Q7. What ethical dilemmas confront a civil servant who discovers irregularities committed by senior officers? How should the competing claims of loyalty and public interest be resolved? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
Civil servant’s ethical judgement when organisational hierarchy conflicts with integrity, accountability and responsibility towards citizens.
Key Demand of the question
Identify the ethical dilemmas faced while responding to irregularities committed by senior officers. Explain how loyalty and public interest should be balanced through lawful, evidence-based and institutionally responsible action.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Introduce a civil servant’s primary loyalty as loyalty to the Constitution, law and citizens rather than unquestioning personal loyalty to a superior.
Body
- Ethical dilemmas involved: Discuss the conflicts between obedience and legality, confidentiality and transparency, career security and moral courage, while also considering the danger of acting on unverified allegations.
- Resolution of competing claims: Prioritise public interest through verification of facts, written documentation, appropriate institutional channels and proportionate escalation while protecting confidentiality and natural justice.
Conclusion
Conclude that genuine institutional loyalty requires correcting wrongdoing rather than concealing it, with moral courage exercised through due process.
