Foundational Values of Civil Servants – UPSC Ethics Notes

Civil servants are public officials who work for the government and are responsible for implementing policies and delivering services to the public. The role of civil servants is critical in ensuring that the government functions effectively and efficiently, and in upholding the principles of democracy and good governance. Some of the foundational values that are essential for civil servants include:

Integrity: Civil servants must be honest and ethical in their actions and decisions. They must adhere to high standards of professionalism and avoid any conflict of interest that may compromise their objectivity.
Accountability: Civil servants are accountable to the public and must be transparent in their actions and decisions. They must take responsibility for their actions and be willing to explain and justify their decisions to the public.
Impartiality: Civil servants must be neutral and unbiased in their work. They must treat all individuals and groups equally and avoid any form of discrimination or favoritism.
Service orientation: Civil servants must be dedicated to serving the public and delivering high-quality services. They must be responsive to the needs and concerns of the public and work towards improving the lives of citizens.
Competence: Civil servants must have the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to perform their duties effectively. They must be committed to continuous learning and professional development to stay up-to- date with the latest trends and best practices in their field.
Respect for the rule of law: Civil servants must respect and uphold the rule of law. They must ensure that their actions and decisions are consistent with the constitution, laws, and regulations of the country.
Teamwork and collaboration: Civil servants must work collaboratively with their colleagues and other stakeholders to achieve common goals. They must be able to build effective relationships and work towards consensus and common solutions.

Table of Contents

Integrity

Integrity is a fundamental value that is essential for civil servants. It refers to the quality of being honest, ethical, and principled in one’s actions and decisions. Integrity is critical in ensuring that civil servants act in the best interests of the public and adhere to high standards of professionalism and accountability.

There are several reasons why integrity is essential for civil servants. Firstly, civil servants are entrusted with public resources and must ensure that these resources are used for the public good. This requires a high level of integrity to avoid any misuse or misappropriation of public funds. As Nelson Mandela said, “Public office is a public trust, and public servants must always be accountable to the people they serve.”

Secondly, civil servants must be impartial and unbiased in their work. They must treat all individuals and groups equally and avoid any form of discrimination or favoritism. This requires a high level of integrity and adherence to ethical principles. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”

Finally, civil servants must be transparent and accountable in their actions and decisions. They must be willing to explain and justify their decisions to the public and take responsibility for their actions. Thisrequires a high level of integrity and a commitment to honesty and ethical behavior. As former US President Barack Obama said, “The highest form of leadership is integrity.”

Many leaders have emphasized the importance of integrity for civil servants. For example, former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said, “The hallmark of a good civil servant is his integrity.” Similarly, former South African President Thabo Mbeki said, “Integrity, honesty, and accountability are the hallmarks of a good public servant.”

Sardar Patel on Integrity

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the “Iron Man of India,” was a prominent Indian leader who played a key role in India’s struggle for independence and served as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Sardar Patel believed that integrity was a foundational value for civil servants and was essential for ensuring the effective functioning of the government.

In a speech delivered on April 21, 1947, Sardar Patel emphasized the importance of integrity for civil servants. He said, “The first and foremost thing that I would like to impress upon the civil servants is that they should possess impeccable integrity. This is the bedrock on which the edifice of the public service has to be built.”

Sardar Patel believed that civil servants should be honest, ethical, and principled in their actions and decisions. He believed that integrity was critical in ensuring that civil servants acted in the best interests of the public and upheld high standards of professionalism and accountability.

Sardar Patel also believed that integrity was essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of the public in the government. In a speech delivered on July 1, 1947, he said, “The civil servant must remember that he is a servant of the people and not a master. He must carry the people with him in all that he does, and his integrity must be above suspicion.”

Objectivity

It is an important foundational value for civil servants because it ensures that they remain impartial and unbiased in their work. Civil servants are responsible for serving the public interest and delivering services to all individuals and groups fairly and equally. If civil servants are not objective in their work, they may make decisions based on personal biases, preferences, or prejudices, which can result in unfair treatment or discrimination against certain individuals or groups.

Objectivity also ensures that civil servants make decisions based on evidence, facts, and data rather than personal opinions or assumptions. This helps to ensure that government policies and programs are based on sound reasoning and are effective in achieving their intended objectives.

Moreover, objectivity is essential for maintaining the credibility and legitimacy of the government in the eyes of the public. If civil servants are perceived as being biased or partial, it can undermine public trust in the government and lead to a loss of confidence in government institutions.

Plato on Objectivity

Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher and one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy, believed that objectivity was a foundational value for individuals who held positions of power and authority, including civil servants.

In his work “The Republic,” Plato emphasized the importance of reason and objectivity in governance. He argued that rulers should be guided by reason and knowledge rather than personal biases, desires, or interests. He believed that rulers should be able to separate their personal feelings and preferences from their actions and decisions and that they should base their decisions on objective facts and evidence.

Plato believed that objectivity was important because it helped to ensure that rulers made decisions that were in the best interests of the state and its citizens. By basing their decisions on reason and evidence, rulers could avoid making decisions that were influenced by personal biases or interests, which could harm the state or its citizens.

Plato also believed that objectivity was important for maintaining the legitimacy of the state. If rulers were perceived as being biased or partial, it could undermine the trust and confidence of the citizens in the government and lead to instability or even rebellion.

Impartiality

It is a crucial value for civil servants because it ensures that they serve the public interest and not any personal or political interests. As public servants, civil servants are expected to work for the benefit of all citizens and act in a fair and unbiased manner.

Impartiality allows civil servants to remain neutral and objective when making decisions or carrying out their duties. They must not allow personal beliefs, interests, or prejudices to interfere with their work. By remaining impartial, civil servants can build trust with the public, maintain integrity, and ensure that decisions and actions are based on merit, facts, and evidence.

Impartiality also promotes transparency and accountability in the work of civil servants. It ensures that all citizens are treated equally and that decisions are made in the best interest of the public rather than any specific group or individual.

Certain thinkers on Impartiality

Various philosophers have different views on the importance of impartiality as a foundational value for civil servants. Here are some examples:

John Rawls: Rawls argued that impartiality is crucial for a just society. He believed that public officials should be guided by the principles of justice and fairness and that they should remain impartial and neutral when making decisions.
Immanuel Kant: Kant argued that impartiality is a key ethical principle that should guide our actions. He believed that we should treat all individuals as ends in themselves, rather than merely as means to an end. For Kant, this meant that civil servants should act in the best interest of all citizens and not use their position to benefit themselves or any specific group.
Aristotle: Aristotle believed that impartiality is important, but that it must be balanced with other virtues such as courage, compassion, and wisdom. He argued that civil servants should use their reason and judgment to determine what is fair and just in a particular situation.
Jeremy Bentham: Bentham believed that impartiality is important because it promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. He argued that public officials should act in the interest of the public and that their decisions should be based on reason and evidence rather than personal biases or interests.

Non-Partisanship

Non-partisanship is an essential foundational value for civil servants because it ensures that public officials serve the public interest, rather than any specific political party or ideology. Civil servants are expected to remain neutral and work for the benefit of all citizens, regardless of their political beliefs.

Non-partisanship promotes the independence and integrity of civil servants. It ensures that their decisions and actions are not influenced by political pressure or bias and that they are guided by principles of fairness, impartiality, and the rule of law.

Non-partisanship also helps to maintain the credibility and trustworthiness of civil servants. By remaining neutral and non-partisan, civil servants can avoid conflicts of interest and act in the best interest of the public. This helps to build public trust and confidence in the government and its institutions.

Furthermore, non-partisanship promotes continuity and stability in government. It ensures that public officials remain in their positions regardless of changes in political leadership, ensuring the consistent and effective delivery of public services.

Relevance of Non-Partisanship as per Thinkers

Nonpartisanship is crucial in the life of civil servants, as it ensures that public officials act in the best interest of the public, rather than any political party or interest group. Here are some thoughts from thinkers that highlight the importance of nonpartisanship for civil servants:

Max Weber: Weber believed that public officials should remain neutral and nonpartisan, acting as “disinterested servants of the state.” He argued that civil servants should be guided by principles of efficiency, expertise, and rationality, rather than political or personal interests.
Woodrow Wilson: Wilson argued that civil servants should be guided by principles of impartiality, neutrality, and expertise. He believed that public officials should be selected based on their qualifications and merit, rather than political connections or party affiliation.
John Stuart Mill: Mill believed that civil servants should act in the best interest of the public, rather than any particular interest group. He argued that civil servants should be guided by principles of justice, fairness, and equality and that they should remain neutral and nonpartisan in their actions.
Adam Smith: Smith believed that civil servants should act in the interest of the public, rather than any particular interest group. He argued that public officials should be guided by principles of impartiality and the rule of law, rather than political or personal interests.

Empathy

Empathy is highly relevant in the life of a civil servant because it helps to promote understanding and effective communication between the government and the public. As public servants, civil servants are responsible for providing services and assistance to the public, and empathy can help them to better understand the needs, concerns, and perspectives of the people they serve.

Empathy enables civil servants to put themselves in the shoes of others and understand their experiences and emotions. By doing so, civil servants can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges that people face and identify ways to provide better support and assistance. Empathy can also help civil servants to communicate more effectively with the public and build trust and rapport.

Empathy is also important for civil servants who work with vulnerable populations, such as individuals living in poverty or those with disabilities. Empathy can help civil servants to provide more compassionate and effective support, and ensure that vulnerable populations have access to the services they need.

Furthermore, empathy can help civil servants to make more ethical and just decisions. By understanding the impact of their decisions on others, civil servants can make decisions that are fair and just, rather than solely based on rules and regulations.

Features of an empathetic civil servant

Active Listening: Empathetic civil servants listen attentively to the concerns and needs of the public. They make an effort to understand their perspectives and experiences, and show that they value their input.
Understanding: Empathetic civil servants seek to understand the feelings and emotions of the people they serve. They put themselves in their shoes and try to see things from their perspective.
Compassion: Empathetic civil servants show genuine concern and care for the well-being of the people they serve. They are compassionate and sympathetic to the challenges that people face, and seek to provide support and assistance where possible.
Communication: Empathetic civil servants communicate effectively and clearly with the public. They use language that is easy to understand, and ensure that the public is aware of the services and support available to them.
Flexibility: Empathetic civil servants are flexible and adaptable to the needs of the public. They are willing to modify their approaches and services based on feedback and changing circumstances.
Cultural Sensitivity: Empathetic civil servants are sensitive to cultural differences and diversity. They show respect for the customs and beliefs of the people they serve, and seek to provide services and support that are culturally appropriate.

Positive Attitude: Empathetic civil servants maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, even in challenging situations. They remain calm and composed under pressure, and seek to find solutions that are in the best interest of the public.

Empathy through the lens of Thinkers

Empathy has been the subject of philosophical inquiry for centuries, and many philosophers have offered their thoughts on the nature and importance of empathy. Here are some examples:

Adam Smith: Smith believed that empathy, or what he called “sympathy,” was a key element of moral development. He argued that humans have a natural tendency to feel the pain and pleasure of others and that this capacity for empathy enables us to develop moral sentiments and a sense of justice.
Martin Buber: Buber believed that empathy was a fundamental aspect of human relationships. He argued that in genuine human interactions, we “enter into” the experiences of others and that this empathetic connection forms the basis of authentic relationships.
Emmanuel Levinas: Levinas saw empathy as a way of recognizing and responding to the “otherness” of other people. He argued that empathy enables us to understand and respect the unique experiences and perspectives of others, and to respond to their needs in a way that recognizes their humanity.
Carl Rogers: Rogers believed that empathy was a key element of effective counseling and therapy. He argued that empathy enabled therapists to understand the experiences and emotions of their clients and to respond to their needs in a supportive and non-judgmental way.
Martha Nussbaum: Nussbaum has argued that empathy is a crucial component of ethical reasoning and decision-making. She believes that empathy enables us to recognize the needs and interests of others and to make decisions that promote human well-being and dignity.

Compassion is an integral part of a Civil Servant’s personality

Compassion is a hallmark of a perfect civil servant because it enables them to empathize with the needs and experiences of the public and to provide support and assistance in a caring and respectful manner. Compassion is an important quality for civil servants to possess because they work in public service and are responsible for providing services and assistance to the public.

Here are some reasons why compassion is an essential quality for a perfect civil servant:

Improves Service Delivery: Compassionate civil servants are more likely to provide high-quality service to the public. When civil servants show empathy and care for the needs of the public, they are better able to understand their concerns and provide appropriate support and assistance.
Builds Trust: Compassionate civil servants are more likely to build trust and rapport with the public. When civil servants show compassion, they demonstrate that they care about the well-being of the public, which can help to build positive relationships and foster trust.
Enhances Public Perception: Compassionate civil servants are viewed more positively by the public. When civil servants show compassion, they are seen as caring and respectful, which can enhance the public’s perception of government and public service.
Promotes Ethical Behavior: Compassionate civil servants are more likely to behave ethically and morally. When civil servants show compassion, they are less likely to engage in behaviors that are harmful or discriminatory towards the public.
Fosters a Positive Work Environment: Compassionate civil servants can create a positive work environment. When civil servants show compassion towards their colleagues, they can create a supportive and positive workplace culture that benefits everyone.

Some quotes on Compassion

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” – Albert Schweitzer
“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals.” – Pema Chödrön
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” –Dalai Lama
“Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.” – Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama
“Compassion is the basis of morality.” – Arthur Schopenhauer
“When we give ourselves compassion, we are opening our hearts in a way that can transform our lives.” – Kristin Neff
“The greatest gift you can give someone is your own personal development. I used to say, ‘If you will take care of me, I will take care of you.’ Now I say, ‘I will take care of me for you, if you will take care of you for me.’” – Jim Rohn
“Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things.” – Thomas Merton
“Compassion is not just feeling with someone, but seeking to change the situation. Frequently people think compassion and love are merely sentimental. No! They are very demanding. If you are going to be compassionate, be prepared for action!” – Desmond Tutu
“Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into the places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears.” – Henri Nouwen

Accountability

Accountability is a cornerstone of a good civil servant because it ensures that they are responsible for their actions and decisions and that they are held to high standards of ethical conduct and performance. Civil servants work in the public sector and are entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities that have a significant impact on the lives of the public they serve. Accountability helps to ensure that civil servants are transparent, efficient, and effective in carrying out their duties.

Here are some reasons why accountability is a crucial element of good civil service:

Transparency: Accountability promotes transparency, which is crucial for building trust between civil servants and the public. When civil servants are accountable, they are more likely to be transparent about their actions and decisions and to provide clear and accurate information to the public.
Ethical Conduct: Accountability helps to promote ethical conduct among civil servants. When civil servants know that they are accountable for their actions, they are more likely to act in a manner that is consistent with ethical principles and standards.
Effective Performance: Accountability ensures that civil servants are focused on achieving results and delivering high-quality services to the public. When civil servants know that they are accountable for their performance, they are more likely to work diligently to achieve their objectives and meet the needs of the public.
Professionalism: Accountability is an essential element of professional conduct. Civil servants are expected to act professionally in all aspects of their work, and accountability helps to ensure that they are held to high standards of professionalism.
Trust: Accountability helps to build trust between civil servants and the public. When civil servants are accountable, they are more likely to be trusted by the public, which can lead to greater collaboration and cooperation between civil servants and the public they serve.

Possible ways of building Accountability in Civil servant

Accountability is an essential element of good governance and public service delivery. It helps to ensure that civil servants are responsible for their actions and decisions and that they are transparent and efficient in carrying out their duties. Here are some ways in which accountability can be built within a civil servant:

Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Civil servants should have clear roles and responsibilities, which should be defined in their job descriptions and performance evaluations. This helps to ensure that civil servants understand what is expected of them and are accountable for delivering results in their areas of responsibility.
Performance Management: Civil servants should be held accountable for their performance, which should be regularly evaluated against predefined performance metrics. This helps to ensure that civil servants are focused on achieving results and delivering high-quality services to the public.
Ethical Standards: Civil servants should be held accountable to high ethical standards, which should be clearly defined in codes of conduct and other policies. This helps to ensure that civil servants act with integrity and avoid conflicts of interest in carrying out their duties.
Transparency: Civil servants should be transparent in their actions and decisions, which helps to build trust between civil servants and the public they serve. This includes providing clear and accurate information to the public about their activities and decisions.
Oversight and Review: Civil servants should be subject to oversight and review by external bodies, such as audit agencies and ombudsman offices. This helps to ensure that civil servants are held accountable for their actions and decisions and that they are responsive to the needs of the public.

FAQs on foundational values of Civil Servants

1. What are the foundational values expected from civil servants in the context of ethics for the UPSC exam?

Civil servants are expected to uphold values such as integrity, impartiality, transparency, accountability, and honesty. These foundational values serve as the cornerstone of their ethical conduct in public service.

2. Why are these foundational values important for civil servants in their roles?

These values are crucial because they ensure that civil servants act in the best interests of the public, maintain public trust, and deliver services and policies without any bias, corruption, or undue influence. They help in fostering good governance.

3. How are these values assessed in the UPSC exam?

The UPSC examination assesses a candidate’s understanding of these foundational values through the Ethics paper, which includes case studies and questions related to ethical dilemmas and decision-making. Candidates are expected to apply these values to practical scenarios.

4. Can you give an example of how these values are applied in real-life situations by civil servants?

For instance, a civil servant may face a situation where a private company offers a substantial bribe in exchange for favorable government contracts. Upholding the value of integrity, the civil servant should refuse the bribe and ensure a transparent and competitive bidding process.

5. What is the consequence of a lack of adherence to these foundational values for civil servants?

Failure to uphold these values can lead to corruption, a loss of public trust, and a deterioration of the quality of governance. It may result in disciplinary actions, including suspension or termination of employment, and legal consequences such as prosecution for corrupt practices.