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. Do you think the Weberian model of traditional bureaucracy in India is obsolete and beside the point in present day public services? Examine. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article explains the outdated nature of bureaucracy.
Key Demand of the question:
One is expected to detail upon the Weberian model of traditional bureaucracy and its relevance in today’s times.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with explaining – COVID-19 has tested the resilience of all public institutions. Despite its efforts, bureaucracy has emerged as a major concern for the ineffective response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Explain first the Weberian bureaucracy; Traditional bureaucracy is still stuck with the leadership of position over leadership of function. Leadership of function is when a person has expert knowledge of a particular responsibility in a particular situation. The role of the leader is to explain the situation instead of issuing orders.
Discuss how Bureaucracy has become an end in itself rather than a means to an end.
Explain the issues and concerns associated – the rigid adherence to rules has resulted in the rejection of innovation etc.
Conclusion:
Take hints from the article and suggest what needs to be done.
