
Imperative). policy that builds a large virtues like courage,
Example: A doctor has a dam, displacing a small honesty, and compassion.
duty to maintain patient number of people to Example: A bureaucrat
confidentiality, even if provide electricity for who shows exemplary
revealing information millions, is justified on courage in exposing
could potentially lead to a utilitarian grounds. corruption is celebrated
social benefit. for their virtuous character.

Thinker's Corner

The Central Conflict - Kant vs. Mill

Immanuel Kant provides a rigid, duty-based framework.
For him, lying is always wrong, regardless of the
consequences, because it cannot be made a universal
law. One must do their duty for duty’s sake alone.
In sharp contrast, John Stuart Mill would argue that if a lie could prevent a great harm or
produce a massive amount of happiness for most people (e.g., lying to a terrorist to save
lives), then the lie is not only permissible but morally required.
This highlights the fundamental tension between duty-based and consequence-based normative
ethics.

Thanos: A Utilitarian Villain?

The “ethics” of Thanos from Marvel is a widely recognized example of twisted utilitarianism.
He believes genocide is ethical to achieve resource balance, aiming for the “greatest good
for the greatest number” by brutally eliminating half of all life.
This illustrates a consequentialist philosophy: the morality of his horrific act is judged
solely by its perceived positive outcome. His actions spark intense debate on whether
such extreme means can ever justify an end.

Summum bonum
In his ethics, Aristotle talks about summum bonum, which refers to the ultimate goal or purpose
of human life. Imagine you’re on a journey to find the best restaurant in your city. Along the way,
you visit different restaurants.
However, after exploring several places, you finally reach the perfect restaurant — the one that
offers everything you’ve been looking for. This perfect restaurant is like the summum bonum — it’s
the final destination or ultimate goal, and once you reach it, there’s no need to go anywhere else.
It serves no further purpose beyond being the best choice for you.
Golden Mean
Aristotle’s philosophy emphasizes moderation as the key to virtue, with each virtue lying between
two extremes. He defines virtue as the balance between deficiency and excess, where each
extreme is considered a vice. For example,

Virtue Extreme (1) Extreme (2)

Courage Cowardice Rashness

Munificence (generosity) Pettiness Vulgar profusion
Good temper Spiritlessness Irascibility
Politeness Rudeness Obsequiousness
Modesty Shamelessness Bashfulness
Temperance Insensibility Intemperance
Liberality Meanness Prodigality
Proper pride Humility Vanity
Ready wit Buffoonery Boorishness

Current Affairs Link

Vaccine Distribution During a Pandemic

The debate over vaccine priority illustrates the clash of normative
frameworks.
A Deontological approach might argue for a strict rule: all
frontline health workers must be vaccinated first, as it is our
duty to protect them.
A Utilitarian approach might argue for vaccinating super-spreaders (like young people in
markets) first, as this would slow transmission fastest and produce the “greatest good” for
public health.

Administrative Viewpoint

A civil servant constantly uses all three normative frameworks.

They follow Deontology when adhering strictly to service rules.
They use Utilitarianism when formulating policies to maximize
public welfare.
They practice Virtue Ethics by striving to be a person of integrity,
compassion, and courage in their daily conduct.

Conscience Check!!!

Heinz dilemma: The Heinz dilemma is a well-known

thought experiment in ethics. The scenario involves
Heinz, whose wife is dying from cancer and needs a life-
saving drug that he cannot afford.
The drug is exorbitantly priced by the pharmacist, who
refuses to lower the cost or allow Heinz to pay later.
Heinz must decide whether to steal the drug to save his wife’s life or to respect the law and
property rights. Imagine you are Heinz. What would you have done?

Applied Ethics: The ‘How’

Applied ethics is the
practical “how-to” Chipko Movement (India)-Protecting Nature, Ethically
The Chipko Movement (India) exemplifies applied
dimension. It involves
environmental ethics. Villagers, primarily women, non-
taking the principles from violently hugged trees to prevent logging, asserting nature’s
normative ethics and intrinsic value and their right to sustainable livelihoods.
applying them to specific, This grassroots movement championed environmental
real-world controversial justice and non-violent resistance. It successfully advocated
for forest protection, inspiring global conservation efforts and
issues to determine the
demonstrating powerful community-led ethics in action.
right course of action.
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8468022022 www.visionias.in

Ethical theories and

Ethical decision processes

Decision Professional Ethics to improve

Ethics based use of Bio
Ethics Ethics professionalism
science Ethics

Ethics based around Sexual APPLIED Clinical Ethics to improve our

sexual acts Ethics ETHICS Ethics basic health needs

Individual based
Ethics among Social
Organisational Business morals to improve
nations and as one Ethics
Ethics Ethics ethics in an
global unit
organisation

Ethics among
organisations

Branch of Description Recent Example

Applied Ethics

Medical Ethics Addresses moral issues The controversy surrounding

in healthcare, such as the CRISPR gene-editing
patient rights, consent, case by He Jiankui, where
and end-of-life care. genetically edited babies were
born without proper ethical
oversight.
Business Ethics Examines ethical The Saradha Group collected deposits from
dilemmas in business thousands promising high returns, then collapsed.
practices, including This ponzi scheme defrauded lakhs of small
corporate governance, investors, revealing unethical business models
insider trading, and and regulatory gaps.
consumer protection.
Environmental Explores human The global push for sustainable
Ethics responsibilities toward business practices following
the environment, the Amazon rainforest fires in
focusing on 2019 and the associated ethical
sustainability and considerations of corporate
conservation. responsibility in environmental
conservation.

Technology Investigates ethical The debate over AI and facial

Ethics issues arising from recognition technology, with
technological companies facing scrutiny
advancements, over privacy violations and
including privacy, AI, data misuse.
and data security.
Animal Ethics Considers the moral The rise of animal welfare activism, particularly
status of animals, with the banning of cosmetic animal testing in
addressing issues like several countries like India in 2014, following
animal testing and ethical concerns about animal cruelty.
factory farming.
Legal Ethics Focuses on the ethical The Volkswagen emissions
obligations of legal scandal involved legal and
professionals, including ethical dilemmas regarding
confidentiality, conflict corporate responsibility
of interest, and justice. and compliance, leading to
legal repercussions for the
company and its leadership.

Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

“AI will be an integral part of solving the world’s
Core Principles of Al Ethics
biggest problems, but it must be developed in
Characteristic Description
a way that reflects human values,” says Satya
Al should benefit
Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. Beneficence humanity
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a Al should not
Non-maleficence
critical and continuously evolving field that cause harm

explores the moral implications associated Autonomy Respect human

decision-making
with the design, development, deployment,
Al should be fair
and use of AI systems. Ensuring that AI aligns Justice
and equitable
with human values and contributes to the
Al decisions should
common good is paramount as it becomes Transparency be explainable
increasingly integrated into our lives. Clear responsibility
Accountability
for Al actions
Key Ethical Issues & Challenges in AI
AI’s growing presence introduces several significant ethical challenges:

Ethical Issue Description Example

Bias and AI systems learn from data. If this data reflects Facial recognition systems
Discrimination existing societal biases, the AI can perpetuate showing higher error rates for
and amplify discrimination, leading to unfair certain demographics.
outcomes.

Privacy and AI's reliance on vast amounts of data raises AI surveillance systems
Data Protection concerns about how personal information is tracking public movements;
collected, used, stored, and secured. AI's ability AI analyzing health data
to infer sensitive details is also problematic. without explicit consent.

Accountability Determining who is responsible when an A self-driving car involved

& AI system makes a mistake or causes in an accident; an AI medical
Responsibility harm (designer, developer, deployer, user) diagnostic tool providing a
is challenging, especially for autonomous wrong diagnosis.
systems.
Autonomy & As AI becomes more autonomous, questions Autonomous weapons
Control arise about necessary human control. Over- systems making life-or-
reliance on AI can lead to deskilling or loss of death decisions without
human agency. human intervention;
Job AI and automation can displace human jobs, Robots replacing factory
Displacement potentially leading to unemployment and workers; AI automating
exacerbating economic inequalities if not customer service roles.
managed properly.
Misinformation AI can generate highly realistic but false AI-generated "Deepfake"
& Manipulation content (deepfakes, fake news), capable of audio and video clips of
manipulating public opinion, undermining leaders spreading rapidly on
trust, and destabilizing democracies. WhatsApp during elections;
Algorithmic Many advanced AI models are "black boxes," An AI system denying a
Opaque-ness making their decision-making processes loan application without
opaque. This lack of transparency hinders the explaining its reasoning.
identification of biases or errors.
Security & AI systems can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, Hacking an AI-controlled
Malicious Use and powerful AI tools can be misused by infrastructure system ; using
malicious actors for surveillance, cyber AI to automate cyberattacks ;
warfare, or other harmful purposes.

Addressing Ethical Concerns: Measures & Approaches

To navigate these challenges, several measures and approaches are crucial:
Approach Description Examples

Ethical AI Design Integrating ethical considerations Companies prioritizing "Value-Sensitive

from the very beginning of the AI Design" in AI.
development lifecycle.
Regulation & Developing laws, policies, and India's proposed privacy law. Ethical
Governance international agreements to guide issues in international relations
AI development and deployment. regarding funding.

Transparency & Researching and developing IITs teach students to be critical of AI

Explainable AI methods to make AI decisions "hallucinations" and question outputs,
(XAI) more understandable to humans. rather than passively accepting
machine answers as infallible truth.

Value Alignment Developing AI systems that are The development of AI "companions"

explicitly aligned with human forces a direct confrontation with our
values and societal norms. values regarding human connection.
The objective is not to impede AI progress but to ensure its responsible and human-centric
advancement, contributing positively to society. The ethics of AI is an ongoing dialogue demanding
proactive engagement from all levels of society.

Black Mirror’s ‘Nosedive’: Social Credit as Applied Ethics”

TV series, Black Mirror explores applied ethics, demonstrating how rating
systems alter behavior. It depicts a dystopian society where social scores
dictate status, forcing inauthentic interactions. This illustrates the perils of
such institutional control, showing how technology can manipulate human
conduct and morality.
Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment (1932-72): A Dark Chapter in Bioethics
The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment (1932-72) stands as a horrific bioethics
violation. Researchers deliberately with held treatment from African
American men with syphilis, observing the disease’s progression. Its exposure
led to critical reforms, establishing modern ethical guidelines for human
research, prioritizing respect for persons and beneficence.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance and
the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate?
Justify your answer.” (2018)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This is a classic question pitting Deontology (means) against Consequentialism

(ends). A strong answer will explain both, argue for the appropriateness of one in the context of
public service, and provide a nuanced conclusion.
Introduction: Briefly introduce the two opposing schools of thought. Associate ‘means’ with
Gandhi/Kant (Deontology) and ‘ends’ with Machiavelli/Utilitarianism (Consequentialism).
Body
Part 1 (The Case for Ends): Acknowledge that in some situations, like national security, the
end (protecting citizens) may seem to justify harsh means.

Part 2 (The Case for Means): Argue that for a public servant bound by the Constitution,
the means are paramount.
Unethical means (e.g., a fake encounter) corrupt the institution and erode public
trust, even if the end (eliminating a criminal) seems desirable.
Use Gandhi’s view that impure means will inevitably lead to an impure end.
Conclusion: Conclude that while the debate is complex, for a democratic and constitutional
system of governance, the view that “means are of paramount importance” is more
appropriate to ensure justice, rule of law, and public trust.

Common Pitfall to Avoid

The “Extreme Justification” Trap: Avoid creating extreme scenarios to justify unethical means
(e.g., “What if torturing one person could save a million lives?”). While useful as thought
experiments, in the context of public administration, the answer must always be grounded in
the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.

Conscience Check!!!

You are a manager at a corporation, and you’ve just discovered that one of your employees, who
works in the finance department, has accidentally leaked sensitive information to a competitor.
The leak is not malicious, but the competitor now has access to confidential data that could
harm the company’s interests. The employee admits their mistake but refuses to disclose the
details of how the leak happened.
Your colleague suggests using pressure tactics to force the employee to reveal how the leak
occurred, arguing that it’s crucial to prevent further damage.

Ethics in Private vs. Public Relationships

The moment we allow private interest to triumph over public good, we sow the seeds of decay.

PYQ: 2016 - “Max Weber said that it is not wise to apply to public administration the sort
of moral and ethical norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. It is important
to realise that the State bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic
morality.”Critically analyse this statement. (Highlights distinction).
PYQ: 2017 - “Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when (a) official duties, (b) public
interest, and (c) personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict
in administration be resolved? Describe with an example.”

The Private Sphere: Based on Emotions, The Public Sphere: Based on Impartiality, Legality,
Intimacy, and Personal Values and Accountability
The Private Sphere encompasses our The Public Sphere involves our interactions as
relationships with family, friends, and citizens or officials within a formal system of
close relations. governance.
Ethical conduct in this realm is governed Ethical conduct here is governed by
by particularistic principles like love, universalistic principles like impartiality,
loyalty, care, and personal values. fairness, objectivity, and adherence to laws
Decisions are emotional, subjective, and rules.
and based on who the other person is Decisions must be rational and justifiable to all.
to us. Example: A public official awarding a
Example: Lending money to a struggling government contract to the most deserving
friend or sibling, an act you would not bidder through a fair and transparent process.
extend to a stranger.

Thinker's Corner
Max Weber Bureaucracy
The Nature of Public vs. Private Roles
Theory
Max Weber described the ideal
Employment
bureaucracy as an impersonal system Based on the
Hierarchial
where officials operate without “hatred or Technical
5 1 Structure
passion, and hence without affection or Qualification
enthusiasm.”
4
His framework is the epitome of the 2
public sphere, where rational rules, not Purposely Management
personal feelings, must guide action. Impersonal 3
by Rules

In contrast, Aristotle, in his discussion

Organization By
on philia (friendship), saw it as a core
function Speciality
component of a virtuous private life.
He believed that true friendship is based on a shared appreciation of each other’s virtues,
an emotional and particular bond that is essential for human flourishing but stands in
stark contrast to Weber’s impersonal public official.

The Conflict Zone

The most significant ethical challenges for a public servant arise in the “Conflict Zone,” where the
values of their private life seep into and corrupt their public decision-making. This is where personal
loyalty clashes with public duty. This conflict is the root cause of many forms of corruption and
maladministration.

Nepotism: Granting jobs or Favouritism / Cronyism: Conflict of Interest: A situation

privileges to family members, Granting contracts, benefits, or where a public official has a
regardless of merit. positions to friends or allies. private or personal interest
(e.g., financial) sufficient to
influence the objective exercise
of their official duties.

When Private Greed Meets Public Policy

The Bofors Scandal (1980s) exposed how private dealings like kickbacks critically
influenced India’s public policy on defense procurement. Secret payments by
Bofors AB undermined government promises of transparency.
This corruption eroded public trust, demonstrating how hidden financial
interests can compromise national security decisions. The scandal directly
impacted elections, highlighting the severe societal consequences of unethical
private actions on public governance.

Thinker's Corner

Principles of Just Governance

Kautilya, in his Arthashastra, explicitly warns against this conflict.
He details how officials who favour their own kin or are influenced by personal relationships
are a threat to the state’s treasury and justice system, advocating for a system of spies
and strict oversight to prevent it.
From a modern perspective, John Rawls’s thought
experiment of the “Veil of Ignorance” is designed
to eliminate this conflict.
He argues that to create truly just rules
for society, we must imagine ourselves in
a position where we do not know our own
private status, family, or personal interests.
This forces us to create a public system that is
impartial and fair to all.

Current Affairs Link

“Cash for Query” Scandal

The recent “Cash for Query” controversy, where Members of Parliament were accused of asking
questions in Parliament in exchange for private benefits, is a textbook example of this conflict.
It shows the private financial interest of an individual directly compromising their public duty to
represent the interests of their constituents and the nation impartially.

Administrative Viewpoint

For a civil servant, Integrity is the “firewall” that must exist between their private and public self.
It is the conscious and constant effort to ensure that decisions are made solely on the basis
of public merit, rules, and evidence, completely insulated from the affections, loyalties, or
animosities of one’s private life.
Maintaining this firewall is their highest ethical duty.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrated with examples, the difference between the actual
and potential conflicts of interest.” (2018)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question requires a precise

definition and a clear distinction using Whenever you're in conflict with
examples. someone, there is one factor
that can make the difference
Introduction: Define ‘Conflict of Interest’ as between damaging your
a situation where a public official’s private relationship and deepening it.
That factor is attitude.
interests could improperly influence their public
-William James
duties.
Body
Part 1 (Actual Conflict): Explain that an actual conflict exists when a public official currently
has a private interest that influences their official decision. Example: A minister in charge of
aviation policy owning shares in an airline.
Part 2 (Potential Conflict): Explain that a potential conflict exists when a public official has a
private interest that could plausibly influence their future official decisions.
Example: An officer on a recruitment panel whose distant relative is an applicant. Even if they
act impartially, the potential for bias exists.

Legal Framework (India):

Public Servants: Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 (declare interests, no
misuse); CVC guidelines; SEBI’s Code for Boards.
Businesses: Companies Act, 2013 (Section 166: director not to conflict with company
interest); SEBI Guidelines for entities.
Way Forward for Effective Resolution: Identification of Relevant Conflict of Interest (disclosure
process); Demonstrate Leadership Commitment (preserve public confidence);
Strategies for Resolution: Disclosure, Divestment, Recusal, Restriction of access, Re-
arrangement of duties, Blind trust, Resignation from private function, Resignation from
public office; Wide publication/understanding of policy; Periodic review of ‘at-risk’ areas;
Cooling off period (prevent revolving door); Creation of independent oversight bodies (Ethics
Commission).

Common Pitfall to Avoid

The “No Harm Done” Fallacy: Avoid arguing that a conflict of interest is acceptable as long
as “no harm was done” or the final decision was still “good.” The mere existence of a conflict
of interest erodes public trust and compromises the integrity of the process, regardless of the
outcome. The process must be as pure as the end.

Conscience Check!!!

You are the chairperson of a district-level committee responsible for awarding a contract for
building new public health centers. One of the bidding companies is owned by your close friend
from college. Their bid is competitive but not definitively the best; another firm has a slight edge
in technical qualifications. Your friend has called you to “remind you of your long friendship.”
What approach would you take in this case?

Part 2: The Architecture of Human Values

Values Inculcating Values

Values
Values are like fingerprints. Nobody’s are the
same, but you leave ‘em all over everything Values, Moral Values and
you do. - Elvis Presley Human Values
In ethics, values are fundamental beliefs or Values
principles that guide our judgments and
behavior, shaping what we consider important
and desirable. Moral Human
values values
They are the standards by which we
evaluate actions as right or wrong, good
or bad, and influence our choices and
motivations.
Values can be personal, cultural, or professional, and they provide a framework for making
decisions and navigating ethical dilemmas.

PYQ: 2021 - Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant.
Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the public servants.

Ethical Professional Democratic Human

Honesty Dedication Participative Benevolence
Integrity Effectiveness Responsiveness Responsiveness
Social justice Efficiency Social justice Humaneness
Impartiality Expertise Transparency Impartiality
Incorruptibility Innovativeness Inclusiveness Inclusiveness
Courage Obedience Obedience Collegiality
Accountability Organizational Accountability
interest Public interest
Profitability Representative
Reliability Lawfulness
Serviceability Pluralism

Adapted from Kernaghan (2003).

Factors affecting Values

Law enforcement
Political Legal
establishments Welfare Regulation
establishments
Traditions POLICIES
INSTITUTIONS NHS Service provision
CULTURE
Economic systems Career progression
Youth
Security and
Advertising AGE insecurity JOB
MEDIA OUR VALUES ARE SHAPED BY
Number of First job
OUT LIVED EXPERIENCE
Moral panics opportunities
Space Neighbourhood
Comfort Workplaces
Competitive
HOME Parents beliefs Parents' jobs COLLEAGUES environments INCOME
and values
Environment Authority CAMPAIGNS
Success
Diversity FAMILY
Background Gay rights
Quantity Hierarchies
Religion Hobbies
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
FRIENDS Pressures
Similarities Teaching style
PEER GROUPS Civil rights
Challenges and
EDUCATION
arguments Clubs
University or NOT Punishments

Human Values
Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate, famously stated, “The opposite of love is not
hate, it’s indifference.”
Meanwhile, human values are the virtues that guide us to take into account the human element
when we interact with other human beings. For example, respect, acceptance, consideration,
appreciation, listening, openness, affection, empathy and love towards other human beings.

Thinker's Corner

Swami Vivekananda taught that Many feel, but only a few can
values are not external impositions but express. It is the power of
expressing one's love and
expressions of the divinity inherent in
appreciation and sympathy for
every soul. others, that enables one person
to succeed better in spreading
For him, values like compassion,
the idea than others.
purity, and strength arise from the -Swami Vivekananda
realization of our true, universal self.
His philosophy of Practical Vedanta emphasized that true religion lies in character
building and service, where values guide one to manifest this inner divinity.

“Service to men is service to God.”

Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher,
provided a foundational ethical system centered on
universal virtues.
His concept of Ren (benevolence or Who:
A
humaneness)—treating others as one would Paradigmatic
Person
wish to be treated—and Li (propriety/ritual)—
acting correctly in social roles—are universal
Ren
principles for fostering social harmony and moral (An achieved
state of
cultivation. humanity)

He believed these virtues, cultivated within Where: What:

Interpersonal Broadening of
oneself, would lead to good governance and a Settings dao (Way)

peaceful society for all.

Gita: Selfless performance of duty (Nishkam Karma)
M.K. Gandhi: Service to people especially vulnerable, downtrodden sections of society.
Kant: Moral command is given to the person by his own conscience to act in a selfless manner.
It is a moral duty.

Current Affairs Link

“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” in India’s Foreign Policy

India’s leadership during the G20 presidency (2023) prominently
featured the ancient Indian value of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
(The World is One Family).
This core human value of universal brotherhood and shared
destiny guided India’s approach to global challenges like
climate change, health, and sustainable development.
It demonstrates how a deeply ingrained national value can shape international relations
and collective action.

Administrative Viewpoint

For a civil servant, understanding and internalizing core human values is paramount. These values
provide the moral foundation to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, especially where rules are
ambiguous or political pressure is high.

PYQ: 2020 - “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma
Gandhi. What does this mean to you?”

Mahatma Gandhi emphasized selfless action (Seva) as the path to self-realization. His ethics
championed altruism, identifying one’s true purpose through contributing to collective welfare.
Quote Analysis :
1. Ego Transcendence: Selfless service moves focus away from personal desires, diminishing ego
and fostering humility.
2. Discovering Purpose: By addressing others’ needs, one often discovers their inherent skills,
passions, and life’s true calling.
3. Interconnectedness: Service fosters a deep sense of belonging and connection, revealing
one’s place within the larger human fabric.
4. Self-Realization: True understanding of self emerges not through introspection alone, but
through active engagement with the world’s problems.
5. Spiritual Growth: Serving others is a path to profound spiritual and moral development, leading
to inner peace and fulfillment.
Example: Mother Teresa. She “lost herself” entirely in serving the poorest of the poor in Kolkata.
Through her tireless dedication, she found her ultimate purpose and became a global icon of
compassion and selfless devotion

Universal Values
PYQ: 2018 - “State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and
bring out their importance.”

The concept of Universal Values refers to ethical

principles or moral standards that are believed to
transcend cultural, religious, and national boundaries, Love
Contentment
applicable to all human beings. Peace

While their interpretation or emphasis may

vary across contexts, the underlying essence is
Devotion
considered universally valid. Truth

This quest for shared principles underpins global 10 Universal

cooperation, human rights frameworks, and Values
mutual understanding. Service Wisdom
Key Characteristics:
Transcendence: Apply across cultures, Co-existence
Integrity
religions, time.
Justice
Foundational: Often form the basis for laws
and international agreements.
Aspirational: Represent ideals that humanity strives to uphold globally.
Examples: Human Dignity, Justice, Compassion, Freedom, Equality, Respect, Responsibility, Peace.

Thinker's Corner
I slept and dreamt that life was
joy. I awoke and saw that life was
Rabindranath Tagore championed a service. I acted and behold,
humanism deeply rooted in universal service was joy.
values. -RABINDRANATH TAGORE

He believed in the interconnectedness of all humanity and emphasized values like spiritual
freedom, truth, and love over narrow nationalism.
For Tagore, our actions are guided by an inner quest for harmony, where universal values
enable holistic human development.
Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr. epitomized the struggle for universal values.
His leadership of the American Civil Rights Movement was rooted in the unwavering belief
in the universal values of justice, equality, and human dignity for all, regardless of race.

Happiness

Happiness can be defined as the, “Subjective enjoyment of life as a whole,”

Types of Happiness:
Hedonic Happiness focuses on maximizing pleasure, as advocated by Jeremy Bentham.
Eudaimonic Happiness emphasizes meaning, purpose, and personal growth, as per Aristotle.

Paths to Happiness

Buddhism Bhagavad Gita Carvaka Bhakti Guru Nanak Upanishadic

Follows the Advocates Seeks sensory Centers on Focuses on Views bliss as
Middle Path, selfless action pleasure as devotion as a contentment the inherent
avoiding without the ultimate path to and humility nature of the
extremes attachment goal happiness self

Obstacles to Happiness in Contemporary Life:

Promoting Happiness
External: Negative social comparisons, People-Centric Governance
lack of social support, financial stress, Prioritize public welfare and well-being for
citizens.
and exposure to harmful substances.
Transparency Accountability
Foster trust in governance by ensuring fair
Internal: Self-doubt, inability to live in
access to resources.
the present, and excessive screen time,
Promoting Well-Being
contributing to the “Anxious Generation” Initiatives like Tele-Manas support mental
health for all.
(Eco Survey 2023-24).
Social Harmony
How Civil Servants Can Promote Happiness: Encourage inclusive policies that strengthen
community bonds overall.
Happiness as Policy
Integrate happiness into policy decisions, like
Bhutan's GNH.

Current Affairs Link

International Human Rights Conventions

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a monumental testament to the concept of
universal values. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, it proclaims inherent rights (e.g.,
life, liberty, security, freedom from torture, right to education) that are universal, inviolable,
and inalienable to every human being, serving as a common standard of achievement for all
peoples and nations.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“Social values are more important than economic values. Discuss the above statement with
examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.” (2015)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question requires a discussion (analysis)

of the relative importance of social vs. economic values, Environmental value forms
specifically linking to inclusive growth. A balanced Renewable resource, low emissions,
low waste, biodiversity, pollution
answer should acknowledge the role of both but argue prevention (air, water, land)
for the primacy of social values for truly sustainable and
inclusive growth. Social value
Economic
forms
value forms
Introduction: Define social values (e.g., equity, Equality and
Profit, return on

Sustainable
diversity,
justice, harmony) and economic values (e.g., well-being, investments,

value
community financial resilience,
efficiency, profit, wealth creation). development, long-term viability,
secure livelihood, business stability
State the core argument: while both are vital, labor standards,
social values are foundational for inclusive health and safety

growth.
Body
Part 1 (Why Social Values are Primary): Explain how prioritizing social values (e.g.,
universal education, healthcare, reducing inequality) leads to human capital formation,
reduces social unrest, and fosters a stable environment for long-term economic growth.
Part 2 (The Role of Economic Values & Potential Conflict): Acknowledge that economic
values (e.g., GDP growth) are necessary for resource generation, but warn that unchecked
pursuit can lead to inequitable distribution and social polarization.
Conclusion: Conclude that for true “inclusive growth,” social values must serve as the
guiding principles for economic policies, ensuring that development benefits all segments of
society and prevents mere “enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority.”

Common Pitfall to Avoid

The “Either/Or” Trap: Avoid stating that economic values are bad or unimportant. The question
asks you to discuss which is more important in the context of inclusive growth. Emphasize their
complementary nature, but argue for the primacy of social values as the guiding force for
genuinely inclusive and sustainable development

Conscience Check!!!

As a policymaker in a developing state, you are tasked with recommending a strategy for
industrial development.
One option is to attract a large-scale, capital-intensive factory that promises high GDP
contribution but will create few jobs and cause significant environmental pollution.
Another option is to invest in small-scale, labor-intensive industries that will have a lower
immediate GDP impact but provide widespread employment and use sustainable practices.
What would you have done in the above scenario?

Inculcating Values

Values

Innate Acquired

Positive Negative Positive Negative

Confucius says that All Role of family, Society,

human beings are External educational institutions
fundamentally good in circumstances
their nature may corrupt
him

Role of Family
Pampering or Learning from
“The greatest inheritance a parent can leave his children is Punishment our parents

character and faith.” — Jesse Jackson Role of Family

in Value
Inculcation
The family is universally recognized as the primary and most Dignity of
Charity
Labour
influential institution for inculcating values.
Respect

It serves as the foundational unit of socialization, where individuals first learn concepts of right
and wrong, empathy, respect, and responsibility through observation, direct instruction, and
emotional bonding.
The values absorbed during early childhood within the family unit often become deeply
ingrained, shaping an individual’s personality and ethical compass for life.

Family Member Values Learned

Parents Generosity, Accountability, Integrity, Discipline

Siblings Collaboration, Empathy, Respect

Grandparents Wisdom, Cultural Heritage, Patience

Uncles/Aunts Support, Social Responsibility, Independence

Spouse/Partner Mutual Respect, Communication, Compromise

VALUES ASSOCIATED WITH PAST GENERATION AND

PRESENT GENERATION
Value Associted With Past Generation Present Generation

Values Examples Values Examples

Collectiveness Joint Family Individualistic Nuclear Family

Sacrifies Gifting land for Self-Realisation Party, Tour and

School Travels

Obedient Respect for Elders Career Focussed Change in

Career goal

Unidimensional Innovativness Startup

Stability in career
Culture

Defensive Not Impulsive in Exterovert Social Media

Retaliation Bio

Thinker's Corner
1.
Experience
John Dewey, a proponent of progressive education, the activity:
perform, do it
reinforced the idea that learning occurs through
experience. 5. 2.
Apply
Share
For him, the family’s environment, where children
what was learned
to a similar or reactions,
different situation;
Do observations
actively participate in daily life and observe moral practice
publicly

choices, is crucial. Apply Reflect

This “learning by doing” within the family

4.
fundamentally shapes their values, making it the Generalize
to connect the
3.
Process
“first democratic community.” experience to
real-world
analyze the
experience
examples

Current Affairs Link

Parental Leave & Early Childhood Development

Modern policies like extended parental leave (e.g. Canada: standard parental: within 52 weeks
(12 months) · extended parental: within 78 weeks (18 months)) reflect a growing societal
understanding of the crucial role of early family bonding and parental presence in a child’s moral
development.

Administrative Viewpoint

For an administrator, initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao actively work with families
to challenge entrenched gender biases, recognizing that lasting value change begins
at home. Supporting family stability through welfare programs directly contributes to
a healthier moral citizenry.

Role of Society
nature
Beyond the family, the broader society, its culture, and cultural
values living area
community norms play an indispensable role in shaping urban
environment
and reinforcing an individual’s ethical framework. religion/faith

Socialization is the lifelong process through which

media/
individuals acquire the norms, values, and behaviours community intermet
connections
appropriate for their social group. family friends
associations
extended
Culture provides the shared meanings and practices, family school/work
politics
while community norms act as informal rules, influencing colleagues
leisure time/
rural sports
what is considered acceptable or unacceptable conduct. enviroment
social status social services

economy health services

Memes as Modern-Day Folklore

These viral trends function like traditional oral traditions, rapidly
shaping societal norms and shared understandings across digital
spaces.
They are informally transmitted, evolve through remixing, and reflect
collective humor and values. Memes demonstrate how digital culture
now powerfully influences socialization, impacting how we perceive
and discuss the world.

Thinker's Corner

Émile Durkheim, a pioneer in sociology, emphasized

the power of “collective consciousness” and
“social facts” in shaping individual morality.
He argued that society, through its institutions
and norms (like religion and education),
internalizes moral rules into individuals,
ensuring social solidarity and cohesion.
For Durkheim, our morality is largely a product
of the society we live
Expanding on this, Talcott Parsons, explained how
individuals internalize societal norms and values
through interaction, leading to “value consensus”
within a community.
This consensus then acts as a powerful
determinant, guiding ethical conduct and
ensuring the smooth functioning of the social
system.

Concept of Socialization
Agencies of Socialization

Family Religion School Media Religion

Peer Participative+
Productive member of
Nascent biological Society
Infant

Observational conditioning
Learning Role Play
Mechanisms Trial Error
of
Socialization

Current Affairs Link

Gaali Bandh Ghar

The “Gaali Bandh Ghar” (No-Swearing House) initiative, exemplifies
how community-led efforts can reshape social norms and instill
values. This campaign encourages households and communities to
commit to refraining from using abusive or misogynistic language.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there
are three key societal members who can make a difference. they are father, mother and the
teacher.”–A. P.1 J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse.” (2017)

Answer Deconstruction

Introduction: Introduce Kalam’s quote, highlighting his vision for a morally strong nation. State
the central argument: the quote emphasizes the foundational role of primary socializing agents
in value inculcation.
Body
Part 1 (Role of Father & Mother): Explain how parents are the first role models, teaching
honesty, integrity, empathy, and respect through daily interactions and moral guidance.
Provide examples of familial values combating corruption (e.g., refusing petty bribes).
Part 2 (Role of Teacher): Discuss how teachers extend moral education beyond home,
fostering critical thinking, compassion, ethical reasoning, and civic responsibility. Link this to
developing “beautiful minds” that value knowledge and ethics over corruption.
Conclude that building a corruption-free nation requires a multi-pronged approach that starts
with strong ethical foundations laid by family and reinforced by educational institutions, creating
a virtuous citizenry.

Conscience Check!!!

As a District Education Officer, you notice a prevalent culture of cheating and plagiarism among
students, often normalized by some parents who see it as a means to “success.” This undermines
academic integrity and is a severe challenge to ethical development. What steps would you
have taken to change the given scenario?

The Role of Educational Institutions

“Our schools must do more than simply transmit facts and skills. They must cultivate character,
build moral foundations, and instill a love for democratic values.” - Hillary Clinton

Japan School: Cleanliness as Character

Japan’s school cleaning tradition is a powerful tool for character building, teaching responsibility.
Students daily clean their own spaces, fostering a deep sense of ownership and respect for
property.
This practice instills teamwork, discipline, and the dignity of labor. It goes beyond hygiene,
shaping well-rounded individuals who value cooperation and contribute positively to their shared
environment.

The role of educational institutions extends far beyond

merely imparting academic knowledge or vocational
Role of School in
skills. Their deeper and more profound function is
Inculcating Values
holistic character building, which involves nurturing Overall Personality Social control (like
development Respect, Obedience eta)
an individual’s ethical compass, moral reasoning, and
civic responsibility. Values of Education most
Sportsmanship/ Role powerful agent of
The agents at play in value development at school: team spirit inculcating human
value
Curriculum and
Etiquettes and values
discipline of moral
imparted to children
philosophy
(eg: Japan, Netherlands)

Agent Values Imparted Examples

Teacher’s Effort Imparting values to disciples, Saint Ramananda from the Bhakti
including impartiality, movement enrolled disciples from all
inclusivity, and tolerance. sections of society.
Padam Shree H.C. Verma revolutionized
Physics lessons, promoting rational
thinking and scientific inquiry.
Curriculum Promotes societal values, Panchtantra stories teach societal values;
scientific temperament, freedom fighters’ patriotism instills
and cultural values. respect for the country;
Teaching about Kabir, Sur Das, and Dhana
propagated values of inclusivity and
tolerance in society.
Extracurricular Develops values like team Yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation highlight
Activities building, cooperative traditional values.
behavior, responsibility, Sports teach leadership qualities;
commitment, tolerance, teamwork and commitment are
and patience. emphasized in Nordic schools.

Thinker's Corner

Holistic Development & Inner Wisdom

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, an eminent philosopher and former INTEGRAL EDUCATION
President of India, profoundly articulated that “Education is
not merely a means of earning a living, but a training of the
PSYCHIC PHYSICAL MENTAL
human soul for the right perception of values.” He believed
in a holistic education that integrates spiritual values and SPIRITUAL VITAL

promotes inner harmony, moving beyond mere intellectual

development.
Adding to this, Sri Aurobindo advocated for “Integral Education,” which aims for the
harmonious development of all parts of a human being—physical, vital, mental, psychic, and
spiritual.
For him, true education facilitates the growth of the “psychic being,” which is the seat
of our deepest values and inherent goodness, thereby leading to complete character
building.
Nai Talim and Shantiniketan

Aspect Nai Talim (Gandhi) Shantiniketan (Tagore)

Philosophy Education for self-reliance, Education as a means of holistic

rural empowerment, and development, artistic expression,
moral values like truth and and spiritual growth.
nonviolence.
Method of Work-based learning and Outdoor learning, teaching in open
Teaching hands-on activities, such as spaces, and use of the natural
agriculture and crafts. environment.
Cultural Strong focus on Indian rural A more universal approach,
Context life and creating self-reliant blending Indian and global ideas,
individuals in villages. with an emphasis on cross-cultural
understanding.

Administrative Viewpoint

For an administrator in the education sector (e.g., District Education Officer), ensuring curriculum
design and pedagogical practices prioritize character building is critical. This involves advocating
for reforms that include ethics committees in schools, promoting co-curricular activities that
instill values (e.g., community service, debates on moral issues), and building a more responsible
future citizenry.

The Role of Teachers

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The
great teacher inspires.” — William Arthur Ward
Beyond formal lessons, teachers are arguably the most influential figures in a student’s life after
parents, serving as living embodiments of values. Their personal conduct, professional ethics,
and daily interactions—both inside and outside the classroom—are powerful tools for value
inculcation.

Examples of the Impact of Teachers on Students Morality and Ethical Conduct in life:

Chanakya: Mentored Emperor Gopal Krishna Gokhle: Shaped Swami Vivekananda:

Chandragupta Maurya, Gandhi’s ideology towards Influenced Sister Nivedita,
imparting political wisdom India and life, demonstrating a disciple, who actively
and strategies that shaped the the profound influence of participated in India’s freedom
governance of ancient India. teachers on their students. struggle and championed
education for girls.

Thinker's Corner

Enlightenment & Social Transformation

Dr. Radhakrishnan regarded the teacher as a moral guide and a role model for students.
He believed that teachers should embody the values they wish to impart. His own life and
teachings were an example of wisdom, compassion, and dedication.
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj from Kolhapur (a key social reformer) opened schools for all,
especially the marginalized, and promoted universal access.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s quotes on education/teachers -
“The aim of the teacher should be to build character; human values enhance the learning
capacity of children through technology and build the confidence among children to be
innovative and creative which in turn will make them competitive to face the future.”
“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel
their key societal members can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the
teacher.”

Current Affairs Link

Teacher Training & Accountability

Government initiatives like NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic
Advancement), which focus on integrated teacher training, implicitly recognize the importance
of teachers as value custodians.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“Education is not an injunction; it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of
an individual and social transformation”. Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in
light of the above statement. (2020)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question asks you to examine NEP

2020’s alignment with education’s role in holistic
development and social transformation. Link NEP’s
provisions to character building and societal change.
Introduction: Start by defining “education beyond
injunction” (i.e., not just rote learning/command)
as a pervasive tool for holistic development and
societal change.
Body
Part 1 (NEP & Holistic Development/Character
Building): Explain NEP’s provisions (e.g.,
experiential learning, reduced curriculum, focus
on life skills, and ethical & constitutional values)
that promote character building and all-round
individual development beyond mere academic
scores.
Part 2 (NEP & Social Transformation): Discuss how NEP aims for social transformation (e.g.,
promoting inclusivity, multi-disciplinarity, and critical thinking) that can challenge societal
biases and create a more equitable society. Mention teacher training’s role here.
Conclusion: Conclude that NEP 2020 aligns well with the statement by emphasizing value-based,
holistic education that prepares individuals not just for jobs but for ethical citizenship and active
participation in societal change.

Conscience Check!!!

As a District Education Officer, you encounter a government school in a rural area where
students exhibit high levels of indiscipline, bullying, and a lack of empathy towards their peers,
despite having qualified teachers. This is leading to a toxic learning environment. What actions
could you take to overcome this issue?

PYQ: 2016 - “Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven sins.”

Mahatma Gandhi advocated for holistic ethical living. His “Seven Social Sins” outlined moral pitfalls
undermining personal integrity and societal well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness
of values.

The Seven Social Sins

Wealth Without Work: Unearned income leading to exploitation

Knowledge Without Character: Unearned income leading to exploitation

Pleasure Without Conscience: Indulgence without moral consideration causing harm

Science Without Humanity: Technological advancements lacking ethical boundaries

Commerce Without Morality: Commerce Without Morality

Worship Without Sacrifice: Spirituality devoid of selﬂess action

Politics Without Principle: Governance without moral values leading to tyranny

Gandhi's Eleven Vows and Their Significance

Other Vows
Panch Mahavratas
Aparigraha
Satya
Sharira Sharama
Ahimsa
Swadeshi
Gandhi's Brahmacharya
Abhaya Eleven Vows
Asvada
Asprishyaatanivarana
Asteya
Sarva Dharma Sambhava

Part 3: The Administrator’s Mindset

Attitude Attitude vs. Social Influence Emotional Application of
Behaviour & Persuasion Intelligence (EI) Emotional Intelligence
(EI) in Administration &
Governance

Attitude: Content, Structure, and Function

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. —Winston Churchill

PYQ: 2014 - What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social
problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many social problems.
What contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you
explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes?
PYQ: 2016 - Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped
unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of
these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of
a modern democratic and egalitarian society.
(a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in today’s educated Indians.
(b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values
considered necessary in public services be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil
servants?(Connects to changing moral attitudes).

An Attitude is a psychological predisposition to respond to an object, person, or idea in a particular

way. It is a mental and emotional construct that influences our perceptions, thoughts, and actions.

Learnt Abstract
Depends on Form of
construction expression
personal
aspects

Consent Characteristics
Content
Specific beliefs,
Structure
Relationship
Function
Purpose or role of
of Attittude
emotions, and between cognitive, attitude in an Observation
actions associated affective, and individual's life Point of
with an attitude behavioral view Reflect Summary of
components
Personality Experience

Societal

Character Morals Ethics Norms

Right & Right &

Wrong In Personal Wrong
di
vi tal
du c ie
al So

Values

Objectified
Attitude

Content of Attitude
The A-B-C Model provides a foundational framework for understanding the three interconnected
components that constitute an attitude.
Affective Component (A): Refers to the emotional or feeling segment of an attitude. It’s about
how we feel towards the attitude object (e.g., “I like healthy food”).
Behavioral Component (B): Relates to the intention or predisposition to act in a certain way
towards the attitude object. It’s about how
we intend to behave (e.g., “I will buy more
Cognition Affect
fruits and vegetables”). Attitude
Cognitive Component (C): Consists of
the beliefs, thoughts, and knowledge one
holds about the attitude object. It’s about
what we think or believe (e.g., “I know that
Behaviour
healthy food prevents diseases”).

Cognitive Knowledge Example: Fitness

Component and beliefs training keeps me fit

ABC Model of Affective Feelings Example: I enjoy

Attitude Component and emotions training

Behavioral Intended Example: I attend training

Component behavior sessions regularly

Structure of Attitude
The structure of an attitude refers to how the different components of an attitude (cognitive,
affective, and behavioral) are organized or related to each other.
For example: If a person has an attitude toward climate change:
Cognitive: Belief in the scientific evidence of global warming.
Affective: Feeling concerned or anxious about the impact of climate change.
Behavioral: Taking actions like reducing carbon footprint or supporting environmental policies.

Thinker's Corner

William James & Gordon Allport

None of us are ever who we were
William James, a pioneering psychologist, yesterday.
emphasized how attitudes are deeply -William James
intertwined with habit formation.
He believed that our actions and thoughts, when repeated, solidify into fixed attitudes that
guide our future conduct, stating, “Sow a thought and you reap an act; sow an act and you
reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character.”
Later, Gordon Allport defined attitude as “a mental and neural state of readiness, organized
through experience, exerting a directive or dynamic influence upon the individual’s response
to all objects and situations with which it is related.” This highlights its predispositional
nature.
Nothing can stop the person with the right mental attitude from achieving his goals. Nothing on
earth can help the person with the wrong mental attitude. -Thomas Jefferson

Current Affairs Link

Public Acceptance of UPI Payments

The widespread adoption of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in rural areas
of India illustrates the A-B-C model in action.
Initial cognitive barriers (C) about digital literacy and security were
overcome by affective benefits (A) like convenience and speed, leading
to a massive behavioral shift (B) towards digital transactions.
Campaigns focused on dispelling misinformation and building trust were key to this attitude
change.

Administrative Viewpoint

For a civil servant, understanding attitudes is crucial for effective public policy implementation.
If citizens have a negative affective component (e.g., anger) towards a new tax, or a faulty
cognitive component (e.g., misinformation) about a new welfare scheme, their behavioral
response will be resistance.
The administrator must diagnose which component is dominant to design targeted interventions
(e.g., emotional outreach vs. information dissemination).

Functions of Attitude
Attitudes serve various psychological and social functions for
individuals, helping them make sense of the world, protect their self-
esteem, express their values, and achieve their goals.
Knowledge Function: Attitudes help us organize and make sense of
information.
They act as mental shortcuts, allowing us to process complex
information quickly and efficiently (e.g., “All healthy food is
good”).
Utilitarian/Adjustive Function: Attitudes help individuals achieve rewards and avoid
punishments.
We develop positive attitudes towards things that benefit us and negative ones towards
things that harm us (e.g., positive attitude towards a boss who promotes you).
Ego-Defensive Function: Attitudes protect our self-esteem and help us avoid uncomfortable
truths.
They serve as defense mechanisms to justify actions or beliefs that might otherwise make
us feel bad (e.g., blaming external factors for personal failures).
Value-Expressive Function: Attitudes allow individuals to express their core values, beliefs, and
self-concept.
Holding and expressing certain attitudes helps us communicate who we are to others
(e.g., expressing pro-environmental attitudes to align with one’s identity as a responsible
citizen).

Horoscopes as Ego-Defensive Tools

This concept illustrates how attitudes can serve an ego-defensive function, a key idea in social
psychology. Individuals use horoscopes or similar external classifications (like zodiac signs) to
protect their self-image and self-esteem.
By attributing perceived flaws or undesirable traits (“I’m not lazy, I’m a Taurus!”), they shift
responsibility away from themselves. This mechanism helps to justify behavior and avoid
confronting personal shortcomings, thus defending the ego.

Current Affairs Link

Public attitude and reservation

Public attitudes towards reservation policies often illustrate the Ego-Defensive and Value-
Expressive functions.
Some individuals may hold negative attitudes to protect their perceived “meritocratic” identity
(Ego-Defensive).
Others may strongly express positive attitudes to align with their values of social justice and
equality (Value-Expressive).
Understanding these underlying functions is crucial for administrators to engage in nuanced
public dialogue beyond superficial arguments.

Procedures of Attitude Formation

Attitudes can be formed or shaped through various procedures. These are the processes that
influence how individuals develop their attitudes over time:

Classical Conditioning (Respondent/ Operant Conditioning (Instrumental Learning):

Pavlovian Conditioning): This type of In this process, individuals learn behaviors and
learning involves associating a neutral attitudes through the use of reinforcement
stimulus with a significant stimulus (rewards) or punishment. Positive reinforcement
to create a conditioned response. For strengthens a behavior, while punishment
example, a child learns to associate certain discourages it.
behaviors with being a boy or girl through
Example: Teaching someone to exhibit good
societal cues and conditioning.
behavior by rewarding them with praise or other
Example: Learning to associate certain incentives, or discouraging negative behavior
colors, toys, or behaviors with gender through criticism or other forms of punishment.
roles due to cultural conditioning.

Direct Instruction: This involves explicit Satisfaction of Wants: An individual tends to

teaching, where rules or behaviors are develop favorable attitudes toward people, objects,
directly communicated and expected to or situations that satisfy their personal needs and
be followed. desires, while developing unfavorable attitudes
Example: Teaching a child the rule toward those that do not meet these needs.
of waking up at 5 AM through direct Example: A person may develop a positive
instructions, expecting them to form an attitude toward a particular brand of product
attitude toward this routine. because it fulfills their desires or needs, such
as comfort or efficiency, while developing a
negative attitude toward other brands that do
not satisfy these needs.

Observation Modelling

Re-learn
Attitude Formation Change
Unlearn
New attitude
is formed

Classical Rewards & Direct

conditioning Punishmnt instruction

Thinker's Corner

Leon Festinger’s theory of Cognitive Dissonance explains

the ego-defensive function. He argued that when a
person holds conflicting attitudes or when their attitude
conflicts with their behavior, they experience discomfort
(dissonance) and are motivated to reduce it, often by
changing their attitude or rationalizing their behavior to
protect their self-image.
From a different lens, Carl Jung suggests that our fundamental attitudes towards the world
are inherent aspects of our personality. These attitudes act as deep filters through which we
interact with reality, serving a profound knowledge-organizing function.

Vaccine Hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic can be

explained through attitude functions. For some, it was an ego-
defensive attitude rooted in distrust of authority (protecting
identity as a skeptic).
For others, it was driven by misinformation (lack of knowledge).
Public health campaigns had to address these different
functions to change attitudes

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often
required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person?”
(2020)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question asks about the importance of a positive attitude and its contributors.
Focus on both individual qualities and external factors that foster such an attitude.
Introduction: Define attitude and state that a positive attitude is a vital attribute for civil
servants, especially under stress, enabling resilience and problem-solving.
Body - Part 1 (Why it’s essential): Explain how a positive attitude helps in stress management,
maintaining motivation, fostering public trust, leading teams effectively, and turning
challenges into opportunities.
Body - Part 2 (Contributors to Positive Attitude): Detail factors like: Strong ethical values,
clear purpose/dedication to public service, emotional intelligence (self-regulation), realistic
expectations, resilience, supportive work environment, continuous learning/feedback, and
role models.
Conclusion: Conclude that a positive attitude is cultivated through a combination of inner
strength, ethical grounding, and a supportive ecosystem, essential for an effective and
empathetic bureaucracy.

Common Pitfall to Avoid

While advocating for a positive attitude, avoid presenting it as a magical solution that ignores
real problems. Acknowledge that civil servants face genuine systemic challenges and stress.
A positive attitude helps navigate these, not eliminate them. The answer should be practical,
not overly idealistic.

Conscience Check!!!

You are the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a drought-prone area. A new government
policy aims to shift farmers from water-intensive crops to millets, but farmers are deeply
skeptical, citing traditional practices and fear of crop failure. They resist your outreach, believing
“government schemes never work.” How would you approach this scenario from the perspective
of Attitude change

Moral Attitudes vs. Political Attitudes

Within the broader concept of Attitude, Moral Attitudes and Political Attitudes represent two distinct
yet crucial domains that shape an individual’s ethical choices and their interaction with the public
sphere. Understanding their differences is key to navigating the complexities of public life.

Moral Attitude Political Attitude

A Moral Attitude can be defined as A Political Attitude can be defined as “an

“an individual’s stance or disposition individual’s consistent beliefs, values, and
towards what is fundamentally right or feelings about political issues, policies,
wrong, good or bad, in a given context.” institutions, and figures.”
It encompasses a combination of It concerns how society should be
beliefs, emotions, and intentions that managed, resources distributed, and
guide an individual’s ethical decision- authority exercised. It is often related to
making and actions. a specific ideology or the interests of a
Example: A personal conviction particular group or nation.
that “telling the truth is always the Example: The belief that “the state should
right thing to do,” even if it brings prioritize economic growth, even if it means
inconvenience. some environmental compromise,”
stemming from a developmental ideology.

Morality is simply the attitude we The characteristic political

adopt towards people whom we attitude of today is not one of
personally dislike. positive belief, but of despair.
-Oscar Wilde -Herbert Read

Thinker's Corner

Foundations of Righteous Governance

Thiruvalluvar, the ancient Tamil poet-philosopher, through his
Tirukkural, emphasizes the inseparable link between a ruler’s
moral rectitude and effective governance. His work implicitly
argues that a ruler’s moral attitudes (e.g., justice, compassion,
integrity) are the foundational distinctions that lead to righteous
political action and prosperity for the state.
French political philosopher Montesquieu, known for his
theory of separation of powers, would assert that while
political structures can shape governance, the spirit of
Safegaurd Safegaurd against
laws (which can be influenced by moral attitudes) is against
depotism
dictatorship
tendencies
crucial.
IMPORTANCE
He suggested that the “virtue” of citizens and OF
SEPARATION OF
rulers, a moral attitude, is essential for a republic’s Helps in
maintaining POWERS
Safegaurd
against

flourishing. efficiency in
administration.
arbitrariness.

Facilitates a
check upon the
working of each
of the organs

Administrative Viewpoint

Understanding this distinction is foundational for a civil servant. Your personal moral attitude
guides your inner compass, while your professional political attitude (adherence to constitutional
principles, public policy) guides your external actions. The challenge is to ensure your personal
morality is not compromised by political pressures, and vice versa.

The Dynamic Interplay: Synergy & Conflict in Public Life

Moral and political attitudes are rarely isolated.
Attitude-Behaviour
They continuously interact, creating both powerful
Situtation
synergies, where personal ethics elevate public action,
and profound conflicts, where political imperatives Attitude
threaten to override moral conscience.
Synergy: When Moral Attitudes Shape Political Attitudes
An individual’s deep-seated moral convictions can Situation Intentions
often form the very foundation of their political beliefs
and actions, leading to principled public service.
From Compassion to Welfare Politics: A moral
Behaviour
attitude of profound compassion for the vulnerable
(e.g., Mother Teresa) can translate into a political Eg: change in Ashoka's attitude toward war
attitude supporting robust social safety nets and after kalinga (Situation) which ultimately
changed his Behaviour, adopted Buddhism.
pro-poor policies (e.g., championing MGNREGA).
From Honesty to Anti-Corruption Stance: A strong personal moral value for honesty leads to
a political attitude that demands transparency, accountability, and supports anti-corruption
movements and reforms (e.g., advocating for the Lokpal Act).

Thinker's Corner

Peter Drucker, the management guru, while known

for organizational efficiency, also emphasized that
“management is about human beings.”
His implicit message is that effective public
administration (a political act) must ultimately serve
human needs, implying that a moral attitude towards
people’s well-being should guide political objectives
and management practices in public life..
Philosopher David Hume, in discussing the “is-ought” problem, highlighted the gap between
factual statements (what is – the political reality) and moral statements (what ought to be
– the moral ideal).
The interplay involves trying to bridge this gap: using political means to achieve moral
ends, and allowing moral attitudes to critique and guide political realities, transforming
“what is” into “what ought to be.”

Conflict: When Political Attitudes Override Moral Attitudes

This common occurrence happens when political ideology, party discipline, the pursuit of power,
or perceived national interest forces individuals or states to act against their own professed moral
values.
National Interest vs. Global Ethics: A government may morally believe in human rights but
politically support an authoritarian regime for strategic reasons (e.g., securing oil supply,
geopolitical alliances).
Party Whip vs. Conscience: An MP may morally disagree with a bill (e.g., one impacting
marginalized communities) but be compelled by a party whip to vote in its favour, showcasing
a direct conflict between personal conscience and political loyalty.

Current Affairs Link

The Refugee Crisis

The ongoing global refugee crisis is a stark illustration of this
conflict.
Many citizens and nations hold a moral attitude that
refugees fleeing persecution should be helped (Compassion,
Universal Human Rights).
However, a political attitude focused on national security, resource scarcity, and internal
stability often leads to policies of restrictive borders and turning away asylum seekers.
This conflict between moral empathy and political pragmatism is a defining ethical dilemma
of our times.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard?
Justify your answer with illustration.” (2013)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: Define ‘ethics’ (driven by moral attitudes) and ‘politics’ (driven by political attitudes).
State that while they often conflict, they are not mutually exclusive, and an ethical politics is the
ideal.
Body
Part 1 (The Conflict): Explain why they “do not go together.” Use examples like political
pragmatism overriding human rights (e.g., supporting dictatorships for oil), use of
misinformation for votes, and party discipline overriding personal conscience.
Part 2 (The Synergy): Explain why they must go together. Use examples of leaders whose
moral attitudes shaped great political change (Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Lincoln). Argue that
politics without ethics leads to tyranny and instability.
Conclusion: Conclude that while a cynical view sees them as separate, true statesmanship lies
in grounding political action in a strong moral foundation. Politics should be a means to achieve
ethical ends, not an end in itself.

PYQ: 2015 - “Two different kinds of attitudes exhibited by public servants towards their work have
been identified as the bureaucratic attitude and the democratic attitude.
(a) Distinguish between these two terms and write their merits and demerits.
(b) Is it possible to balance the two to create a better administration for the faster development
of our country?” (Relates to types of attitudes in public service).
Answer Deconstruction
(a) Distinguishing Bureaucratic and Democratic Attitudes
Public servants can exhibit two primary attitudes towards work:

Feature Bureaucratic Attitude Democratic Attitude

Focus Rules, procedures, hierarchy, Responsiveness, citizen participation,

stability, impersonality empathy, service delivery, accountability

Merits Efficiency, predictability, impartiality, Inclusivity, citizen trust, adaptability,

uniformity, stability, preventing innovation, addressing felt needs,
favoritism. legitimacy.
Demerits Rigidity, red-tapism, insensitivity, Potential for populism, slow decision-
lack of innovation, citizen alienation, making (due to consultation), risk of
delay. undue influence.
(b) Balancing for Better Administration and Faster Development
Yes, a judicious balance is not just possible but essential for modern governance and accelerated
development. While the bureaucratic attitude ensures efficiency and rule-bound functioning
(crucial for large-scale project execution and impartial resource allocation), the democratic
attitude injects empathy, adaptability, and citizen-centricity, ensuring development genuinely
meets public needs and garners participation. Blending these creates responsive, accountable,
and effective administration, driving faster, inclusive, and sustainable development by balancing
stability with citizen empowerment.

Attitude vs. Behaviour

“If you want to change attitudes, start with a change in behavior.” — Katharine Hepburn

Basis for Attitude Behavior

Comparison

Meaning Attitude refers to a person’s mental Behavior represents an individual’s

stance or perspective on something, actions or conduct, especially in relation
influenced by their thoughts and to others.
feelings.
What is it? A person’s mindset or internal A person’s external conduct or actions.
feelings.

Reflects What a person thinks or feels. What a person does or how they act.

Defined by The way we perceive and interpret Social norms, expectations, and
things or situations. situational factors influencing actions.

Impact of Behaviour on Attitude

People generally seek consistency between their
attitudes and behavior. When these are mismatched,
cognitive dissonance arises—a feeling of discomfort
due to conflicting beliefs and actions. This discomfort
drives individuals to resolve the inconsistency, often
by adopting one of these three strategies:
1. Change the behavior: Altering actions to align
with the attitude.
2. Ignore the situation: Avoid confronting the
inconsistency.
3. Change the attitude: Adjusting one’s beliefs to
match their behavior.
Attitude’s Influence and Relationship with
Thought and Behaviour
Case 1 – Attitude ≠ Behavior: Sometimes,
attitudes do not predict actual behavior.
For instance, people may express support
for a political candidate but fail to take the step of voting for them.
Case 2 – Behavior ≠ Attitude: There are situations where behavior contradicts an individual’s
attitude.
For example, someone may hold a positive attitude toward queue discipline but may break
the rule if they observe everyone else jumping the queue, fearing they will lose out.
This demonstrates how attitudes may not always guide behavior, especially when external
pressures influence decisions.
Case 3 – Attitude = Behavior: Consistency between attitude and behavior typically occurs
when:
The attitude is strong and central to the person’s belief system.
The individual is aware of their attitude.
There is minimal external pressure to act a certain way.
The person’s actions are not under observation.
For instance, individuals with strong integrity often demonstrate direct alignment between their
attitudes and behavior.
Case 4 – Behavior = Attitude: People generally dislike cognitive dissonance—the discomfort
of conflicting thoughts and beliefs. To reduce this discomfort, individuals might adjust their
attitude to align with their behavior.
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Social Influence & Persuasion

Attitudes (our predispositions to act) are rarely static. Social influence and persuasion are two
fundamental psychological processes that explain how individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors
are shaped or altered by others, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Social Influence Persuasion

“You can exert no influence if you are not “Persuasion can go through obstacles that force
susceptible to influence.”— Carl Jung cannot.”— Yusuf A. Leinge
Social Influence refers to the general process
where one’s attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors Persuasion is a more deliberate and conscious
are affected by the real or imagined presence process of attempting to change or reinforce
of others. attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors through
It encompasses various forms, including communication.
conformity to group norms, obedience to It involves a communicator attempting to
authority, and compliance with requests. present arguments and information in a
It’s often subtle and pervasive. way that encourages the receiver to adopt a
Example: A person starting to use reusable particular viewpoint.
bags for shopping because their social circle Example: A government campaign explicitly
adopted the practice, even without direct using advertisements and public figures to
instruction. convince citizens to adopt digital payment
methods like UPI.

Thinker's Corner

The Power of Social Pressure

Solomon Asch’s famous conformity experiments demonstrated the powerful role of social
influence.
Participants were asked to compare line lengths and often conformed to the incorrect answers
given by the majority of the group, even when the correct answer was obvious.
This highlighted the tendency for individuals to prioritize fitting in and avoiding conflict over
expressing their own perceptions.
Stanley Milgram’s obedience experiments investigated the extent to which individuals would
obey an authority figure, even when instructed to perform actions that conflicted with their
personal conscience.
The experiments involved participants (“teachers”) administering electric shocks to a
“learner” (an actor) for incorrect answers, escalating the shock level with each mistake.
Despite the learner’s increasingly distressed reactions, including screams and pleas to stop,
many participants continued to administer shocks under the direction of the experimenter.
These studies revealed a strong tendency for individuals to obey authority, even when faced with
potentially harmful actions.

Social Media Influencers and Consumer Behavior

The digital age has transformed commerce, identity, and values. The line between genuine opinions
and paid promotions has become blurred, especially as India’s influencer marketing continues to
grow.

Positive Roles: Ethical Issues:

Promoting Social Change: Mindless Consumption: Promoting status
Influencers drive conversations symbols contradicts Gandhian ethics of simplicity.
around mental health and the Psychological Manipulation: Tactics like FOMO
#MeToo movement. and social comparison pressure consumers to
Conscious Consumerism: The trend buy.
of “de-influencing” encourages Lack of Accountability: Issues like misinformation
responsible buying decisions. and fraud undermine trust.
Inclusivity/Diversity: Influencers Dishonesty: Plagiarism and lack of proper credit
challenge stereotypes and promote erode integrity.
diversity.
Privacy Violations: Data collection without
Access to Information: Government safeguards raises concerns.
officers share schemes and
Harm to Mental Health: Exposure to unrealistic
policies, improving public access to
portrayals contributes to anxiety and low self-
information.
esteem.

Way Forward:
Implement clear endorsement rules like “ad” or “sponsored”.
Promote media literacy to help consumers critically assess content.
Prioritize credibility over popularity.
Encourage responsible content creation focused on value-driven storytelling.
Mechanisms & Strategies of Influence
Both social influence and persuasion operate through various psychological mechanisms and
communication strategies. Understanding these ‘levers’ allows administrators and leaders to
effectively (and ethically) guide public attitudes and behaviors towards desired social goals.

Key Mechanisms of Social Influence Core Strategies of Persuasion

These are the ways individuals are Based on models like the Elaboration Likelihood Model
influenced by others in social settings: (ELM), persuasion can occur via two routes:
Conformity: Adjusting one’s Central Route: Involves thoughtful consideration
behavior, attitudes, or beliefs to align of the message’s arguments. Requires high
with group norms (e.g., following motivation and ability from the receiver. Relies on:
traffic rules because everyone else Logic (Logos): Use of facts, data, and rational
does). arguments.
Obedience: Complying with Credibility (Ethos): Perceived expertise and
demands or orders from an authority trustworthiness of the communicator.
figure (e.g., following a DM’s order
Peripheral Route: Involves less thoughtful
during disaster management).
processing, relying on superficial cues. Used when
Compliance: Yielding to direct motivation/ability is low. Relies on:
requests from others, often involving
Emotion (Pathos): Appeals to feelings, fear,
techniques like the “foot-in-the-
hope, or empathy.
door” (small request then larger) or
“door-in-the-face” (large request Heuristics: Simple rules of thumb (e.g., “experts
then smaller). are always right,” “more arguments means
better argument”).
Attractiveness: Likeability or physical appeal
of the communicator.

Nudge: A Tool of Social Influence

Nudging refers to altering the decision-making environment to account for biases and irrational
behaviors that people often exhibit in their choices.
Techniques of Nudging:
Default Option People tend to choose the pre-set option (e.g., default renewable energy).
Social Proof Behavior of others guides individual decisions (e.g., quitting smoking).
Salience Highlighting a specific option makes it more likely to be chosen.
Nudge Effectiveness = Behavioral Science + Policy Design Better Public Outcomes

Thinker's Corner
6 Principles of Persuasion
The Architect of Influence (Cialdini 2001)

Robert Cialdini, a renowned social psychologist, identified six

RECIPROCITY
universal principles of persuasion that administrators can ethically
leverage: Reciprocity, Scarcity, Authority, Consistency, Liking, and SCARCITY AUTHORITY

Consensus. His work provides a practical guide on how influence INFLUENCE

works.
LIKING SOCIAL PROOF
Gustave Le Bon, in “The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind,”
COMMITMENT &
explored how individuals in a crowd lose their individual identity CONSISTENCY

and become susceptible to irrational impulses and suggestions.

His work highlights how social influence in large groups can lead to rapid attitude and behavior
change, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

Current Affairs Link

Digital India Literacy Campaigns

Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) or broader
Digital India literacy campaigns effectively use both social influence and persuasion.
Persuasion: Presenting logical arguments about job opportunities and convenience (Logos)
and emotional appeals about empowerment (Pathos).
Social Influence: Leveraging local champions (Authority/Liking) and creating a sense of
collective advancement (Consensus/Conformity) to encourage adoption of digital skills
among hesitant rural populations.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?”
(2016)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question directly asks for the application of social influence and persuasion.
Focus on specific strategies used by the campaign and link them explicitly to the concepts learned.
Introduction: Briefly define social influence and persuasion as tools for attitude and behavior
change. State that Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’s success was significantly driven by these mechanisms.
Body
Part 1 (Social Influence): Explain how peer pressure (e.g., ODF villages), community
participation, role modeling by local leaders, and social shaming (e.g., “no toilet, no bride”)
led to widespread adoption of sanitation practices through conformity.
Part 2 (Persuasion): Discuss how the campaign used communication strategies: <br>
Pathos: Emotional appeals (e.g., dignity of women).
Logos: Highlighting health benefits (reducing disease burden).
Ethos: PM’s active leadership (authority/credibility) and celebrity endorsements.
Conclusion: Conclude that the Abhiyan’s success is a testament to the power of integrating
top-down policy with bottom-up attitudinal change facilitated by strategic social influence and
persuasion.

Conscience Check!!!

You are the SDM in a district where a government program to encourage tree plantation is
failing. Despite providing free saplings, public participation is low due to a perception that “it’s
not my job” and trees don’t provide immediate benefits, leading to poor survival rates for planted
saplings. What tools would you use to bring about a change in mindset?

Inception’s ‘Idea Planting’ as Persuasion

Inception’s ‘Idea Planting’ brilliantly illustrates persuasion, mirroring real-world propaganda. The
film shows how subtly instilling an idea into someone’s mind, making it feel like their own, can
profoundly alter their behavior.
This “dream heist” concept highlights how sophisticated manipulation can bypass conscious
thought, showcasing the power of indirect influence in shaping beliefs.

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

“What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set
of emotional skills—your EQ — not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional
IQ tests.” — Daniel Goleman
PYQ: 2021 - “In case of crisis of conscience, does emotional intelligence help to overcome the
same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically
examine.”
PYQ: 2016 - Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and
work life.
(a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviours.
(b) How can it be managed and controlled?

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a critical

form of intelligence that extends beyond
traditional cognitive abilities (IQ).
Popularized by psychologist Daniel
Goleman, EI refers to the capacity
for recognizing our own feelings
and those of others, for motivating
ourselves, and for managing
emotions effectively both in ourselves and in our relationships.
It is understood as a set of non-cognitive skills, capabilities, and competencies that influence
one’s ability to succeed in coping with environmental demands and pressures.

Emotional Quotient (EQ), Intelligence Quotient (IQ),

Intelligence Quotient (IQ): Measures cognitive abilities,
including logic, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
High IQ indicates intellectual capacity but doesn’t
guarantee emotional competence.
Emotional Quotient (EQ): Refers to the ability to recognize,
understand, and manage one’s emotions, as well as the
emotions of others.
High EQ is linked to better interpersonal relationships
and self-regulation.
In summary, while IQ measures cognitive ability, EQ is vital
for personal growth, relationship-building, and professional success.

Thinker's Corner

You have power over your

Mastery of the Self
mind—not outside events. Realize
The Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, this, and you will find strength.
through his Meditations, implicitly champions -Marcus Aurelius

emotional intelligence.
He constantly emphasized controlling one’s inner reactions and perceptions, stating, “You
have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
This aligns directly with the core tenets of self-awareness
and self-regulation within .
Anyone can become angry —that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right
degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way —this is not easy. -
Aristotle
When dealing with people, remember that you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but
with the creatures of emotion. - Dale Carnegie
Give me that man that is not passion’s
slave, and I will wear him in my heart’s
core. (Hamlet to his friend Horatio)
All greatness of character is
Whatever begins in anger, ends in shame.” dependent on individuality. The
—- Benjamin Franklin man who has no other
existence than that which he
Emotional intelligence is the ability to partakes in common with all
sense, understand, and effectively apply around him, will never have any
other than an existence of
the power and acumen of emotions as mediocrity.
a source of human energy, information, -James F. Cooper
connection, and influence - Robert K.
Cooper

The Five Core Components of EI

Goleman’s widely accepted model breaks Emotional Intelligence down into five key competencies.

GOLEMAN'S MODEL

Self Awareness Empathy Motivation

(Awareness of one's (Knowing of other's (strong drive to
emotions) emotion) achieve goal with
energy persistance)

Self Regulation Social skill

(Managing One's (proficiency in managing
emotion) relationship, persuasion,
leading team)

Self-Awareness: Self-Regulation: Motivation: Empathy: Social Skills:

The ability to The capacity A passion to The ability to Proficiency
understand one’s to control work for reasons understand in managing
own emotions, or redirect beyond money and share the relationships
strengths, disruptive or status; a feelings of and building
weaknesses, impulses and propensity to others. It involves networks;
values, and moods, and pursue goals putting oneself in an ability to
goals, and the propensity with energy and another’s shoes find common
recognize their to suspend persistence. and responding ground and
impact on judgment—to It involves an appropriately to build rapport. It’s
others. It’s about think before intrinsic drive for their emotional about effectively
knowing your acting. It involves achievement. cues. interacting with
internal states. managing Example: A Example: A others.
Example: one’s internal civil servant police officer Example:
An officer reactions. relentlessly recognizing A manager
recognizing Example: A DM pursuing a rural the fear and resolving a
their own anger remaining calm development desperation of a team conflict
building during and composed project despite victim, leading to by skillfully
a heated public while addressing bureaucratic a more sensitive mediating
protest and false rumors hurdles, driven and supportive disagreements
choosing to spread through by a deep response beyond and encouraging
take a brief social media, commitment to mere legal open
pause before preventing panic. public welfare. procedure. communication.
responding.

Thinker's Corner

Philosophies of Inner Control & Compassion

Epictetus, another Stoic philosopher,
Don't let the behavior of others
profoundly influenced the concept of destroy your inner peace.
self-regulation. He taught, “It is not what -Dalai Lama
happens to you, but how you react to it
that matters.” This underpins the self-
control aspect of EI.
The Dalai Lama’s teachings are central to the concept of Empathy and Social Skills.
His philosophy of universal compassion, rooted in understanding the suffering of others,
directly translates into the ability to connect deeply with people and foster harmonious
relationships—a core aspect of emotional intelligence in action.
Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else;
you are the one who gets burned - Buddha
Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding - Mahatma Gandhi
All my best ideas were born of anger - Kailash Satyarthi
From the Ramayana:
Forgiveness Overcomes Revenge:
Ravana’s pursuit of vengeance after
There are three all-powerful evils:
Laxman insulted Surpanakha and lust, anger and greed.
abducted Sita ultimately led to his -Tulsidas
demise. In stark contrast, Lord Rama
and Sita exemplified forgiveness and
kindness, even extending it to Kaikeyi,
who orchestrated Rama’s exile.

Anger Yields No Positive Outcome: Laxman’s impulsive anger, evident in cutting off
Surpanakha’s nose, provoked Ravana’s desire for revenge. Similarly, Ravana’s own downfall
was a consequence of his hasty judgments and inflated ego.
Fireside Chats
Roosevelt’s “Fireside Chats” were a series of radio broadcasts
where he directly spoke to the American people. These
chats showed how he used Emotional Intelligence (EI) in his
leadership.
Self-awareness: Roosevelt understood how the Great
Depression made people anxious and fearful. He recognized
their emotions and adjusted his approach accordingly.
Social awareness: His empathetic tone showed he genuinely cared about their struggles. This
made people feel heard and understood, helping to calm their fears.
In simpler terms, Roosevelt’s ability to communicate effectively helped build trust. By managing
his own emotions and responding calmly to the public’s concerns, he encouraged people to
support his policies.

Administrative Viewpoint

Each component of EI directly translates to a critical administrative function. Self-awareness

helps in understanding one’s own biases.
Self-regulation is vital for maintaining composure under political pressure.
Motivation fuels dedication to public service.
Empathy is key for citizen-centric governance and understanding marginalized groups. Social
skills enable effective collaboration with colleagues, departments, and public stakeholders.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an
individual in taking ethical decisions?” (2013)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This is a multi-part question. Define EI, explain its development, and then detail its
specific role in ethical decision-making.
Introduction: Define EI (Goleman’s model) as the ability to understand and manage emotions for
positive outcomes.
Body
Part 1 (Development of EI): Explain that EI can be developed through: Self-reflection (mindfulness,
journaling), feedback from others, practicing active listening and empathy, learning stress
management techniques, role-playing, and mentorship.
Part 2 (EI & Ethical Decisions): Explain how each component helps:
Self-awareness: Helps recognize personal biases that might influence decisions.
Self-regulation: Prevents impulsive decisions driven by anger/fear/greed.
Empathy: Allows understanding the impact of decisions on all stakeholders, especially the
vulnerable.
Social Skills: Enables effective communication of ethical choices and conflict resolution.
Conclusion: Conclude that EI empowers individuals, especially civil servants, to make ethical
decisions that are not only principled but also practical, empathetic, and effective in diverse
situations.

Keywords to Use in Your Answer

Affective Domain : Cognitive Domain : Non-cognitive Skills : Moral Reasoning : Ethical Leadership:
Emotional Resilience: Stakeholder Analysis

Conscience Check!!!

You are a senior officer leading a team of junior colleagues. During a high-pressure project,
one of your promising junior officers makes a significant error that causes a delay. They are
visibly stressed and fear punishment. Your immediate impulse is to reprimand them harshly to
maintain discipline. This situation tests your ability to use EI for ethical team management and
decision-making. How would you approach it?

Application of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Administration & Governance

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is not just a ‘soft skill’ but a critical competency that enhances the
effectiveness of public administrators. In the demanding and high-stakes environment of
governance, EI enables officers to make more rational, empathetic, and effective decisions, while
also equipping them to manage the inherent stresses of their role.

EI in Decision-Making: EI in Stress Management

Mitigating Biases: Self-awareness helps Resilience: Self-awareness helps identify
recognize cognitive and emotional biases personal triggers and coping mechanisms.
(e.g., confirmation bias, anchoring effect) Self-regulation allows for emotional control
that can distort judgment. amidst chaos and criticism.
Ethical Clarity: Empathy allows Composure Under Pressure: Maintaining
understanding the human impact of calm ensures clear thinking and effective
decisions, leading to more ethical and leadership during crises (e.g., natural
just outcomes, especially for vulnerable disasters, public unrest).
sections. Preventing Burnout: Understanding and
Balanced Perspective: Self-regulation managing one’s own emotional state helps
prevents impulsive or emotionally charged prevent professional fatigue and maintain
decisions, ensuring a calm, rational long-term effectiveness.
approach even under pressure.

Improve
Decision
Increased Making. Decreased
Team occupational
Performance Emotional Stress.
intelligence

Increased Reduced
Leadership Staff
Ability Increased Turnover
Personal
Well-being

Thinker's Corner

The Rational vs. Emotional Self

Modern behavioral economists Daniel Kahneman and Amos
Tversky (Nobel laureates) showed that human decision-
making is often irrational due to cognitive biases.

EI in Team Management and Public Engagement

PYQ: 2019 - “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of
against “you”. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.”
PYQ: 2022 - “Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion
are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in
tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations.” (EI
components - empathy, compassion).

Beyond individual effectiveness, Emotional Intelligence is crucial for the

interpersonal aspects of administration. It enables civil servants to build
cohesive, high-performing teams and to engage with the public effectively,
fostering trust, resolving conflicts, and ensuring citizen-centric governance.

EI in Team Management EI in Public Engagement

Conflict Resolution: Social skills Citizen-Centric Approach: Empathy
Mediate disputes Prevent internal Understand citizens’ needs & frustrations
friction. Responsive service delivery.
Motivation & Leadership: Emotional
intelligence Understand team Building Rapport & Trust: Social skills
strengths & weaknesses Better Effective communication & listening Positive
delegation & mentorship. relationship & grievance redressal.
Building Cohesion: Empathy &
respect Improved collaboration Crisis Communication: Self-regulation
& communication Enhanced & empathy Clear, calm, reassuring
productivity. communication Prevent panic & foster
cooperation.

Emotional Intelligence in Public Engagement

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern’s COVID-19 communication showed strong Emotional Intelligence
(EI). Her empathy and clarity directly addressed public anxieties during lockdowns.

This built public trust and solidarity. By humanizing leadership and being transparent, she ensured
high compliance, a model of effective crisis communication

Thinker's Corner

Collective Action & Compassionate Leadership

Mary Parker Follett, a pioneering management theorist,
emphasized “power-with” (collaborative power) over
“power-over” (coercive power).
Desmond Tutu, the South African Archbishop, through
his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,
demonstrated the immense power of Empathy and
Forgiveness in public life.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices?” (250 Words, 15 Marks -
2017) (Note: Adjusted to current 150-word scope for direct application)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This is a direct application question. Structure the answer by explaining how different
EI components are used across various administrative functions.
Introduction: Define EI as the ability to understand and manage emotions. State its indispensable
role in making administrative practices effective, humane, and ethical.
Body
Part 1 (Decision-Making & Stress Management): Explain how self-awareness helps mitigate
biases and self-regulation ensures calm, rational decisions under pressure (e.g., during a
disaster or high-stakes policy choice).
Part 2 (Team Management & Public Engagement): Discuss how empathy enables
understanding citizen needs (e.g., for marginalized groups), and social skills facilitate conflict
resolution within teams and effective public outreach (e.g., community participation in
schemes).
Conclusion: Conclude that EI empowers administrators to transcend mere rule-following, fostering
ethical leadership, building public trust, and ensuring citizen-centric governance in a dynamic
environment.

Keywords to Use in Your Answer

• Emotional Competencies • Self-Efficacy • Psychological Capital • Conflict Resolution •
Stakeholder Management • Citizen-centric Governance • Transformational Leadership

Conscience Check!!!

You are the Municipal Commissioner of a bustling city. A recent urban development project
involves relocating street vendors, leading to protests. The vendors are agitated and unwilling to
listen, while some residents demand immediate relocation. Your team is also stressed from the
pressure. How would you approach this situation?

Part 4: Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service

Aptitude The Bedrock of Civil Service: Foundational Values

Aptitude
”Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” - Michael Jordan
(Highlights that while innate ability is good, it needs to be combined with other factors for
success.)
“What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.” - Plutarch (Can be interpreted as the
development of one’s inner capabilities, including aptitudes, leading to external success.)
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” - Pablo
Picasso (Implies an innate creative aptitude that often gets suppressed, highlighting the
importance of fostering natural abilities.)
Aptitude refers to an innate or acquired capacity for something; a
natural ability or talent. It’s not about what you know but what you
can do or can learn to do with relative ease and proficiency. Think
of it as a predisposition or potential for mastering a particular skill Attitude Leadership Aptitude

or field.
Aptitudes can be broad (e.g., verbal aptitude, numerical aptitude)
or more specific (e.g., mechanical aptitude, musical aptitude).
Aptitude and Civil Servants
The role of aptitude in selecting and developing civil servants is a subject of ongoing debate. Here
are some key points of contention:
Nature vs. Nurture: A fundamental debate revolves around whether aptitudes are primarily
inherited (nature) or developed through experience and training (nurture).
If aptitudes are largely innate, then selection processes should focus on identifying
individuals with pre-existing talents.
If they are more malleable, then training and development programs become paramount.
For civil servants, this impacts how much emphasis is placed on raw potential versus the
ability to learn and adapt.
Predictive Validity of Aptitude Tests: A core concern is the effectiveness of aptitude tests in
predicting future job performance for civil servants.
Critics argue that these tests may not fully capture the complex, multi-faceted nature
of civil service roles, which often require soft skills like empathy, ethical judgment, and
adaptability, alongside cognitive abilities.
Balance with Other Qualities: While aptitude is important, there’s a debate about its relative
weight compared to other crucial qualities for civil servants, such as integrity, leadership,
emotional intelligence, and commitment to public service.

Some argue that an overemphasis on pure aptitude might overlook individuals who
possess strong ethical frameworks or exceptional interpersonal skills.

Distinct Aptitude and Attitude

Feature Aptitude Attitude

Nature Innate or acquired capacity/ A settled way of thinking or feeling about

potential. someone or something.

Focus What someone can do or can learn How someone feels or approaches
to do. something.

Origin Often seen as natural ability, though Developed through experiences, beliefs,
trainable. and values.

Stability Relatively stable over time, though Can be more easily changed or
can be refined. influenced.

Example A natural talent for mathematics. A positive outlook on problem-solving.

While distinct, aptitude and attitude are interconnected. A positive attitude can enhance the
development and application of one’s aptitudes, while a lack of aptitude in a certain area can be
compensated for by a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
Link Between Skill and Aptitude
Aptitude and skill are closely related but not interchangeable.
Aptitude as Potential: Aptitude is the underlying potential or predisposition for acquiring a skill.
It’s like the raw material or the fertile ground.
For example, a person with high numerical aptitude has the potential to become skilled in
accounting or data analysis.
Not Always a Direct One-to-One: While often linked, a high aptitude doesn’t automatically
guarantee high skill, and vice-versa.
A person with high aptitude might lack the motivation or opportunity to develop the
corresponding skill. Conversely, someone with moderate aptitude might achieve high skill
through immense effort and dedication.
In essence, aptitude is the “head start” or the “natural talent,” while skill is the “finished product” or
the “mastery” achieved through focused effort and learning.

The Bedrock of Civil Service: Foundational Values

Integrity
PYQ: 2014 - Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity
is dangerous and dreadful.” What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand
with illustrations from the modern context.”
PYQ: 2017 - “One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with
reference to a real life example.”
PYQ: 2018 - “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence
and energy. And if they do not have the first, the other two will kill you.” - Warren Buffett. What
do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain.”
PYQ: 2021 - “Integrity is a value that empowers the human being.” Justify with suitable
illustration.
PYQ: 2023 - “What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency’ in the
context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples.”

Integrity
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” –
C.S. Lewis
“The strength of a nation lies in the integrity of its officials.”
Integrity refers to the quality of being honest, having strong moral
principles, and adhering to ethical standards in both personal and
professional life.
Importance in Public Service: Integrity is crucial for maintaining
public trust, ensuring transparency, and preventing corruption. Civil servants with integrity act
as role models and reinforce the legitimacy of the government.
Administrative Example: Kiran Bedi, India’s first female officer in the Indian Police Service (IPS),
is known for her integrity in enforcing law and order, fighting corruption, and implementing
reforms in police administration.

Sanjiv Chaturvedi
Sanjiv Chaturvedi, exposed corruption despite immense threats. His well-documented persistence
in battling systemic irregularities, particularly in Haryana and AIIMS, exemplifies unwavering
integrity in public service.
For his courageous anti-corruption efforts, Chaturvedi received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay
Award in 2015. His story highlights how individual integrity can powerfully challenge deep-seated
unethical practices, demanding accountability.

Impartiality & Non-partisanship

PYQ: 2016 - “Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundational

values in public services, especially in the present day socio-political context? Illustrate your
answer with examples.”
PYQ: 2017 - “Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: ... (c) Fairness
and justice.” (Fairness is closely linked to impartiality).
PYQ: 2021 - “Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable
qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.”

Impartiality refers to the ability to make decisions without bias or favoritism, while non-partisanship
ensures that civil servants remain politically neutral in their duties.
Importance in Public Service: Impartiality and non-partisanship ensure fairness in decision-
making and maintain the neutrality of civil services, crucial for upholding democratic values
and the rule of law.
Administrative Example: T.N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner, is credited with
ensuring free and fair elections in India by demonstrating impartiality and non-partisanship,
even when faced with political pressure.
Objectivity
“Objectivity is not a mere absence of bias but
a deliberate commitment to fair and balanced
judgment.”
“A government official must always act in the best
interests of the people, using facts and logic.”
Objectivity is the ability to make decisions based on
facts, evidence, and reason, without being influenced
by personal feelings or biases.
Importance in Public Service: Objectivity ensures
that civil servants make fair, rational, and informed decisions, promoting trust in public
institutions and avoiding arbitrary actions.
Administrative Example: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution,
demonstrated objectivity in framing a legal system that was inclusive and impartial to all
citizens, ensuring fairness and equality.
Dedication to Public Service
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself
in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi Willing to Go
Seeks Neither Beyond Duty
“Public service is not just a career, it is a calling.”
Rewards Nor Public Welfare
Dedication to public service refers to a Recognition for above Personal
commitment to serve the public, often involving Efforts Interest
selflessness, hard work, and a focus on improving
society and the welfare of citizens. Qualities of an
Importance in Public Service: Dedication Officer Dedicated
ensures that civil servants prioritize public to Public Services
welfare over personal gain, leading to
effective governance, improved public services, and social progress.
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Administrative Example: Satyendra Dubey, an Indian Engineering Services (IES) officer,

demonstrated immense dedication to public service by exposing corruption in a highway
construction project, ultimately leading to his tragic martyrdom.

E. Sreedharan (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation - DMRC)

Popularly known as the “Metro Man,” E.

Sreedharan, is an epitome of how a strong THE BEST WAY TO MOTIVATE
work culture can ensure probity and efficiency. PEOPLE IS TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR
THEM.
As the MD of DMRC, he meticulously fostered -E Sreedharan
a culture of punctuality, professionalism,
integrity, and cost-effectiveness.
His personal example and unwavering commitment ensured the Delhi Metro projects were
completed on time, within budget, and with minimal corruption, setting a gold standard for public
works culture in India.

Sympathy
“Where there is no sympathy, there can be no humanity.” – H.G. Wells
Sympathy is the ability to feel concern or sorrow for another’s suffering.
Unlike compassion, which motivates active help, sympathy primarily
involves emotional resonance, feeling with rather than for someone.
Importance in Public Service: In public service, sympathy is a foundational element for
effective and humane governance. When public servants are sympathetic, they:

Acknowledge diverse experiences: They understand that policies

and services impact individuals differently, especially those facing
unique challenges.
Foster trust: Citizens feel heard and understood when they perceive
genuine concern from those serving them.
Encourage responsive action: Sympathy can drive public servants
to address immediate needs and provide timely support to individuals in distress.
Promote a caring environment: It contributes to a culture within public institutions where the
well-being of citizens is genuinely valued.

Lal Bahadur Shastri

During a severe food crisis in India, he appealed to citizens to skip one meal a week and personally
followed this. Though symbolic, it reflected his sympathy with the hunger and suffering of ordinary
people, reinforcing trust and moral leadership in governance.

Empathy

“Empathy is the foundation of any compassionate society.”

“The best way to find out what people need is to listen to them, feel their pain, and share their
aspirations.”

PYQ: 2022 - “Apart from intellectual competency and moral

qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital
attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent
in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain
with suitable illustrations.”

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings

of others, especially the challenges faced by marginalized or
vulnerable groups.
Importance in Public Service: Empathy enables civil
servants to connect with citizens on a deeper level, ensuring
policies and services cater to the needs of all, especially the
disadvantaged.
Administrative Example: Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the
“Father of the White Revolution,” demonstrated empathy in
his work to empower rural dairy farmers, transforming India
into the largest milk producer in the world.

Compassion
“Compassion is the radicalism of our time.” – Dalai Lama
The Tirukkural, an Tamil ethical classic (c. 3rd BCE - 5th CE),
profoundly states, “What is compassion? It is not wanting
for others what you would not want for yourself” (Kural 316’s
essence). This embodies the Golden Rule. Empathy Compassion Desire for
Action

Compassion involves a deep awareness of the suffering

of others coupled with a desire to alleviate it, especially for
marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Importance in Public Service: Compassion ensures that the needs of weaker sections are
prioritized in policymaking, leading to more inclusive development and social justice.
Example: Mother Teresa, although not a government employee, exemplified compassion
through her selfless work with the poor and marginalized, inspiring countless public servants to
focus on the welfare of the most vulnerable.

Relationship between (Sympathy Empathy Compassion)

We can conceptualize relationship between (Sympathy Empathy Compassion) in a way that
suggests a progression or a building block model:
Compassion = Empathy + Desire to Alleviate Suffering/Action
And further, understanding the components:
Empathy = Sympathy + Perspective
So, combining these, you could conceptually see it as:

Compassion = (Sympathy + Perspective + Desire to Alleviate Suffering/Action)

Tolerance
“Tolerance is the highest form of respect.”
“The highest calling of a civil servant is to ensure that no one is left
unheard.”

Tolerance
PYQ: 2016 - Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work
life.
(a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviours.
(b) How can it be managed and controlled? (Directly mentions intolerance, implying the need
for tolerance).
PYQ: 2022 - “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.” - Mahatma
Gandhi. What does this mean to you?”

Tolerance refers to the ability to accept and respect differences in opinions, beliefs, and practices,
even when they contradict one’s own views.
Importance in Public Service: Tolerance ensures harmonious governance in a multicultural society,
promoting inclusivity, peace, and social cohesion.
Forgiveness
PYQ: 2015 - “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” - (Mahatma
Gandhi). What does it mean to you?”

Mahatma Gandhi championed non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satya). His ethics centered on
inner strength, moral courage, and transformative power of love and self-suffering.
Quote Analysis :
1. Inner Strength: True forgiveness requires overcoming ego, anger, and desire for revenge,
demanding immense moral courage.
2. Freedom from Bitterness: Holding grudges enslaves the individual, while forgiveness liberates
one’s spirit.
3. Active Choice: Forgiveness isn’t passive acceptance but a conscious, powerful decision to
move beyond harm.
4. Moral Superiority: The forgiver demonstrates ethical ascendancy, choosing peace over
perpetuating conflict.
5. Path to Reconciliation: It opens avenues for healing and rebuilding relationships, transcending
past grievances.
Example: Nelson Mandela’s approach to post-apartheid South Africa. Despite decades of
imprisonment and racial oppression, Mandela led efforts for truth and reconciliation, demonstrating
immense strength through forgiveness rather than revenge, for national healing.

Efficiency
“Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.” - Peter Drucker
“The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient
operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient
operation will magnify the inefficiency.” - Bill Gates
(This quote emphasizes that efficiency isn’t just about using tools, but about having well-structured
processes. Applying technology to a chaotic system will only make the chaos more pronounced,
whereas applying it to an already efficient system will amplify its positive impact.)
Efficiency is the ability to accomplish a task or achieve a desired outcome with the least amount
of wasted time, effort, money, and resources. It’s about “doing things right” – maximizing output for
a given input, or achieving a specific output with minimal input. In simpler terms, it’s about being
productive and effective without being wasteful.
Beyond mere productivity, efficiency is a critical component of the holistic competence framework
envisioned by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Part 5: Guidance & Governance: Ethics in Public Administration

Ethical Concerns Accountability & Ethical Issues Corporate

& Dilemmas in Ethical Governance in International Governance
Governance Relations & Funding

Ethical Concerns & Dilemmas in Governance

PYQ: 2018 - “Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration.”
PYQ: 2018 - “Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what are your
responsibilities as a public servant.”
PYQ: 2019 - “What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold
constitutional morality?”
PYQ: 2020 - Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating
them.
PYQ: 2018 - “What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to
be followed by the civil servants in public interest?”
PYQ: 2021 - “In case of crisis of conscience, does emotional intelligence help to overcome
the same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow?
Critically examine.”

In governance, ethical concerns refer to situations where an action or decision raises moral
questions about its rightness or wrongness. A more complex form is an ethical dilemma, which
is a situation where an administrator
faces a choice between two or more
morally justifiable but conflicting Different
courses of action, or where all available course of
actions to
options involve some negative ethical
Individual must choose from No perfect
implications. make a solution, some
There is no single “right” answer, and decision about ethical principle
the choice often involves sacrificing one course of is compromised
value to uphold another. The essence
action
of an ethical dilemma is a conflict of Ethical
values. dilemma
Ethical Concern: A warning light.
Example: A policy that might inadvertently lead to environmental degradation.
Ethical Dilemma: A forced choice between two ‘rights’ or ‘least wrongs’. Example: A dam project
that brings development but displaces indigenous communities.

Thinker's Corner

The Agony of Moral Choice

Søren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher,
focused intensely on the anguish and Life is not a problem to be solved,
responsibility inherent in making moral but a reality to be experienced.
choices, particularly when faced with -Søren Kierkegaard
conflicting duties or a lack of clear answers.
His concept of “existential choice” highlights that in true ethical dilemmas, there is no escape
from personal responsibility; one must “leap of faith” into a decision, often with moral uncertainty.

Current Affairs Link

Privacy vs. National Security Debates

The ongoing debate around digital
Privacy
surveillance and data privacy in many Collection of personal

countries presents a classic ethical dilemma.

Information
Security
Using and disclosing personal Confidentiality:
Governments face a conflict between Information in authorised
manner
data being stored is
safe from unauthorised
the need for robust national security and Protection of
personal
access and use
Data quality
Integrity: data is relable
law enforcement (a public good) and the Information
and accurate
Access to personal
fundamental right to individual privacy (a information
Availability: data is available
moral and constitutional value). for use when it is needed

Laws like the Digital Personal Data

Protection Act aim to navigate this
inherent ethical tension, striving for a
balance rather than an absolute triumph of one value.

Administrative Viewpoint

For a civil servant, ethical dilemmas are not theoretical; they are a daily reality that tests
character and professional judgment. Unlike technical problems with clear solutions, dilemmas
require navigating shades of grey. The inability to define and analyze these value conflicts often
leads to indecisiveness, arbitrary decisions, or opting for the politically expedient path, rather
than the ethically sound one.
Recognizing the dilemma is the first step towards resolving it ethically.

Common Dilemmas
Public administration, by its very nature, is a field rife with inherent tensions that frequently manifest
as ethical dilemmas. Understanding these common scenarios allows administrators to anticipate
challenges and develop strategies for principled action.

Discretion vs. Rules Secrecy vs. Public Interest vs. Efficiency vs. Equity
(Flexibility vs. Transparency Personal Interest (Speed vs. Fairness):
Uniformity): (Security vs. Right to (Integrity vs. Self-
Know): Preservation)

Dilemma: Should an Dilemma: When Dilemma: An officer’s Dilemma: Should

officer rigidly follow a should information personal financial or a project be fast-
rule, or use discretion vital for national relational interests tracked for quick
to achieve a more security or ongoing might conflict with results (efficiency)
compassionate or just investigations be kept their duty to act solely even if it means
outcome in a specific, secret, and when does in the public’s best bypassing due
unique case? the public’s right to interest. process or
Conflict: Legality/ know (via RTI) take Conflict: Integrity/ marginalizing some
Uniformity vs. precedence to ensure Objectivity vs. sections (equity)?
Empathy/Substantive accountability? Personal Gain/Loyalty. Conflict:
Justice. Conflict: National Example: An officer on Performance/
Example: Denying Security/Efficiency vs. a tender committee Development vs.
a genuinely needy Accountability/Public whose relative owns Justice/Inclusion.
person a benefit Trust. a bidding company Example: Rapid
because they fall Example: Disclosure (Conflict of Interest). infrastructure
just outside a rigid of details about a development that
eligibility criterion. sensitive defense displaces tribal
deal under RTI vs. communities
maintaining secrecy without adequate
for strategic reasons. rehabilitation.

Ethical Numbness
It refers to the diminishing capacity to recognize or respond to ethical issues. It occurs when
individuals or groups become desensitized to moral wrongdoing, either their own or others’. This
desensitization undermines personal integrity, organizational culture, and societal well-being.
Symptoms: Reduced empathy, indifference to suffering, and a lack of genuine ethical
conviction.
Here are a few examples showing ethical numbness.
Road Accident Apathy (Bystander Effect): Numerous incidents highlight accident victims
left unattended.
This displays the bystander effect and diffusion of responsibility, where onlookers’ inaction
due to fear or assumption of others’ help leads to a chilling ethical numbness.
Caste-Based Discrimination and Manual Scavenging: Despite legal bans, these practices
persist.
The dehumanization of marginalized communities allows societal sections to ignore their
dignity and suffering, reflecting a deeply ingrained and systemic ethical numbness.

The Bhagavad Gita: The Ethical Dilemma of Arjuna

The Mahabharata, tells the story of the Kurukshetra War between
two families, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. In the middle of the
battlefield, just before the war is about to begin, the Pandava prince
Arjuna faces a profound ethical dilemma. He is torn between
his duty (Dharma) as a warrior and the moral implications of
fighting and killing his own kin, teachers, and friends.
Lord Krishna’s Teachings:
In response to Arjuna’s crisis, Lord Krishna, who serves as Arjuna’s
charioteer, delivers the Bhagavad Gita, a philosophical discourse
that addresses issues of duty, righteousness, and the nature of
life and death. The central message of the Gita is:
Dharma (Duty) over personal attachment: Krishna urges Arjuna to perform his duty without
attachment to the outcomes (the principle of Nishkama Karma).
He emphasizes that duty is an inherent part of human life and must be performed without
personal biases or emotional interference.
Selfless action: Krishna advocates for selfless action where one acts not for personal gain,
but for the greater good of society and in accordance with the divine will.
Detachment: Krishna teaches the importance of detachment from material desires and the
importance of acting in alignment with one’s divine nature and moral obligations.

Thinker's Corner

Justice, Order & Pragmatism

Jeremy Bentham, a key proponent of
Utilitarianism, would suggest resolving
He who wishes to be obeyed
dilemmas by choosing the option that brings must know how to command.
the “greatest good for the greatest number.” -Niccolò Machiavelli
His focus on quantifiable outcomes might, at
times, prioritize efficiency or majority benefit
over individual rights or rigid rules.
Niccolò Machiavelli, in The Prince, presented a starkly pragmatic view. He might argue that a
ruler (or administrator) must prioritize the stability and security of the state above all else, even if
it requires acting against conventional morality. For him, the “ends justify the means” if the end
is the preservation of power and order, often leading to a conflict between expediency and moral
purity.

Current Affairs Link

Land Acquisition Debates for Infrastructure

Debates around large-scale land acquisition for mega-infrastructure projects (e.g., High-Speed
Rail corridors, industrial zones) are a perfect illustration of the Efficiency vs. Equity dilemma.
Governments prioritize rapid development (efficiency), often clashing with concerns about
fair compensation, rehabilitation, and the displacement of local communities (equity and
justice).
This ongoing tension is a common ethical battleground for district administrators.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when (a) official duties, (b) public interest, and (c)
personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict in administration
be resolved? Describe with an example.” (2017)

Answer Deconstruction

Define Conflict of Interest, explain its manifestation (as stated in the question), then provide
concrete resolution mechanisms with a relevant example.
Introduction: Define Conflict of Interest (COI) as a situation where a public servant’s private
interest has the potential to improperly influence the objective exercise of their official duties.
Body
Part 1 (How COI Arises): Explain (a) official duties (e.g., fair tender process), (b) public interest
(e.g., best value for money), and (c) personal interest (e.g., relative’s business wins tender)
taking priority. Illustrate the clash.
Part 2 (Resolution Mechanisms): Explain steps like: Disclosure (declaring potential COI),
Recusal (stepping away from decision-making), Divestment (selling conflicting assets),
Transfer (relocating the officer), Policy Frameworks (Codes of Conduct, Vigilance measures).
Conclusion: Emphasize that managing COI is crucial for maintaining public trust, probity, and the
legitimacy of public administration.

Conscience Check!!!

You are the Chairperson of a Municipal Sanitation Committee. Your committee is evaluating
tenders for a new waste management project for the city. You discover that one of the strongest
bids is from a company where your spouse holds a significant, undeclared directorial position.
What steps would you take to resolve this dilemma?

Accountability & Ethical Governance

PYQ: 2022 - “What do you understand by the term ‘good governance’? How far have recent
initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries?
Discuss with suitable examples.”
PYQ: 2014 - “What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What
measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public
servants?”
PYQ: 2021 - “An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must
in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability
and ethical conduct. Elaborate.”
PYQ: 2016 - “What do you understand by the terms ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and
‘ethical governance’?”

Accountability is a fundamental principle of good governance, defined as the obligation of an

individual or organization to account for its activities, accept responsibility for them, and disclose
the results in a transparent manner.
In public administration, it ensures that power is exercised responsibly and that actions are
justifiable to various stakeholders.
It manifests in two primary dimensions:

Vertical Accountability: Refers to Horizontal Accountability: Refers to the

the mechanism by which citizens mechanisms by which state institutions
or the electorate directly hold their (e.g., judiciary, legislature, audit bodies) check
government and public officials and balance the exercise of power by other
answerable. It flows “upwards” from the state institutions, particularly the executive. It
populace to the government. is accountability between branches or organs
Mechanisms: Elections, public of the state.
protests, social movements, citizen Mechanisms: Judicial review, legislative
charters, public feedback systems. oversight, independent audits (CAG),
Example: Voters holding elected Lokpal.
representatives accountable for Example: The Comptroller and Auditor
unfulfilled promises during elections. General (CAG) scrutinizing government
expenditure.

Thinker's Corner

Foundations of Republican Governance

James Madison, one of the principal authors Oppressors can tyrannize only
of the US Constitution and a key figure in the when they achieve a standing
Federalist Papers articulated the importance army, an enslaved press, and a
disarmed populace.
of checks and balances to prevent the
-James Madison
concentration and abuse of power.
His ideas are foundational to horizontal accountability, ensuring that ambition counters ambition
within government itself

Governance, Good Governance, and Ethical Governance

Aspect Governance Good Governance Ethical Governance

Definition Process of decision- Governance with Governance based on a

making and quality, transparency, set of established ethical
implementation accountability principles
involving stakeholders
Key Decision-making process Transparency, Adherence to ethical
Features Accountability, Value- principles and moral
based governance standards
Example Decision-making in Good Governance in Ethical absolutism in
political and economic Democratic India vs governance
matters Communist China
Global Universal across Varies between Applicable universally,
Perspective countries countries (e.g., India, but dependent on moral
USA, China) context
Ethical Governance = Accountability + Transparency + Impartiality + Public Trust + Service
Efficiency

Ethcial Transparency
Morals and ethical values
Governance

Good
Efficiency and inclusivity
Governance Accountability
Rule of Law
Governance Implementation of laws
and rules

Good governance Ethical governance

Values/Morals

Effective &
Good Good Ethical Efficient
Governance Intentions Governance Governance

End
means

The Link Between Accountability and Ethical Governance

Accountability is the practical enforcement
mechanism for ethics in governance. While
A LACK OF TRANSPARENCY
ethical principles provide the moral compass, RESULTS IN DISTRUST AND A DEEP
accountability ensures that these principles SENSE OF INSECURITY.
are upheld in practice. Without accountability, -Dalai Lama

ethical values remain mere aspirations.

Enforcing Ethical Principles: Accountability Performance reviews & disciplinary actions
Adherence to ethics (impartiality, honesty, dedication).
Promoting Transparency: Accountability Public officials explain decisions Open processes
Reduced corruption.
Preventing Misuse of Power: Accountability Clear responsibility & oversight Check against
arbitrary decision-making.
Building Public Trust & Legitimacy: Accountability Citizens perceive government responsibility
Enhanced trust & legitimacy.
Improving Service Delivery: Accountability Public servants answerable for quality & timeliness
Efficient service delivery.

Thinker's Corner The only purpose for which

power can be rightfully
exercised over any member of
Public Scrutiny & Moral Stewardship a civilized community, against
his will, is to prevent harm to
John Stuart Mill, a champion of liberty
others. His own good, either
and free speech, strongly advocated for physical or moral, is not
sufficient warrant.
public scrutiny and debate as essential -John Stuart Mill
for good governance.
He believed that constant public dialogue and criticism (a form of vertical accountability)
encouraged ethical conduct among public officials, preventing the “tyranny of the
majority” and fostering moral responsibility.
Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of “Trusteeship” inherently links accountability to ethical
governance.
He viewed leaders and wealthy individuals as “trustees” of society’s resources, implying
a moral obligation to manage them for the welfare of all.

This idea asserts that power is not for personal gain but is a trust that must be exercised
with complete accountability to the masses.
Indic Idea of Good Governance

Indian Idea of Good Governance (Examples): Relevance:

Brihadaranya Upanishad: Emphasizes the Adapting to Globalization: The idea
importance of protecting Dharma (righteousness). of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the
Mundaka Upanishad: Advocates for truth and world is one family) encourages
justice, with the motto “Satyamev Jayate” (truth global cooperation.
alone triumphs). Sustainable Living: Aligns with SDGs
Ramayana: Ram-Rajya symbolizes ideal and LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
leadership, ensuring no starvation or to promote eco-friendly living.
discrimination in society. Preserving Democracy: Advocates
Bhagavad Gita: Highlights Adhishthan— cooperation between government
responsibility and stability in governance. and civil society for democratic
stability.
Atharvaveda: Bhumi Suktam stresses the
importance of harmony with nature. Welfare for All: Programs like
MGNREGA, PDS, and Ayushman
Thirukural: Focuses on societal development,
Bharat aim to ensure inclusive
resource regulation, and the environment.
welfare.
Kautilya’s Arthashastra: Yogakashema
Improving Diplomatic Relations:
emphasizes citizen welfare and the ruler’s duty
Kautilya’s pragmatism in foreign
(Raj Dharma).
policy offers strategies for global
Antyodaya (Mahatma Gandhi): Promotes diplomacy.
welfare for all, especially the weakest, in the spirit
Conflict Resolution: The Nyaya
of Sarvodaya (welfare of all).
system promotes justice, fairness,
and mediation in resolving conflicts.

Ashoka’s Dhamma: Ancient Wisdom for Ethical Rule

Emperor Ashoka’s 3rd century BCE edicts are authentic proof of his unique public administration.
After the war, he shifted to governing via dhamma – an ethical code promoting non-violence,
religious tolerance, and social harmony across his vast empire.
Ashoka’s dhamma was an early, profound example of integrating universal ethical principles
into state policy. His officers spread these values, aiming for the welfare of all subjects and
demonstrating ethical governance as a powerful tool for societal peace

Current Affairs Link

The mandatory implementation of Social Audits for schemes like MGNREGA and aspects of the
National Food Security Act is a powerful illustration of the link between accountability and ethical
governance.
This mechanism directly involves citizens in verifying records, identifying discrepancies,
and demanding explanations for the utilization of public funds.
It promotes transparency, reduces corruption, and ensures that resources reach the
intended beneficiaries.
Andhra Pradesh pioneered Social Audits for MNREGA. Villagers publicly verified fund usage,
this unique tool significantly reduced corruption (often cited up to 40% in some areas),
fostering accountability and transparency in governance.

Conscience Check!!!

A new government scheme for providing essential food grains to flood-affected areas is
launched. You, as the District Supply Officer, discover significant siphoning off of funds and
diversion of grains by a nexus of local dealers and a few corrupt lower-level officials. There is
no proper tracking mechanism in place. This scenario highlights a severe lack of accountability
leading to unethical outcomes. Your task is to establish mechanisms. How would you do it?

Ethical Issues in International Relations & Funding

PYQ: 2017 - “Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international
relations. Elucidate.” (Can be linked to ethics in international relations).
PYQ: 2021 - “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face
persecution or human right violation.” Examine the statement with reference to the ethical
dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society.
PYQ: 2022 - Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different
countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national
interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society,
including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered
while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical
issues involved in the given state of affairs.

Ethical Issues in International Relations & Funding

“Thus shall we live, because we will have created a society which recognizes that all people are
born equal, with each entitled in equal measure to life, liberty, prosperity, human rights and good
governance.” Nelson Mandela

International relations are frequently characterized by a fundamental tension between a nation’s

pursuit of its national interest (e.g., security, economic prosperity, strategic influence) and its
adherence to global ethics (universal moral principles like human rights, environmental protection,
humanitarian assistance).
This inherent conflict creates complex ethical dilemmas for policymakers and diplomats on the
world stage.
National Interest: Prioritizing a state’s survival, power, and welfare. Often involves pragmatic,
realpolitik calculations.
Global Ethics: Universal moral principles that advocate for human dignity, justice, sustainability,
and collective well-being beyond national borders.
The Dilemma: When safeguarding national energy security, for instance, conflicts with global
ethical obligations to reduce carbon emissions.

Thinker's Corner

Realism vs. Idealism in IR A man cannot govern a

nation if he cannot govern a
Hans J. Morgenthau, a prominent proponent city; he cannot govern a city if
of political realism, argued that “Statesmen he cannot govern a family; he
think and act in terms of interest defined as cannot govern a family unless
he can govern himself; and he
power.” cannot govern himself unless
For him, national interest, driven by the his passions are subject to
reason -Hugo Grotius
pursuit of power, is the supreme ethical
guide in international relations, often
implying a prioritization that can conflict
with universal moral principles.
In contrast, Hugo Grotius, considered the father of international law, held a more idealist view.
He argued for the existence of a “natural law” applicable to nations, implying that even states are
bound by universal moral principles that transcend their immediate self-interest, laying the
groundwork for what we now understand as global ethics and international human rights.

Current Affairs Link

The Russia-Ukraine War

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war provides a stark example of
this clash.
Russia’s actions are often framed by its perceived national interest (e.g., security concerns,
historical spheres of influence).
However, this directly conflicts with fundamental global ethical principles like national
sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of civilian lives, as well as the prohibition
against aggression under international law.
The ethical dilemma is stark for countries deciding on sanctions or aid.

Administrative Viewpoint

For a diplomat or a policymaker in foreign affairs, navigating the tension between national interest
and global ethics is a daily tightrope walk.
While obligated to serve national interest, they must also ensure that policy is not devoid of
ethical considerations.
This involves finding “principled pragmatism”—seeking solutions that advance national goals
while upholding universal values like human rights, especially in multilateral forums like the UN
or G20.

Ethics of War
The ethics of war is a complex and enduring field of study, often
framed by the “Just War Theory.”
This theory, with roots in ancient philosophy and further developed
by thinkers like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, provides
a framework for evaluating the morality of going to war (Jus ad
Bellum) and the conduct within war (Jus in Bello). A third aspect,
Jus Post Bellum (justice after war), also exists but is less universally
applied.

Jus ad Bellum (Justice in going to war): Jus in Bello (Justice in conduct of

Just Cause: There must be a morally justifiable reason war):
for war, such as self-defense against aggression, Discrimination (Non-
defense of innocents, or to right a grievous wrong. Combatant Immunity):
Legitimate Authority: The war must be declared and Military forces must distinguish
waged by a recognized legitimate authority (e.g., a between combatants and non-
state or international body). combatants, and intentionally
targeting civilians is forbidden.
Right Intention: The primary goal of the war must be
to achieve a just peace, not for conquest, revenge, or Proportionality (Jus in
economic gain. Bello): The use of force must
be proportionate to the
Last Resort: All peaceful alternatives must have
military objective, avoiding
been exhausted before resorting to war.
excessive harm to civilians or
Probability of Success: There must be a reasonable infrastructure.
hope of achieving the just objectives.
Military Necessity: Attacks
Proportionality (Jus ad Bellum): The good to be must be necessary to achieve
achieved by going to war must outweigh the harm it a legitimate military objective.
is likely to cause.

PYQ: 2023 - “”International aid’ is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’

nations. Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid’. Support your answer with
suitable examples.”

The Ethics of International Aid and Funding

International aid and funding, while ostensibly driven by humanitarian
impulses, are fraught with ethical complexities.
These issues range from donor conditionalities and aid dependency
to corruption and the effective utilization of funds, impacting the
sovereignty, dignity, and sustainable development of recipient
nations. Aid: Altruism Meets Strategy
The Marshall Plan (1948), a
Donor Conditionalities: Aid Tied to political/economic conditions massive U.S. aid program for
Compromise on sovereignty & development priorities. war-torn Western Europe,
exemplifies International Aid
Aid Dependency: Over-reliance on aid Discourages domestic
Ethics. It balanced genuine
resource mobilization Creates dependency cycle Undermines humanitarian goals of
self-sufficiency & dignity. economic reconstruction and
alleviating suffering.
Corruption & Misappropriation: Aid funds Diverted or misused
However, it also served a clear
by corrupt officials Fails to reach intended beneficiaries political influence objective:
Undermines ethical intent. containing communism during
the nascent Cold War. This dual
Tied Aid: Aid Linked to purchasing from donor country
purpose highlights the complex
Increases cost & inefficiency Serves donor economic interests. ethical considerations inherent
Effectiveness vs. Intent: Aid Short-term relief vs. sustainable in large-scale international
assistance
development Ethical dilemma in poverty reduction & long-term
impact.

Thinker's Corner
There is a growing movement
Moral Obligation vs. Empowerment called effective altruism. It's
Peter Singer, a proponent of Effective Altruism, important because it combines
both the heart and the head.
argues for a strong moral obligation to provide -Peter Singer
international aid.
His Utilitarian perspective suggests that if we can prevent suffering without sacrificing anything
of comparable moral importance, we are ethically bound to do so.
He calls for maximizing the good done per dollar spent.

Current Affairs Link

Global Debt Crisis & Calls for Relief

The escalating debt crises in many developing nations (e.g., in Africa
and South Asia) highlight ethical issues in international funding.
Calls for debt relief and restructuring from International Financial
Institutions (IFIs) raise ethical questions about the responsibility of
lenders, the sustainability of existing debt burdens, and the moral
imperative to prevent widespread economic collapse and human
suffering. It tests the global community’s commitment to equitable
development.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“At the international level, bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy
of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This
leads to conflicts and tension between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve
such tensions? Discuss with specific examples.” (2015)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question asks for an analysis of the tension between national interest and other
nations’ interests, and then how ethical considerations can resolve it. Emphasize the role of global
ethics in mitigating conflicts.
Introduction: Acknowledge the dominance of national interest in IR, leading to conflicts. State that
ethical considerations provide a necessary framework for cooperation.
Body
Part 1 (The Problem - National Interest First): Explain how unchecked national interest (e.g.,
resource grab, unilateralism) leads to tensions, using examples like historical colonialism, trade
wars, or boundary disputes.
Part 2 (Ethical Considerations as Solution): Discuss how ethical considerations (e.g., adherence
to international law, human rights, global commons) can resolve tensions by:
Building Trust: Through adherence to principles like reciprocity, honesty.
Promoting Common Good: Addressing shared challenges like climate change, pandemics.
Legitimizing Actions: Ensuring actions are universally justifiable.
Conclusion: Conclude that while national interest is inherent, a “principled pragmatism” guided
by global ethical considerations is essential for sustainable peace, cooperation, and conflict
resolution in an interdependent world.

Keywords to Use in Your Answer

• Realpolitik vs. Idealism • Global Commons • Principled Pragmatism • Soft Power • Humanitarian
Intervention • Sovereignty vs. Responsibility to Protect (R2P) • Multilateralism

Conscience Check!!!

A developing nation (Nation A) is facing a severe food crisis due to climate change-induced
drought. A developed nation (Nation B) has surplus food grains but is reluctant to provide aid
without Nation A agreeing to a trade deal highly favorable to Nation B’s corporations. Apply
“Ethical Issues in International Relations & Funding”, in the context of this case.

Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance
Core Principles (e.g., Transparency, Fairness, CSR)
PYQ: 2017 - “Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and
sustainable. Analyse.”
PYQ: 2023 - “What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency’ in the
context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples.”

Corporate Governance is the system by which

companies are directed and controlled. It defines
the distribution of rights and responsibilities
among different participants in the corporation (e.g.,
board, management, shareholders), and lays down
the rules and procedures for decision-making

Thinker's Corner

Profit vs. Broader Responsibility

Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, in The Wealth of Nations, introduced the
concept of the “invisible hand,” suggesting that individuals pursuing their self-interest can
inadvertently benefit society.
However, his Theory of Moral Sentiments argued that market functioning implicitly relies
on underlying ethical virtues like trust and justice.
In contrast, Milton Friedman, a strong advocate of shareholder primacy, famously stated,
“The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits.”
He believed that pursuing social objectives beyond profit was a misallocation of
shareholder funds, providing a stark philosophical counterpoint to the broader principles
of corporate governance.

Current Affairs Link

How selfish soever man
The Securities and Exchange Board of may be supposed, there are
evidently some principles in
India (SEBI) has mandated the Business his nature, which interest him
Responsibility and Sustainability Report in the fortune of others, and
(BRSR) for top listed companies from FY render their happiness
necessary to him, though he
2022-23. derives nothing from it except
This initiative aims to enhance the pleasure of seeing it
-Adam Smith
transparency and accountability on "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" (1759)
Environmental, Social, and Governance
(ESG) parameters.
It’s a key step towards formalizing CSR beyond just philanthropy, ensuring companies disclose
their performance against tangible principles of responsible corporate conduct.

Enron’s Illusion: A House of Cards

Enron, once an energy giant, collapsed due to unethical accounting. They used fraudulent
practices like “mark-to-market” abuse to inflate earnings and hid massive debts through off-
balance sheet entities. This created a false image of profitability, deceiving investors.
Their deception, aided by auditor Arthur Andersen’s complicity, led to bankruptcy, job losses, and
billions in investor losses. This scandal forced landmark regulatory reforms, like Sarbanes-Oxley,
emphasizing corporate accountability and transparency to prevent future frauds.

The Need for Ethical Corporate Practices

Beyond merely complying with the law, ethical
corporate practices are fundamental for a
company’s long-term sustainability, reputation,
and societal legitimacy.
Ethics in Corporate Governance = Trust +
Sustainability + Reputation + Risk Mitigation +
Talent Attraction + Societal Contribution

Thinker's Corner

Stakeholders & Social Purpose

R. Edward Freeman, a key proponent
of Stakeholder Theory, argued that a I'm more interested in people
than I am in how businesses
corporation’s success is intricately linked to
work.
how well it manages the interests of all its -PETER DRUCKER
stakeholders—not just shareholders.
This includes employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment.
Ethical practice is thus a necessity for balancing these diverse claims and ensuring long-
term value creation.
Peter Drucker, the management visionary, expanded on the idea that business has a social
responsibility.
He emphasized that “the purpose of business is to create a customer,” and that profit is a
means to this end, not the sole purpose.
He argued that neglecting social responsibility would lead to societal backlash and ultimately
threaten the very existence of the business, underscoring the practical need for ethical
conduct.
Personality in Focus: Ratan Naval Tata
Former Tata Group chairman passed If you want to walk fast, walk
away, known for transformative alone. If you want to walk far,
leadership. Awarded Padma Vibhushan walk together.
-Ratan Tata
(2008), Padma Bhushan (2000).
Key Values:
Profound Simplicity (low profile, focus on work);
Resilience and Perseverance (Tata Nano project);
Visionary (Tata Group from $4B to $100B);
Leadership (humility, hands-on involvement from shop floor);
Empathy (Tata Trust philanthropy, disaster relief);
Spirit of Service (Taj Hotel restoration, employee support).
Key Lessons:
Compassionate Capitalism (Group wealth serving nation, 60-65% dividends to charity);
Corporate Social Responsibility (participative, bottom-up);

Contribution to Social Well-Being (pioneered cancer hospital);

Business Ethics (integrity, social well-being over profit);
Promoting Entrepreneurship (invested in startups);
Promoted Sustainability (net zero by 2045, vegan interiors); Global Footprint (international
expansion).

Current Affairs Link

Recent Corporate Governance Lapses in Tech/Startups

APPLE PNB SCAM KINGFISHER SCAM

Apple had found itself in the middle of Coming to light in 2012, the Kingfisher scam
Involving high-profile individuals, including
controversies more than one time. really shook the industry as the airlines
billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle
BatteryGate, Siri recording scandal and ceased operation due to mounting debt and
Mehul Choksi, the managing director of
donations fraud are some of the more losses. The airline's financial troubles set off a
Gitanjali Gems, a fraud amounting to at least
prominent cases. series of events that eventually led to one of
₹13,000 crore came to light in 2018. It
allegedly originated at a single branch in the biggest loan default cases in Indian
As a part of settlements in these cases, history, totalling up to ₹9,000 crore.
Mumbai.
Apple is paying around $500 million in the
"BatteryGate" scandal, while the "Siri When authorities launched investigations,
Notably, days before the news of the scam
recording scandal" has it paying $95 owner Vijay Mallya fled to the UK.
became public, the accused fled abroad.
million. Further, the "donations fraud" saw it
fire many employees.

UBER NISSAN VOLKSWAGEN

From illegal tactics by the company beating Carlos Ghosn, known for saving Nissan from In 2015, the US Environmental Protection
local laws in countries, lobbying with big bankruptcy, was arrested for financial Agency exposed the Volkswagen cars in the
politicians, digging up dirt on journalists misconduct and fired from his position as US for having a "defeat device" in diesel
critical of its operations, cracking sexual Nissan's board chairman in 2018. It came engines, which could change the
jokes by CEO, booking fake rides with after a Japanese criminal case against him performance upon detecting testing. The
competitors to cut into their profits, Uber has for causing Nissan to make incomplete German carmaker then accepted it and
been accused of numerous scandals since securities disclosures about his deferred settled, paying $14.7 billion to the US
2017. compensation. authorities in 2016.

It even came under radar after While the Japanese court found him guilty The company offered consumers a
whistleblowers leaked over 1,20,000 mails in 2022, he fled to Lebanon and filed a buyback and compensation for its 2.0-litre
about its operations. lawsuit against Nissan. diesel vehicles.

In 2018, Facebook found itself in the middle of massive backlash, along with Cambridge Analytica,
over the alleged harvesting and use of personal data.
FACEBOOK
The scandal raised concerns that the data may have been used to influence Brexit and the 2016
US elections. Turning into a class action lawsuit, the scandal was settled when Facebook owner
Meta agreed to pay $725m.

Compassionate Capitalism
Compassionate Capitalism is an approach to business that combines the opportunities of
capitalism with fairness and equitable wealth distribution. It aims to balance Adam Smith’s
individualism (which promotes personal success) with Karl Marx’s socialist ideals (which
emphasize equality). The goal is to provide equal access to opportunities so that everyone,
regardless of background, can achieve economic success and benefit from it.
Practices for Compassionate Capitalism:
1. For Workers:
Companies create open and flexible work cultures.
Skill development and equal opportunities for all employees (e.g., Infosys’ ESOP plan,
which gives employees a stake in the company).
Financial security, such as Tata Steel’s Covid support, which ensured financial aid for
employees during the pandemic.

Compassionate leadership emphasizes empathy and inclusiveness in leadership styles.

2. For the Environment:
Companies adopt environmental accounting to track and reduce their environmental
impact.
Actions like reducing pollution and implementing carbon action plans to reduce the
carbon footprint.
A circular economy approach (e.g., ITC’s sustainability efforts) focuses on reducing
waste and reusing resources.
3. For Society:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ensures businesses contribute to the community.
Wealth redistribution through initiatives like the PMKKKY (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Kalyan
Yojana), which supports farmers.
Fulfilling social needs, such as ‘Goodfellows’, a service aimed at supporting the elderly.
Businesses have a moral responsibility to guide, enhance, and nourish everyone they interact
with, including workers, the environment, and society. Moving towards Compassionate Capitalism
aligns with the values in the Indian Constitution (Art. 38, 39(C)), which focuses on social justice
and equitable development.
In short, Compassionate Capitalism is about balancing profit with fairness, ensuring everyone
has the opportunity to succeed while caring for the environment and society.

Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign -Ethics Beyond Sales

Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign exemplified anti-consumerism ethics. On Black
Friday, they urged customers to “buy less, choose well, make it last,” highlighting their products’
environmental cost.
This radical transparency fostered trust and brand loyalty. Patagonia demonstrated that ethical
practices, prioritizing sustainability over pure sales, can resonate powerfully and align business
with a greater purpose.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“In the contemporary world, the corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and
employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in an unprecedented onslaught on the
climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background,
is Responsibility (CSR) efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities
needed in the corporate work mandated? Critically examine.” (2022)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question requires a critical examination of CSR’s efficiency and sufficiency in
addressing the negative externalities of corporate growth. Acknowledge CSR’s role but argue for
a broader, more integrated approach.
Introduction: Acknowledge the corporate sector’s dual impact: wealth creation + negative
externalities (environment, living conditions). Define CSR as a response.
(CSR: Efficiency & Sufficiency - The “Efficient” Argument): Explain how CSR has led to positive
impacts (e.g., community development, environmental initiatives, philanthropic activities).
Mention legal mandates (India’s Companies Act, 2013).
(CSR: Limitations & Insufficiency - The “Not Sufficient” Argument): Critically analyze why
CSR alone is insufficient: often philanthropic rather than systemic, “greenwashing,” lacks
binding enforcement beyond mandates, does not address core business model flaws.
Conclusion: Conclude that while CSR is a necessary step, it’s not sufficient. A truly ethical corporate
sector requires ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) integration into core business strategy,
robust regulatory oversight, and a stronger sense of shared value creation that internalizes
externalities, moving beyond mere compliance.

Common Pitfall to Avoid

The “Blaming Corporations” Trap: While analyzing negative impacts, avoid overly simplistic
“corporations are evil” arguments.

Keywords to Use in Your Answer

• Stakeholder Theory • Shareholder Primacy • Greenwashing • ESG (Environmental, Social,
Governance) • Shared Value Creation • Social License to Operate • Triple Bottom Line (People,
Planet, Profit)

Conscience Check!!!

You are the District Environmental Officer. A major industrial factory, a significant employer in
your district, is found to be routinely discharging untreated effluents into a river, causing severe
water pollution and health issues for downstream communities, despite having a CSR wing that
funds local schools. The company management is powerful and politically . How would you
handle this situation?

Part 6: Probity in Action: Tools for Transparency & Integrity

Probity in Information Codes of Work Quality of Utilisation of The

Action Sharing & Ethics vs. Culture Service Public Funds Challenge
Transparency Codes of Delivery of
in Government Conduct Corruption

Probity in Action

PYQ: 2014 - What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public life? What are the difficulties in
practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome?
PYQ: 2019 - “What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected
role of public servant.”
PYQ: 2024 - “Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct
and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How
will this scheme empower the civil servants to enhance productive efficiency and deliver the
services at the grassroots level ?”

Probity (derived from Latin ‘probitas’, meaning good) refers to the quality of adhering to strong
moral principles like honesty, integrity, transparency, and incorruptibility. In governance, probity
ensures that institutions uphold procedural integrity, regardless of the individuals within them.
Key Aspects of Probity in Governance:
Ethical Conduct: Ensuring that public institutions act with uprightness, following ethical and
transparent practices.
Integrity in Action: Institutions and civil servants must adhere to moral principles to withstand
public scrutiny and maintain trust.
Probity is a cornerstone of good governance, fostering a system where public trust is upheld through
honest and incorruptible processes.

Concept of Public/Civil Service

Aspect Public Servant Civil Servant

Definition Individuals employed by the Specific individuals employed in

government in various capacities administrative roles within the
to serve the public and implement government, typically under All India
policies. Services, State Services, or PSUs.
Scope of Work Includes all government employees Primarily focused on administrative,
at various levels, including policy implementation, and service
politicians, media, and civil society delivery roles within government
contributors. institutions.

Examples Politicians, civil society members, Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

media, and other government staff. officers, Indian Police Service (IPS) officers,
Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers, and
other government bureaucrats.

Ethical Expected to uphold ethical Held to high ethical standards through

Standards standards, but more vulnerable to codes of conduct and ethics, ensuring
political pressure and corruption. impartiality and professionalism.

Current Affairs Link

The government’s philosophy of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” aims for a

streamlined, responsive bureaucracy that maximizes its positive impact on citizens’ lives. This
aligns with the philosophical basis of public service by seeking to make governance more efficient
and citizen-centric, emphasizing quality service delivery over mere regulatory control.
Mission Karmayogi (National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building) is a direct
attempt to transform the work culture within the Indian bureaucracy.
It aims to shift from a “rule-based” to a “role-based” and “citizen-centric” work culture,
emphasizing continuous learning, transparency, and a proactive approach.
The integrated government online training (iGOT-Karmayogi) platform seeks to inculcate
new skills and ethics, promoting a positive and performance-oriented environment.

Keyword in Action: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, as India’s President, profoundly embodied

the ideal of public service. His life and work were dedicated to
national development and inspiring youth, viewing his role not as a
position of power but as a profound opportunity for “service before
self,” contributing to the nation’s scientific advancement and
fostering a “nation of beautiful minds.”

Information Sharing & Transparency in Government

PYQ: 2015 - “Some recent developments such as introduction of RTI Act, media and judicial
activism, etc., are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and accountability
in the functioning of the government.”
PYQ: 2018 - “The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it
essentially redefines the concept of accountability.’ Discuss.”

Information Sharing and Transparency in Government are fundamental pillars of modern

democratic governance and essential components of probity.
Transparency implies openness, clear communication, and providing readily accessible information
about government functions, decisions, and data. It curbs corruption, fosters accountability, and
builds trust between the state and its citizens.
Challenges:
Bureaucratic Resistance: Inertia, fear
Ethical
of accountability, and a legacy culture Opennes Governance
of secrecy (e.g., from colonial times).
Official Secrets Act (OSA), 1923: Communication Transparency Good
Often cited as a barrier to information Governance
sharing, even when not directly related
to national security. Accountability
Participatory
Lack of Capacity: Insufficient IT Governance
infrastructure, trained personnel, and
comprehensive digitization of records.
Vested Interests: Corrupt elements actively work to obstruct information flow to protect
their illicit gains.
Misinformation & Disinformation: While transparency involves sharing information, the
rise of fake news can distort public understanding and erode trust.

Thinker's Corner

Openness as a Democratic Imperative

Karl Popper, through his concept of the “Open The open society is one in
which men have learned to be
Society,” contrasted it sharply with closed, to some extent critical of
totalitarian systems. taboos, and to base decisions
on the authority of their own
He asserted that a truly free and rational intelligence.
society thrives on transparency, constant -Karl Popper
scrutiny, and the free flow of information.
Here ideas are open to falsification and critique, fundamentally linking transparency to
democratic health and intellectual progress.

Current Affairs Link

PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is a contemporary example emphasizing integrated
information sharing and transparency in infrastructure development.
By bringing 16 ministries onto a single digital platform, it provides real-time visibility into
project planning, execution, and progress.
This ensures inter-ministerial coordination, reduces delays, and allows for public monitoring,
thereby promoting efficiency and accountability through enhanced information flow.
Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and former Chairman of UIDAI, has been a key proponent
of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India.
His work, especially with Aadhaar, UPI, and data governance frameworks, represents a massive
push for information sharing and transparency through digital means.
These initiatives aim to make government processes and citizen entitlements transparent,
accessible, and accountable by design.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“Some recent developments, such as the introduction of the RTI Act, media and judicial activism,
etc., are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and accountability in the
functioning of the government. However, it is also being observed that at times the mechanisms
are misused. Another negative effect is that the officers are now afraid to make prompt decisions.
Analyse the situation in detail and suggest how the dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how
these negative impacts can be minimized.” (2015)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question is multi-faceted. Acknowledge the positive impact of transparency tools,
analyze the negative impacts, and then suggest solutions.
Introduction: Affirm that RTI, media, and judicial activism have enhanced transparency and
accountability. Introduce the nuanced counter-argument of misuse and “red-tapism.”
Body
Part 1 (Positive Impact): Briefly explain how RTI (empowerment), media (watchdog), and
judicial activism (oversight) foster openness, reduce corruption, and protect rights.
Part 2 (Negative Impacts & Dichotomy):
Misuse: Frivolous RTI queries, media sensationalism, judicial overreach.
Decision Paralysis: Fear of false accusations, retrospective vigilance inquiries, and media
trials leading to officers avoiding bold or prompt decisions.
Dichotomy: The paradox of tools meant to improve governance actually hinder efficiency
and proactive decision-making.
Part 3 (Resolution & Minimization):
Strengthening Internal Mechanisms: Robust internal grievance redressal, clear
performance appraisal, training for officers.
Ethical Frameworks: Emphasizing ‘courage of conviction,’ ‘probity,’ and ‘impartiality’ in
training.
Rationalizing RTI: Discouraging frivolous queries, clear penalties for misuse.
Responsible Media: Promoting ethical journalism, media literacy.
Conclusion: Conclude that while transparency tools are vital for democracy, their effectiveness
depends on a balanced approach that promotes accountability without stifling initiative, fostering
a culture of both boldness and integrity.

Codes of Ethics vs. Codes of Conduct

PYQ: 2019 - “There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation
of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.”
PYQ: 2016 - “Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative
Reforms Commission.”
PYQ: 2018 - “Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable
examples.”

Basis of Code of Ethics Code of Conduct

Distinction

Nature Aspirational: Expresses fundamental Prescriptive/Prohibitive: Lays down

values, principles, and ideals; guides specific rules, regulations, and
judgment. acceptable/unacceptable behaviors.

Focus Values, Morals, Guiding Principles, Rules, Compliance, Specific Actions,

Intent Enforcement

Purpose Inspire and educate members to Enforce compliance with minimum

achieve a higher moral standard. standards; discipline violations.

“What it “What should I aspire to be?” “What must I do / not do?”

asks”

Example A medical association’s pledge to “do A company’s policy on punctuality or

no harm.” dress code.

Thinker's Corner

Formal Rules vs. Informal Dynamics

Max Weber’s concept of rational-legal bureaucracy.

Leadership Selflessness

Nolan Committee: Integrity

Objectivity
7 Principles
Public Life

Openness Accountability

Honesty

Globally, the Nolan Committee’s Seven Principles of Public Life (Selflessness, Integrity,
Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, Leadership) are often cited as a benchmark
for Codes of Ethics for public servants.
In India, these principles have influenced recommendations by the Second Administrative
Reforms Commission (ARC) for a Public Services Code, aiming to guide administrators
beyond mere compliance to a higher standard of ethical conduct.

Current Affairs Link

Judicial Conduct & Ethics

Recent debates and recommendations concerning the conduct
of judges in India highlight the need for both Codes of Ethics and
Conduct.
While specific rules exist (Code of Conduct for Judges),
there’s a continuous push for a stronger, more transparent
framework for ethical behavior (Code of Ethics)
This would address issues like conflict of interest, public
statements, and use of social media, aiming to maintain
judicial independence and public trust.
(Example: On April 19th 2019, a former junior Court Officer alleged that she was sexually harassed
and subsequently victimized by the Chief Justice of India at the time.)

Work Culture
“If you get the culture right, most of the other stuff will just take
care of itself.” -Tony Hsieh
Work Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, practices,
and behavioral norms that characterize an organization’s internal
environment.
It is the unwritten code of conduct that shapes how employees
interact with each other, with superiors, and with the public.
A positive and ethical work culture is crucial for organizational efficiency, employee morale,
and ensuring probity and transparency in governance.

Work Culture: Objectives and Challenges

Characteristic Objectives Challenges
Professionalism Sets conduct and discipline Bureaucratic Inertia
standards
Teamwork Encourages supportive Hierarchical Rigidity
environment
Ethical Conduct Reinforces integrity and Blame Game/Fear Culture
accountability
Productivity Improves performance via Politicization
morale
Talent Attracts and retains Lack of Accountability
employees
Innovation Encourages new ideas and Gender Bias/Discrimination
solutions

Thinker's Corner

Shaping Organizational Ethos

Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y provides a
foundational perspective on how managerial attitudes shape
work culture.
Theory X (managers assume employees are inherently
lazy, requiring strict control) leads to authoritarian,
distrustful cultures.
Theory Y (managers assume employees are motivated, seek responsibility) fosters
participative, empowering cultures. This highlights leadership’s role in determining culture.

Quality of Service Delivery

Quality of Service Delivery in public administration refers to the extent to which public services
are provided efficiently, effectively, accessibly, and empathetically, meeting or exceeding citizen
expectations.
It encompasses attributes like timeliness, reliability, responsiveness, transparency, and courtesy.
High-quality service delivery is a direct manifestation of ethical governance, fostering citizen
satisfaction, building public trust, and ensuring that development goals translate into tangible
benefits for the populace.

Service Delivery: Objectives and Challenges

Characteristic Objectives & Importance Challenges
Citizen Satisfaction Impacts perception of Apathy & Lack of Empathy
government
Public Trust & Legitimacy Enhances faith in Corruption & Leakages
administration
Achievement of Development Schemes reach beneficiaries Bureaucratic Inertia &
Goals as intended Resistance to Change
Accountability Standards allow for holding Lack of Capacity & Training
officials responsible
Reduce Grievances Minimizes public complaints Absence of Feedback
Mechanisms
Promote Social Justice Equitable access to quality Digital Divide
services for all

Thinker's Corner

Philip B. Crosby, a prominent quality management expert, emphasized “Quality is Free” and
advocated for a philosophy of “zero defects.”

Current Affairs Link

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a recent,
ambitious initiative aimed at revolutionizing healthcare service
delivery through digital means.
By creating a unified digital health infrastructure (e.g., ABHA ID, digital health records), it seeks to
enhance accessibility, efficiency, and quality of healthcare services for citizens across India.

Utilisation of Public Funds

Utilisation of Public Funds refers to the effective, efficient, and equitable deployment of financial
resources collected from the public (e.g., through taxes, borrowings) for the common good.

Current Affairs Link

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Mission

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Mission in India is a major initiative aimed at improving the
utilization of public funds.
By directly transferring subsidies and benefits to beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts,
it has significantly reduced leakages and ghost beneficiaries in welfare schemes (e.g., LPG
subsidies, pensions).
This enhances transparency, efficiency, and ensures funds reach the intended recipients,
reflecting improved ethical utilization.

Vinod Rai (Former CAG of India)

Vinod Rai, as the former Comptroller and

Auditor General (CAG) of India, became
You aren't accountable to
a symbol of ensuring accountability in the anyone, teachers or family but
utilization of public funds. His audits of major to yourself.
sectors like 2G spectrum allocation and Make sure your surrounding s
are clean in all aspects
coal block allocations exposed massive
-Vinod Rai
irregularities and potential losses to the
exchequer, directly prompting public debate
and legal action.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the
reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.” (2019)

Keywords to Use in Your Answer

Fiscal Prudence Public Exchequer
Leakage Value for Money
Outcome Budgeting Zero-Based Budgeting
Transparency Audit

Common Pitfall to Avoid

The “Only Corruption” Trap: While corruption is a major issue, remember to also analyze
“under-utilization” and “inefficient utilization.”
These are distinct problems with different root causes (e.g., bureaucratic inefficiency, lack of
capacity) that also lead to failure in meeting development goals. A comprehensive answer
covers all facets.

The Challenge of Corruption

THE CORRUPTION OF THE BEST

THING GIVES RISE TO THE WORST. CORRUPTION IS PAID BY THE POOR.
-David Hume -Pope Francis

The Challenge of Corruption

PYQ: 2014 - “It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However, there is no dearth of
instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a big way. What are
the basic causes of corruption among people? Support your answer with examples.”
PYQ: 2016 - “”Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, administrative inefficiency
and obstruction in the path of national development.”” Kautilya’s views.
PYQ: 2015 - “Today we find that in spite of various measures like prescribing codes of conduct,
setting up vigilance cells/commissions, RTI, active media and strengthening of legal
mechanisms, corrupt practices are not coming under control.
(a) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justifications.
(b) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace.”
PYQ: 2019 - “”Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”. Do you
agree with this view? Justify your answer.”

Corruption is the misuse of public power for private gain. It is a

multifaceted phenomenon that extends beyond mere financial
embezzlement to include nepotism, favoritism, abuse of authority,
and non-performance of duty.
Corruption represents a severe failure of core ethical values in
society and governance, fundamentally undermining probity,
transparency, and the rule of law. It is arguably the greatest challenge
to development and justice in many nations.

Current Affairs Link

E-Governance & Vigilance Reforms

Recent e-governance initiatives in India (e.g., online grievance redressal portals, e-tendering
for public procurement, digital attendance systems) are directly targeting corruption by
enhancing transparency and reducing human interface.
Concurrently, reforms in vigilance mechanisms (e.g., strengthening the Central Vigilance
Commission, proactive investigations by CBI/ED based on data analytics) aim to make the
anti-corruption framework more robust and effective.

Officers in Action

Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer of the Haryana

cadre, symbolizes an unwavering fight against
Perhaps in my zeal to take
corruption and land scams. corruption head-on, my career
pald the price.
Despite facing numerous transfers (over -ASHOK KHEMKA
50 in his career), he consistently exposed
irregularities and challenged powerful
vested interests.
His actions exemplify the courage of conviction and integrity required to confront corruption
head-on, even when it entails significant personal and professional cost, making him an icon
of anti-corruption efforts in the Indian bureaucracy.

Whistleblower’s Tragic Dilemma

Satyendra Dubey’s murder highlights a clash of ethics. His public duty
to expose corruption in the Golden Quadrilateral project was met by a
severe breach of private confidentiality when his identity was revealed.
This failure of institutional ethics in protecting a whistleblower demonstrated how breaking
private trust in a public context can have tragic consequences, emphasizing the high stakes of
upholding integrity.

Previous Year Question (PYQ) Focus

“Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what
measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?” (2023)

Answer Deconstruction

Approach: This question directly links corruption to a

failure of values and asks for measures to uplift values.
THE WHEEL OF CORRUPTION
Focus on both individual and systemic solutions for
Bribes for
Citizen Higher prices or
value re-inculcation. service delivery low quality public
goods

Introduction: Define corruption as misuse of public

Vote Buying
power for private gain, and immediately link it to an Bribes for
Transfers and
erosion of core societal values. Postings
Politician
Body
Part 1 (How Corruption Manifests Failure of Bureaucrat Entrepreneur

Values): Explain how it violates integrity, honesty, Bribes for

Contracts & Licences
public service, justice, and accountability.
Part 2 (Measures to Uplift Core Values -
Comprehensive Approach):
Family & Education: Role modeling by parents/
teachers; value-based education from early
childhood.
Societal & Cultural: Promoting ethical leadership in
public life; media campaigns; celebrating honest
role models; social sanctions against corruption.
Institutional & Governance: Strengthening ethical
codes of conduct, whistleblower protection,
transparent grievance redressal, robust vigilance
mechanisms, e-governance (reducing discretion), citizen participation (social audits).
Conclude that combating corruption requires a holistic, long-term strategy that goes beyond
punitive measures to fundamentally strengthen the ethical fabric of individuals and institutions,
thereby nurturing a society grounded in strong core values.
PYQ: 2016 - “Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, administrative inefficiency and
obstruction in the path of national development.”” Kautilya’s views.”

Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) and Corruption

The 2nd ARC recommends amending the Prevention of Corruption
Act, 1988, to include “abuse of authority unduly favouring or
harming someone” and “obstruction of justice” as offenses. It further
suggests bringing in private sector public utility providers and non-
governmental agencies receiving substantial funding under the Act’s
purview. Proactive vigilance is necessary.
Source: Ethics in Governance (Fourth Report); Refurbishing Personnel Administration (Tenth
Report); Social Capital (Ninth Report)

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