A case study is a comprehensive and in-depth examination of a particular subject, often within its real-life context. It serves as a methodological tool to explore, analyze, and understand complex issues or phenomena, ranging from individual experiences to organizational challenges. Typically employed in various academic disciplines, business settings, and scientific research, a case study involves an extensive investigation that aims to provide a detailed account of the subject under scrutiny. By delving into the intricate details of a specific case, researchers can uncover valuable insights, draw conclusions, and offer practical solutions. This method offers a holistic approach, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the subject, making it an invaluable tool for gaining knowledge and informing decision-making processes.
Q12. In recent times, there has been an increasing concern in India to develop effective civil service ethics, code of conduct, transparency measures, ethics and integrity systems and anti-corruption agencies. In view of this, there is a need being felt to focus on three specific areas, which are directly relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and ethics in the civil services. These are as follows:
- Anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity in the civil services,
- Strengthening the ethical competence of civil servant and
- Developing administrative processes and practices which promote ethical values and integrity in civil services.
Suggest institutional measures to address the above three issues. (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tag: Case Study
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to write the context of the case.
Answer:
In recent times, there is an increasing expectation from ordinary citizens, business leaders and Civil Society for higher standards of ethical behavior and integrity in the Civil Services. To promote this, various methods like Code of Conduct, Citizen Charters, etc have been developed. However, the focus should also be on internalizing professional ethics and integrity in civil services to make it more citizen-friendly.. There is now a need to concentrate on three areas of concern in particular, which are directly relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and Ethics in democratic governments and the Civil Service.
- Anticipating specific threats to ethics standards and integrity in the public sector.
- Strengthening the ethical competence of civil servants, and strengthening mechanisms to support “professional ethics”.
- Developing administrative practices and processes that promote ethical values and integrity.
Attention needs to be paid to systemic threats that could weaken adherence to core public sector ethics values, and commitment to good governance, and to preparing the necessary political and management responses.
New methods need to be accepted to institutionalize ethically competent decision-making, disinterested advice to the Government, and, ultimately, an ‘ethical culture’ that supports professional responsibility, self-discipline, and support for the rule of law.
New and proposed pro-ethics laws require effective implementation through, for example, effective performance management techniques that support the entrenchment of the ethical values set out in Civil Service (and parastatals) Codes of Ethics.
Values involved in the case:
- Ethical integrity of civil servants.
- Probity in governance.
- The moral aptitude of civil servants.
- Accountability and responsibility.
- Transparency and citizen participation.
Institutional measures to deal with the above three issues are as follows:
- Effective laws that require civil servants to give reasons for their official decisions, (for example: a Freedom of Information law).
- Management approaches encourage all public officials and civil servants to deal positively with corruption and unethical practices when they encounter it.
- ‘Whistleblower’ protection law to protect appropriate ‘public interest disclosures’ of wrongdoing by officials.
- Ethics audits to identify risks to the integrity of the most important processes (for example financial management, tendering, recruitment and promotion, dismissal, and discipline).
- New Human Resource Management strategies (which link, for example, ethical performance with entry and advancement, and ethical ‘under-performance’ with disciplinary processes), merit-based promotion and recruitment, and anti-discrimination protections.
- Training and development in the content and rationale of Ethics Codes, the application of ethical management principles, the proper use of official power, and the requirements of professional responsibility.
- Effective external and internal complaint and redress procedures.
- It is now generally recognized that meaningful and enforceable Ethics codes, linked to systemic practices and procedures, based on legislation, and backed by management leadership and high-level political commitment, and ongoing ‘professional ethics’ training, are essential.
- Official decisions affected by ‘Maladministration’ may be reviewed independently, (for example by an Ombudsman, Administrative Appeals Tribunal or Court), and corrected. Officials responsible for maladministration may also be disciplined by their employer.
- Failure to report known or reasonably suspected cases may be used as the grounds for disciplinary measures to be taken against civil servants.
- The provision of FoI rights to citizens is now considered essential to ensuring accountability by public officials and Governments.
- In some countries, citizens have an unqualified right, under law, to be advised of the reasons for any official decision of which they are directly the subject. This includes the right to be advised, at the time of the decision and in writing, of the evidence and other information taken into account by the decision maker, and of the procedure, if any, for having the decision reviewed.
- All significant official decisions can be made subject to independent review, and effective administrative procedures (in particular the keeping of proper records), can be required to be maintained, to assist effective independent review.
- In the interests of improving accountability and fostering the fight against corruption, some countries have passed laws to establish a right whereby a person may make a protected ‘public interest disclosure’ of any suspected or actual corruption, misconduct, or Maladministration by a civil servant or public official.
Promotion of ethical behavior and integrity in civil servants, and revamping the public administration is critical to ensure that the policies of social welfare are implemented in true spirit. It would improve the responsiveness of public servants towards the common citizenry. Also, the public trust would increase in the government setup. Greater social capital can in turn help in the promotion of ethical governance.
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