Q7. “Professional competence without integrity can become a source of public harm.” Explore the relationship between competence and integrity in professional ethics. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Understanding of professional ethics by examining how technical ability acquires ethical value only when guided by integrity, responsibility and concern for public welfare.
Key Demand of the question
Explain why professional competence without integrity can produce public harm and explore the relationship between competence and integrity in ensuring ethical professional conduct.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly define competence and integrity and establish their complementary role in professional ethics.Body
- Competence without integrity and public harm: Explain how expertise divorced from ethical restraints can enable abuse of discretion, breach of trust and harm to stakeholders.
- Relationship between competence and integrity: Show how competence provides professional capability while integrity ethically directs its exercise towards responsibility and public good.
Conclusion
Conclude that genuine professional excellence requires the integration of technical capability with ethical character, making professionals both effective and trustworthy.
