Q7. “Threats and inducements are two sides of the same ethical failure in public decision-making”. Analyse their impact on public trust. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Recent instances of attempts to influence public decision-making through inducements and coercion have brought the ethical values of integrity, moral courage and public trust into focus.Key Demand of the question
The question requires analysing why threats and inducements represent the same ethical failure in public decision-making. It also asks to examine how such unethical practices undermine public trust in institutions and governance.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly explain that ethical public decision-making requires independence, integrity and commitment to the public interest.
Body
- Threats and inducements as ethical failures: Explain how both compromise ethical decision-making and violate core public service values.
- Impact on public trust: Discuss how such practices weaken institutional credibility, democratic legitimacy and citizens’ confidence in governance.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasising that ethical governance depends on safeguarding both institutional integrity and individual moral courage.
