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. This requires 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.”