Ethics refers to the set of moral principles that guide behavior and actions. For public servants, ethics is crucial to maintain trust and integrity in public institutions.
Upholding Basic Values
Being ethical means adhering to fundamental human values like honesty, fairness and integrity. Public servants are expected to demonstrate these values in their words and actions. When bureaucrats are seen as ethical, it builds confidence among citizens that public systems are not compromised. For instance, an honest tax officer who refuses bribes inspires trust in the tax administration.
Building Credibility
Public organizations that follow strong ethics are respected by citizens. Even those unfamiliar with their functioning perceive them as driven by moral purposes. For example, the Election Commission of India is renowned for its neutrality and fairness. This reputation establishes credibility that enhances its ability to fulfill duties.
Uniting People and Leadership
Shared ethical values bring cohesion in public institutions. When staff and decision-makers are bound by common principles, it aligns their efforts towards collective objectives. For example, a municipal corporation guided by integrity will have employees and leaders working in tandem to deliver effective services.
Improving Decision-Making
Decisions of public servants impact citizen welfare and national growth. Ethics provides a moral framework for these choices. Consider a policymaker debating between energy sources. Ethics of sustainability and inter-generational equity will lead him to favor renewables over fossil fuels. Such value-driven decisions advance public good.
Long-Term Gains
Unethical behavior like corruption may benefit individuals in the short-run but harms institutions and society. In contrast, ethics supports long-term prosperity and stability. For instance, a bureaucrat may expedite files for bribes. But systemic corruption will eventually decay delivery systems. Integrity in governance ensures sustainable growth.
Securing Society
Laws alone cannot address all issues concerning society and environment. Public ethics fills this gap by engendering a spirit of what is right and wrong. For example, malpractices of IT companies that compromise privacy may go unchecked due to limited regulations. In such cases, ethics will deter public servants from supporting unethical practices.
Key Points
Ethics is an indispensable part of public service. It upholds values, enhances credibility, aligns behaviors, improves decisions, enables sustainability and protects society where laws fall short. Public servants have a profound duty to act ethically as it builds trust, accountability and efficiency in governance.