Q7. In public service, the perception of integrity is as crucial as integrity itself. Examine how organisational ethics can be reinforced against internal misconduct. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Ethical legitimacy in public service depends not only on actual integrity but also on how it is publicly perceived, and the question demands ways to reinforce organisational ethics against misconduct.Key demand of the question
You must explain why perceived integrity matters equally to real integrity in public roles and how institutions can structurally, culturally and preventively strengthen ethical conduct internally.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly note that public trust is sustained when ethical conduct is both practised and visibly demonstrated.Body
- Mention why integrity perception strengthens legitimacy and voluntary compliance in public systems.
- Indicate how organisational ethics can be reinforced through oversight culture, leadership example and protected ethical reporting channels.
Conclusion
State that durable public trust requires ethical systems where integrity is simultaneously lived and seen.
