ETHICS
Introduction
Ethics in public administration is like a set of rules that guide how people in government should
behave. It's all about being honest, fair, and accountable when working in government.
Think of it this way: the government is like a big machine that runs society, and the people who
work in it need to be trustworthy and do the right things. If they don't, it can harm the public and
make the government work for its own benefit, not the people's.
Ethics in public administration is important because it helps build trust between the government
and the citizens. When government officials act with integrity, fairness, and honesty, the people
can rely on them to make good decisions and serve the public interest.
So, in simple terms, ethics in public administration is about having rules and standards that
make sure government employees act in ways that benefit the public and maintain the trust of
the citizens.
Meaning
Ethics is all about how people should behave in society. It's like a set of rules that tell us what's
right and wrong, fair and unfair. These rules help guide our actions and choices, both in our
personal lives and when we're dealing with others.
Imagine ethics as a code of conduct that helps us decide what's the right thing to do in different
situations. It's like a moral compass that points us in the direction of honesty, fairness, and doing
what's best for society.
Ethics is based on beliefs about what's right and wrong, regardless of our own self-interest or
the immediate results of our decisions. It's not just about following the law; it's about doing
what's morally right, even when no one is watching.
So, ethics is like a set of principles that guide our behavior, and it includes values like honesty,
compassion, and loyalty. It helps us make choices that benefit society and make the world a
better place.
Ethics in administration
Ethics in administration is like a set of rules that guide the behavior of civil servants in their
professional roles. It's all about maintaining a high moral standard when they work for the
government. These rules make sure that civil servants act in a way that's fair, just, and honest,
benefiting the community they serve.
Think of it as a code of conduct that civil servants follow, which includes traditions, standards,
and precedents. They not only set these high moral standards for themselves but also for the
entire community because their work has a big impact on society.
Public service ethics are crucial because they build trust between the government and the
people. Citizens expect civil servants to work for the public good, treating everyone fairly and
managing public resources responsibly. This trust is essential for good governance.
Democratic values like equality, justice, and freedom are at the core of these ethics. Civil
servants must commit to upholding these values and serving the public honestly.
In simpler terms, being an ethical administrator means taking responsibility, communicating well,
working as a team, and solving problems while considering the needs and interests of the
public. It's about doing what's right, not just using bureaucratic power to get things done.
He delineated the following attributes of a moral administrator:
1. A sense of responsibility
2. Skills in communication and personnel administration
3. Ability to cultivate and utilize institutional resources
4. Willingness to engage in problem-solving and to work with others as a team
5. Personal confidence to initiate new ideas
6. Prefers to be influenced by public needs, interests and sensitivities rather than resorting to
the use of raw bureaucratic power.
Here are the important aspects of ethics in administration:
1. **Integrity:** This means being honest and not using your position for personal gain or
helping others do so. It's not just about money but also about doing what's right.
2. **Responsibility and accountability:** Administrators should take responsibility for their
actions and decisions. They should be willing to answer for what they do, both to their
superiors and to the people they serve.
3. **Loyalty to the nation:** Administrators should always consider how their actions affect their
country's reputation and strength. They should serve their nation with respect and care.
4. **Efficiency:** Administrators should make decisions and take actions that meet high-quality
standards. They should not compromise on quality for convenience.
5. **Impartiality:** This means treating everyone equally and serving the government and the
public without favoring any political party or cause. Public servants should avoid showing bias
in their opinions or actions.
6. **Neutrality:** Administrators should give advice to the government without any political bias.
They should faithfully implement government decisions, whether they agree with them or not.
7. **Dedication to public service:** Public officials should work with dedication and a sense of
sacrifice. They should see their work as contributing to the greater good of the nation.
8. **Compassion:** Administrators should show kindness and consideration, especially to the
less fortunate, when making decisions within the bounds of the law.
9. **Devotion to duty:** Administrators should be committed to their work, be punctual, and
keep their promises. They should see their work as an opportunity to serve society.
10. **Justice:** Those in charge of making and carrying out policies should ensure that they
treat everyone fairly, without giving special favors based on factors like status, power, gender,
class, caste, or wealth.
In conclusion, ethics in public administration is like a rulebook for government employees,
guiding them to act with honesty, fairness, and accountability. It ensures that those working in
government serve the public's best interests and maintain trust between the government and
citizens.
Ethics, in general, is about knowing right from wrong and making choices that benefit society,
even when it's not easy. It's like a moral compass that guides our actions in our personal lives
and when we interact with others.
Ethical administrators are responsible, accountable, and dedicated to their duties. They treat
everyone fairly, without bias, and work for the greater good of their nation. They show
compassion and work with efficiency, always striving to make the world a better place.
Ultimately, public service ethics are essential for good governance, as they ensure that
government officials act in ways that benefit the public and maintain the trust of the citizens
they serve. It's all about doing what's right, not just following the rules, and making the world a
fairer and better place for everyone.
