Q7. Fear of punishment alone cannot ensure ethical conduct in public administration. Evaluate the statement and suggest ethical enablers beyond deterrence. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Persisting ethical failures in public administration despite strict laws highlight the limits of punishment-based approaches and the need to focus on value-driven governance.Key Demand of the question
The question requires evaluating why fear of punishment alone cannot ensure ethical conduct and suggesting ethical enablers that operate beyond deterrence to promote integrity in public administration.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly distinguish between externally enforced compliance through punishment and internally sustained ethical behaviour based on values.Body
- Indicate how fear of punishment leads to surface-level compliance, moral minimalism and weak internalisation of ethical values.
- Suggest ethical enablers such as value-based training, ethical leadership, transparency and institutional ethics frameworks that strengthen integrity beyond deterrence.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasising that enduring ethical governance depends on internalised values supported by enabling institutions rather than fear alone.
