“The basic problem with administrative ethics is: how can officials be granted scope for dissent without undermining the capacity of the organization to accomplish its goals”. Evaluate this statement and suggest measures in the context of Indian administration.

Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

7. “The basic problem with administrative ethics is: how can officials be granted scope for dissent without undermining the capacity of the organization to accomplish its goals”. Evaluate this statement and suggest measures in the context of Indian administration. (250 words)

Reference:  Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Why the question:

The question is based on the theme of Administrative ethics.

Key Demand of the question:

Explain the issues marring the administrative ethics and suggest measures to overcome the problems especially in the Indian context.

Directive:

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences.  You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start with the definition of Administrative ethics.

Body:

Administrative ethics involves the application of moral principles to the conduct of officials in organizations. Broadly speaking, moral principles specify (a) the rights and duties that individuals should respect when they act in ways that seriously affect the well-being of other individuals and society; and (b) the conditions that collective practices and policies should satisfy when they similarly affect the well-being of individuals and society.

Administrative ethics assumes that individuals in organizations can make moral judgments and can be the objects of moral judgments.

The challenge is that by its very nature administration precludes the exercise of moral judgment.

Conclusion:

Conclude with measures.