ETHICS

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SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY BOOK PUBLICATIONS

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 ETHICS

©
SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY BOOK PUBLICATIONS

Ethics (English Version)

First Edition, May 2024

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Published by
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Chennai - 600 040. Tamil Nadu.
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 Content

CONTENTS
[Link]. Particulars Page No.
1. INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS ................................................................1

2. ETHICS AND HUMAN INTERFACE...................................................... 19

3. ETHICS OF THIRUKURAL................................................................... 45

4. ETHICS AND MORALS........................................................................ 55

5. PRINCIPLES IN MORALS .................................................................... 66

6. ATTITUDE: THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIOUR.......................................... 79

7. MORAL AND POLITICAL ATTITUDE .................................................... 95

8. ETHICS AND GOVERNANCE ............................................................ 107

9. CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS.................................................... 120

10. ETHICS IN PUBLIC SERVICES.......................................................... 128

11. CHALLENGES IN ETHICAL ADMINISTRATION.................................. 142

12. CHALLENGES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ETHICS...................... 158

13. CASE STUDY.................................................................................... 183

hhhhh

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 ETHICS

COMBINED CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION – I

GROUP – I SERVICES
MAIN WRITTEN EXAMINATION – DESCRIPTIVE TYPE
CODE : 425
PAPER – II
GENERAL STUDIES (DEGREE STANDARD)

REVISED SYLLABUS

UNIT-III: ETHICS AND INTEGRITY

Ethics and Human Interface: Definition and scope of Ethics – Ethics

of Indian Schools of Philosophy - Ethics of Thirukkural; Kinds of Ethics:
Intuitionism – Existentialism – Duties and Responsibility – Moral
Judgements – Moral Absolutism – Moral Obligation.

Attitude: Its Influence and relation with thought and behaviour – Moral
and Political
attitudes;

Ethics in Public Administration: Philosophical basis of governance

and Probity in Governance – Codes of Ethics and Conduct: Primary
responsibilities of public service professionals – Transparency of
Information sharing and service delivery – Professional and Non-
Professional interaction – Potentially beneficial interaction – Maintenance
of confidentiality of records – Disclosure of Information – Boundaries
of competence – Consultation on Ethical obligation – Ethics and Non-
discrimination – Citizen’s Charters - Challenges of corruption - Ethics of
Public polity Determination.

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 Content

xU§»izªj Foik¥ gÂfŸ nj®î-– I

bjhFâ – I gÂfŸ
Kj‹ik vG¤J¤ nj®î – ÉǪJiu¡F« tif
F¿pL : 425
jhŸ – II
bghJ m¿î (g£l¥go¥ò¤ ju«)
âU¤j¥g£l ghl¤â£l«

myF - III: mwbe¿ k‰W« ne®ik

mwbe¿í« kÅj ïilKf¥ò«: tiuaiw k‰W« thŒ¥òfŸ - ïªâa

j¤Jt¥gŸËfË‹ mwbe¿fŸ - âU¡FwË‹ e‹bd¿fŸ; mwbe¿fË‹
tiffŸ: cŸSz®îthj« - ïU¤jÈaš - flikfS« bghW¥òfS« -
e‹bd¿¤ Ô®¥òfŸ - e‹bd¿KGikthj« - mwbe¿¡ flikfŸ.

kd¥gh§F: v©z« k‰W« el¤ij - mj‹ bjhl®ò« jh¡fK« - mw« rh®ªj

k‰W« muáaš rh®ªj kd¥gh§F.

bghJ îthf¤âYŸs e‹bd¿fŸ: M£áKiwÆ‹ j¤JtÉaš Mjhu« k‰W«

M£áKiwÆYŸs ehza« - mwbe¿ k‰W« el¤ij ÃaâfŸ - bghJîthf
tšYd®fË‹ Kj‹ik¥ bghW¥òfŸ - jftšfŸ gÇkh‰w« k‰W« nritfŸ
tH§fÈš btË¥gil¤j‹ik - bjhÊšKiw el¤ij k‰W« bjhÊšKiw
el¤ij mšyhj bjhl®òfŸ - rh¤âakhd ga‹jU« bjhl®òfŸ - ïufáa¥
gâîfis¥ guhkǤjš - jftš btËÆLjš - mâfhu tu«òfŸ - be¿Kiw¡
flik¡ F¿¤j Mnyhrid - mwbe¿í« ghFgho‹¿ ïU¤jY« - Fok¡fË‹
rhrd§fŸ - CHšrh® rthšfŸ - bghJ muáaš Ô®khd¤â‹ mwbe¿fŸ.

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 ETHICS

PART - 1
ETHICS

vi All Rights Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing.
 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS 1
INTRODUCTION ¾ Ethics deal with the voluntary
actions of human i.e. the actions
Ethics is concerned with what is
'good for individuals and society' and done consciously, deliberately,
is also defined as moral beliefs. From a and in view of an end. Ethical
general perspective, ethics is a process standards include those that
of moral principles. These principles enjoin virtues of honesty,
have a significant effect on people to compassion, and loyalty. They
make decisions and lead good quality include standards relating to
lives. Therefore, ethics could be said rights, such as the right to life,
to cover the following dilemmas: how the right to freedom from injury
to live a good life, our rights and and the right to privacy. Thus,
responsibilities, the language of right ethics is to help one to find what
and wrong moral decisions - what is is good and how to get it.
good and bad?
¾ The same principle is repeated in
DEFINITION OF ETHICS Christianity- 'Do unto others as
you would, they would do unto
¾ Ethics comes from the Greek word
you.' Thus, we should behave with
"ethos" which means character,
others in the same manner as we
habit, culture, etc., and represents
the code of conduct that we expect expect them to behave with us.
of others and ourselves. ¾ As a theory, ethics provide the
¾ It is the study of human basic fundamental principles
action from the point of view of of moral judgement; while as a
rightfulness or wrongfulness and practice, it is concerned about
prescribes what humans ought ends to be gained and the means
to do, usually in terms of rights, of attaining it.
obligations, benefits to society,
The definition of Ethics is well-
fairness, etc.
concretized in this maxim.
¾ It is the science about what
humans ought to be; and ESSENCE OF ETHICS
regulates and directs life and gives The essence of Ethics means the
orientation to one's existence. intrinsic nature or indispensable
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 ETHICS

quality of ethics that determines its Principles in implementing the

character. Ethics is elaborated as the essence of ethics:
systematic study of human actions from
(a) First Principle: Self-evident social
the perspective of their rightfulness
ethics, intuitively known by all
or wrongfulness, as a means for the humans as a basic sense and cannot
attainment of definitive happiness. It be deleted from human heart.
is the reflective understanding of good
or bad in that part of human conduct (b) Secondary Principle: Derived
from first principle and requires
for which human has some personal
reflection. This means application
responsibility. In other words, Ethics
or portrayal of inculcated ethics
is a set of principles that society into action.
places on itself and which helps guide
behavior, choices, and actions. This is (c) Tertiary Principle: Requires study
explained by its principles and various and discursive thoughts. This is the
re-verification part in the process of
paradigms defined below:
implementing the essence of ethics.

Moral Instruction
Test against

Generalize
Predictions about concrete cases

apply Moral Principles

Components of Essence of Ethics: 2. Actions – Choices in turn are

shown through our actions
The basic components of the physically.
essence of ethics are:
3. Behaviour – It is the way we
1. Choices – Certain preferences act or conduct ourselves. The
and priorities make us decide behaviour which we exhibit is
what we want. Such choices we influenced by the choices we make
make reflect in our actions. and acts we do. If it's ethical, it

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 Introduction to Ethics
is called ethical behaviour. (Eg) which may vary from society to
treating others with respect or no society.
respect determines the underlying
¾ Ethical standards may transcend
behavior.
the narrow stipulations of law and
Prevalence and Benefits of code of regulations.
Essence of Ethics in Humans DETERMINANTS OF ETHICS
and Society:
The determinants of ethics are
¾ Ethics originate from the sense of the factors in human behaviour that
justice prevailing in a particular determine whether the action or
society and they are interrelated outcome is ethically good or bad. Some
to each other. E.g. – honesty, of the determinants of ethics are:
truthfulness, integrity; values of
equality and justice cannot exist ¾ Person: It depends on the mental
without tolerance, etc. makeup of an individual. It
depends upon how the person has
¾ Ethics operates at different level
internalized personal attitudes
like individual, organisation,
and values regarding ethical
socio-cultural, political and
behaviour.
international. Ethics at each level
affect each other. ¾ Place: It refers to the external
¾ Ethical behaviour leads to various environment which includes
benefits for an individual as well family, school, etc. For example,
as the society at large. Ethics as kids, we were told by our
leads to peace, harmony, respect, parents and teachers not to steal
justice etc. Ethics preach a certain things. As we grow up we tend to
kind of behaviour to us. It tells us carry such knowledge and apply
how should people behave. it to the real world. Similarly,
the workplace teaches us the
¾ Ethics are abstract and subjective
ethics of teamwork, punctuality,
in nature i.e., they are affected
responsibility, etc.
by an individual’s emotions and
perceptions. ¾ Time: Different individuals,
¾ Ethics is not an objective universal societies, and cultures have
concept. Its understanding varies different sets of moral codes
from time to time, from person at different times. It was once
to person, society to society. considered ethical to own a slave.
Ethics are determined in a social But today such a practice is
setting at a given point in time. A unethical.
society’s history, culture, values, ¾ Object: It is unethical to lie despite
etc. determine ethical standards any circumstances, purpose,
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 ETHICS

or intention. Telling a truth to ¾ Conscience & Intuition: A person

intentionally harm a person is who follows his conscience &
also unethical as the intention of intuition feels what is good is good
telling a truth is not pure. because it is good, and what is bad
¾ Circumstances: Stealing is is bad because it is bad. Intuition
unethical. But a poor person doesn’t need any justification
stealing to feed her children while following its actions. But
reduces unethically of the act. conscience is justified based on
Such situation ethics bring his actions because of its moral
subjectivity as it often makes nature and it has reasoning and
morality subjective. justification.
¾ End purpose: To give a donation ¾ Family: Family is the first
to a poor person is good but if interaction where a child's
such a donation is to lure a poor personality develops since his
person to do something for you,
birth. Today’s Children are
then it becomes immoral.
tomorrow’s citizens. Therefore,
¾ Culture: Culture has a profound it's of utmost importance that the
effect on shaping individual family environment teaches what
values. Western culture surrounds is ethically correct.
around individualism and Indian
culture is based on universalism. TYPES OF ETHICS
¾ Role Models / Celebrities / Famous There are four types of Ethics,
Personalities: The leadership or namely-
role models and celebrities of a
1. Descriptive Ethics
society, organization, or nation
also help to determine whether 2. Normative Ethics
the conduct of their followers or 3. Meta-Ethics
admirers is ethical.
4. Applied Ethics
¾ Constitution: The constitution of
various countries also is a way to 1. Descriptive Ethics:
establish the moral disposition of
¾ Descriptive ethics is the study of
their society.
people's values about morality.
¾ God & Religion: Every religion It involves empirical analysis. It
and god advocates universal peace gives a general pattern or a way of
and ethical practices. Religious life for people in different types of
textbooks teach how one should
communities.
behave in a society and how the
society should be. ¾ Descriptive ethics studies the
history and development of ethics.
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 Introduction to Ethics
It gives a record of certain taboos, away from the path of ideals.
customs, or principles It provides a good reason for
punishing a person who upsets
¾ Descriptive ethics investigates
social and moral order.
people's ethical morals or what
actions are condemned in a ¾ Normative ethics offer moral
civilization. It aims to find out principles to use to resolve difficult
people's beliefs about values, moral decisions. It tries to set up
which actions are right and certain theories on the guidelines
wrong, and which characteristics of some norms.
of a moral agent are virtuous.
Normative ethical theories
¾ Descriptive ethics seeks the
explanation of actual choices The 3 main normative ethical
made by moral agents in practice. theories are:
It investigates the ethical codes ¾ Virtue ethics
applied by various groups.
¾ Deontological ethics
¾ Descriptive Ethics is a value-
¾ Consequentialism
free approach to ethics. It is an
empirical exploration of people's Virtue ethics focuses on the
moral philosophy. nature of those who are acting,
while both deontological ethics and
2. Normative Ethics: consequentialism contemplate on the
status of the action, rule, or disposition
¾ Normative ethics involves attaining
itself. The latter two notions of ethics
moral standards that regulate
themselves come in various forms.
right and wrong conduct. It is the For instance, a consequentialist may
study of ethical acts. It therefore argue that lying is wrong because
focuses explicitly on questions of it produces negative consequences
'what is the right thing to do?’. In though a consequentialist may permit
a sense, it explores an ideal way of that certain predictable consequences
appropriate behaviour. might make lying acceptable. A
¾ Normative ethics is also called deontologist may conflict that lying is
prescriptive ethics. It is the always wrong, in spite of any potential
study of ethical theories that "good" that might come from lying. A
recommend how people ought to virtue ethicist, however, would focus
act. It scrutinizes standards for less on lying in any particular instance
the rightness and wrongness of and instead consider what a decision
actions. to tell a lie or not tell a lie said about
one's character and moral behaviour.
¾ Normative ethics advocates As such, the morality of lying would
punishment when people move depend on a case basis, which would
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 ETHICS

be based on factors such as personal CRITICISM OF VIRTUE THEORY

benefit, group benefit, and intentions.
Regarding virtues once apparently
1. Virtue ethics applicable to women, many would have
once considered a virtuous woman
Virtue ethics is supported by to be quiet, servile, and productive.
numerous famous philosophers such
This notion of female virtue no longer
as Plato, Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas.
holds true in many modern societies.
It focuses on the innate character of a
Advocates of virtue theory argued
person rather than on specific actions.
Virtue ethics stress the role of one's that a central feature of a virtue is its
character and the virtues that one's universal applicability. It can be said
character embodies for determining that any character trait defined as a
or evaluating ethical behaviour. virtue must reasonably be universally
The cardinal virtues are a set of four regarded as a virtue for all sentient
virtues derived primarily from Plato's beings. This view represents that it
proposal,. They consist of: is contradictory to claim, for example
¾ Prudence: It is also explained servility as a female virtue, while at
as wisdom, the ability to judge the same time not proposing it as a
between actions with regard to male one.
appropriate actions at a given Another criticism to virtue theory
time. is that the school does not focus on
¾ Justice: It is considered as what sorts of actions are morally
fairness, the most extensive and permitted and which ones are not,
most important virtue. but rather on what sort of qualities
¾ Temperance: It is called restraint, someone ought to foster in order to
the practice of self-control, become a good person.
abstention, and moderation.
1. Deontological ethics
¾ Courage: It is known as fortitude,
forbearance, strength, endurance, Deontological ethics is the
and the ability to confront fear, normative ethical state that judges
uncertainty, and intimidation. the morality of an action based on
the action's adherence to rules. It is
Aristotle categorized the virtues as
defined as "duty" or "obligation" or
moral and intellectual. He recognized
a few intellectual virtues, the most "rule" based ethics because rules
important of which was wisdom. "bind you to your duty." Deontology
Aristotle debated that each of the argues that decisions should be made
moral virtues was a mean between considering the factors of one's duties
two corresponding vices, one of excess and others' rights. Some deontological
and one of deficiency. theories include:
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 Introduction to Ethics
a) Immanuel Kant's approach b) Moral absolutism
Kant's construction of the moral Some deontologists are moral
law is the categorical crucial, which absolutists. They believed that certain
acts on all people, regardless of their actions were absolutely right or wrong,
interests or desires. Immanuel Kant's despite the intentions behind them as
Categorical Imperative roots morality well as the consequences. Immanuel
in humanity's rational capacity and Kant argued that the only absolutely
asserts certain inviolable moral laws. good thing is good will, and so the
Kant avowed that human beings single determining factor of whether
occupy a special place in conception, an action is morally right is the will
and morality can be summed up in an or motive of the person doing it. If
imperative or ultimate commandment they are acting on a bad maxim then
of reason, from which all duties their action is wrong, even if some
and obligations derive. He defined good consequences come of it. Non-
an imperative as any proposition absolutist deontologists maintained
declaring a certain action (or inaction) that the consequences of an action
to be required. such as lying may sometimes make
laying the right thing to do.
His formulation of humanity as
an ends in itself requires that it is c) Divine command theory
immoral to use another person merely
Some deontologists believe in the
as a means to an end and that people
'divine command theory'. The divine
must, under all circumstances, be
command theory declares that an
treated as ends in themselves. In other
action is right if God has decreed
words, it was not the consequences of that it is right. The Divine Command
actions that make them right or wrong Theory is a form of deontology because
but the motives of the person who it represents that the rightness of any
performs the action. Kant argues that action depends upon that action being
to act in the morally right way, people performed because it is a duty, not
must act from duty. Kant argues that because of any good consequences
those things that are usually thought arising from that action.
to be good, such as intelligence,
perseverance and pleasure, fail to 1. Consequentialism (Teleology)
be either intrinsically good or good
Consequentialism is the form
without qualification. Pleasure, for
of normative ethical theories that
example, appears not to be good
indicates the consequences of one's
without qualification, because when
conduct are the ultimate basis for
people take pleasure in watching
any judgment about the rightness
someone suffering; this seems to make
or wrongness of that behaviour.
the situation ethically shoddier.
Consequently, from a consequentialist
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 ETHICS

viewpoint, a morally right act is one that an individual take actions that
that will produce a good outcome, or have the best consequences for
consequence. In other words, "the everyone except for himself.
ends justify the means".
d) Utilitarianism
Consequentialism is generally
distinguished from deontological ¾ Utilitarianism is a presumption
ethics (or deontology), in that in normative ethics holding
deontology derives the rightness or that the moral action is the one
wrongness of one's conduct from the that maximizes utility. Utility
character of the behaviour itself rather is defined in different manners,
than the results of the behaviour. It is including pleasure, economic
also differentiated from virtue ethics, well-being, and the lack of
which focuses on the character of the suffering. Utilitarianism is a
agent rather than on the nature or form of consequentialism, which
consequences of the act itself. entails that the consequences of
an action are of moral importance.
Some Consequentialism theories
are as under: ¾ The two most prominent
contributors of Classical
a) State consequentialism or Mohist utilitarianism were Jeremy
consequentialism Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
Theorist, Bentham, who takes
It maintains that an action is right
happiness as the measure for
if it leads to state welfare, through
utility stated that "it is the greatest
order, material wealth, and population
happiness of the greatest number
growth.
that is the measure of right and
b) Ethical egoism wrong".

Ethical egoism is consequentialist ¾ Bentham introduced a method of

ethics in which moral agents ought to calculating the value of pleasures
do what is in their own self-interest. and pains, which has come to be
In ethical egoism, the consequences known as the hedonic calculus.
for the individual agent are taken to Hedonism is a school of thought
matter more than any other result. that argues that pleasure is
Thus, egoism will recommend actions the primary or most important
that may be beneficial, detrimental, or intrinsic good. A hedonist strives
neutral to the welfare of others. to maximize net pleasure.
¾ Bentham stated that the value
c) Ethical altruism of a pleasure or pain, considered
Ethical altruism can be seen as a by itself, can be measured
consequentialist ethics that prescribes according to its intensity,
duration, certainty/uncertainty
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 Introduction to Ethics
and propinquity/remoteness. In Meta ethics, there are two major
Additionally, it is necessary to issues:
consider "the tendency of any act ¾ The metaphysical issues concerning
by which it is produced". whether morality exists independently
¾ Ultimately, it is essential to of humans.
consider the extent, or the ¾ Psychological issues concerning
number of people affected by the the underlying mental basis of our
action. Mill was brought up as moral judgments and conduct.
a Benthamite with the explicit
intention that would carry on the Meta-ethics deals with the inquiry
cause of utilitarianism. such as:
¾ 'What is the meaning of moral
Meta-Ethics: terms or judgments?’
Meta-ethics is described by ¾ 'What is the nature of moral
thinkers as the study of the origin judgments?'
and meaning of ethical concepts. The
¾ 'How may moral judgments be
term "meta" means after or beyond,
supported or defended?'
and, consequently. Meta-ethics is
associated with the nature of ethical There are theories to answer
properties, statements, attitudes and the above three questions:
judgments. Meta-ethics examines
such themes as what moral questions I. SEMANTIC THEORIES:
mean, and on what basis people can These theories mainly put forward
know what is 'true' or 'false'. It can a position on the first of the three
be established that Meta-ethics is questions. Meta-ethical theories are
the study of what ethical terms and commonly classified as cognitivist
theories actually refer to. It determines theories or Non-Cognitivist theories
the validity of theories advanced in
Cognitivist theories: Cognitivism
Normative Ethics.
is the meta-ethical analysis that
In ethics, certain moral concepts ethical sentences express propositions
are used such as right, wrong, good, or and can therefore be true or false, as
bad to evaluate human actions. These opposed to non-cognitivism.
moral concepts are used as tools in
making moral judgments. Meta ethics 1. Moral realism or Ethical
appraises ethical concepts. It studies Objectivism
the meaning of moral language and It maintains that such propositions
the metaphysics of moral facts. Meta are not facts about any person or
ethics comprehends the nature of group's subjective opinion, but
ethical properties and evaluations.

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 ETHICS

about objective features of the world, circumstances. Ethical subjectivism

independent of human opinion. stands in opposition to moral realism,
which asserts that moral propositions
Advantages of Moral Realism: refer to objective facts, independent of
¾ Moral realism permits the ordinary human opinion.
rules of logic to be applied directly 3. Error theory
to moral statements. It can be
said that a moral belief is false or It is a type of moral anti-realism
contradictory in the same way we that maintains that although ethical
would about a factual belief. claims do express propositions, all
¾ Another benefit of moral realism such propositions are false. Since
is its capacity to resolve moral error theory rejects that there are
disagreements. If two moral moral truths, error theory entails
beliefs disagree with one another, moral nihilism (Moral nihilism is
realism says that they cannot both the meta-ethical view that nothing
be right, and therefore everyone is intrinsically moral or immoral)
involved ought to be seeking out and, thus, moral skepticism (Moral
the right answer to resolve the skepticism is metaethical view that
disagreement. no one has any moral knowledge).
Error theory is developed on three
Disadvantages of Moral Realism: principles:

Though realism can describe how ¾ There are no moral features in

to resolve moral conflicts, it does not this world; nothing is right or
explain how these conflicts arose wrong.
in the first place. Others also raised
¾ Therefore no moral judgements
concern about realism because moral
truths cannot be observed in the same are true; however,
way as material facts so it seems odd ¾ Our sincere moral judgements
to count them in the same group. try, but always fail, to describe
2. Ethical subjectivism the moral features of things.
Non-cognitivist theories: Non-
It is a type of moral anti-realism. cognitivism is the meta-ethical
It maintains that moral statements outlook that ethical sentences do not
are made true or false by the attitudes express propositions and thus cannot
and/or conventions of people. Ethical be true or false. Non-cognitivism is
subjectivism is also compatible another form of moral anti-realism. If
with moral absolutism, in that the moral statements cannot be true, and
individual or society to whose attitudes if one cannot know something that
moral propositions refer can hold some is not true, non-cognitivism entails
moral principle to apply regardless of
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 Introduction to Ethics
that moral knowledge is impossible. is to all people irrespective of
Criticism for non-cognitivism is that culture, race, sex, religion,
it disregards the external causes of nationality, sexuality, or other
emotional and prescriptive reactions. distinctive features. The source
or justification of this system may
¾ Emotivism: Emotivism is a meta-
be thought to be human nature,
ethical view that claims that
shared vulnerability to suffering,
ethical sentences do not express
and the demands of universal
propositions but emotional
reason.
attitudes. It maintains that ethical
sentences serve just to express ¾ Not all forms of moral universalism
emotions. are value monist; many forms
of universalism may be value
¾ Universal prescriptivism: Universal
pluralist. Value monism is the
prescriptivism is the meta-ethical
common form of universalism,
view which asserts that rather
which holds that all goods are
than expressing propositions,
commensurable on a single value
ethical sentences function
scale. Value pluralism is the
similarly to imperatives which are
thought that there are several
universalizable whoever makes
values that may be equally correct
a moral judgement is committed
and fundamental, and yet in
to the same judgement in any
disagreement with each other.
situation where the same relevant
facts obtain. ¾ Moral relativism: It upholds
that all moral judgements have
II. SUBSTANTIAL THEORIES their origins either in societal
These theories answer questions: or in individual standards and
"What is the nature of moral that no single objective standard
judgements?” Amongst those who exists by which one can consider
believe there to be some standard the truth of a moral proposition.
of morality, there are two divisions. Moral relativism is concerned
Universalists, who hold that the same with the differences in moral
moral facts or principles apply to judgements across different
everyone everywhere; and relativists, people and cultures. Meta-ethical
who embrace that different moral facts relativists generally consider that
or principles apply to different people the descriptive properties of terms
or societies. such as "good", "bad", "right", and
'wrong' do not stand subject to
¾ Moral universalism: It is the universal truth conditions, but
meta-ethical position that some only to societal convention and
system of ethics, or a universal personal preference.
ethic pertains universally, that

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 ETHICS

III. JUSTIFICATION THEORIES daily life. Dealing with these moral

issues is often perplexing. How, should
These theories answer questions
we think through an ethical issue?
like, "How moral judgments be
What questions should we ask? What
supported or defended?" or "Why
factors should we consider? are the
should I be moral?".
questions that rise in our daily life.
1. Applied Ethics Therefore, to solve an ethical
¾ Applied ethics is the analysis dilemma the first step in analyzing
of specific controversial moral moral issues is to get the facts. But
issues such as abortion, animal having the facts is not enough. Facts
rights, or euthanasia. It helps to by themselves only tell us what is;
use knowledge of moral principles they do not tell us what ought to be.
to present dilemmas. In addition to getting the facts,
¾ There are certain issues that arise resolving an ethical issue also requires
due to the newly adopted lifestyle. an appeal to values. Philosophers have
Applied ethics deals with the developed five different approaches to
questions such as, "Is getting an values to deal with moral issues. They
abortion immoral?', "Is euthanasia are:
immoral?", "Is affirmative action ¾ Utilitarian approach
right or wrong?","What are human
rights, and how do we determine ¾ Rights approach
them?", "Do animals have rights ¾ Justice approach
as well?", and "Do individuals have
the right of self-determination?". ¾ Common good approach

¾ Two characteristics are necessary ¾ Virtue approach

for an issue to be considered as an Utilitarian Approach
'applied ethical issue'. First, the
issue needs to be controversial in Utilitarianism was conceived
the sense that there are significant in the 19th century by Jeremy
groups of people both for and Bentham and John Stuart Mill to help
against the issue at hand. The legislators determine which laws were
second requirement for an issue to morally best. Both Bentham and Mill
be an applied ethical issue is that suggested that ethical actions are
it must be a distinctly moral issue those that provide the greatest balance
and not just a social controversy. of good over evil. To analyze an issue
using the utilitarian approach,
APPROACHES TO ETHICS
¾ First identify the various courses
Every day we come across several
of action available to us.
ethical and moral dilemmas in our

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 Introduction to Ethics
¾ Second, we ask who will be The Fairness or Justice Approach
affected by each action and what
benefits or harms will be derived The fairness or justice approach
from each. to ethics has its roots in the
teachings of the ancient Greek
¾ Third, we choose the action that philosopher Aristotle, who said that
will produce the greatest benefits “equals should be treated equally and
to the greatest no of peoples with unequal unequally.”
the least harm.
The basic moral question in this
“The ethical action is the one that approach is:
provides the greatest good for the
greatest number.” ¾ How fair is an action?
¾ Does it treat everyone in the same
Rights Approach way, or does it show favouritism
Proposed by Immanuel Kant and and discrimination?
similar other philosophers who focused Favouritism gives benefits to some
on the individual’s right to choose for people without a justifiable reason
herself or himself. According to this for singling them out; discrimination
school of philosophers, what makes imposes burdens on people who are no
“human beings different from mere different from those on whom burdens
things is that people have dignity based are not imposed. Both favouritism and
on their ability to choose freely what discrimination are unjust and wrong.
they will do with their lives, and they
have a fundamental moral right to The Common-Good Approach
have these choices respected”.In
This approach to ethics assumes a
deciding whether an action is moral or
society comprising individuals whose
immoral using this approach, we ask
own good is linked to the good of the
the question: does the action respect
community. Community members
the moral rights of everyone?
are bound by the pursuit of common
Actions are wrong to the extent that values and goals.
they violate the rights of individuals.
The common good is a notion that
The more serious the violation, the
originated more than 2,000 years ago
more wrongful the action.
in the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and
People are not objects to be Cicero. More recently, contemporary
manipulated. It is a violation of human ethicist John Rawls defined the
dignity to use people in ways they do “common good as certain general
not freely choose. Some examples conditions that are equally to
of individual rights are the right to everyone’s advantage.” In this
privacy, the right to be truthful, right approach, we focus on ensuring that
to not be harmed by anyone. the social policies, social systems,
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 ETHICS

institutions, and environments on IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS

which we depend are beneficial to all.
Ethics is the theoretical exposition
Examples of goods common to
that studies human behaviour and
all include affordable health care,
attempts to determine- right or wrong
effective public safety, peace among
in human action. The significance of
nations, a just legal system, and an
ethics is obvious. Since the prehistoric
unpolluted environment.
period, man/woman has always sought
The Virtue Approach to know how to lead a good life and to
draw up rules of conduct. Philosophers
In this approach, certain ideals of all cultures tried to explain what a
strive toward the full development 'good' life consisted of and, especially,
of our humanity. These ideals are why precisely it was 'good'. It is not
discovered through thoughtful so much that traditional moral values
reflection on what kind of people we are questioned but more radically
have the potential to become. still, that the very 'meaningfulness' of
Virtues are attitudes or character an unchanging and universally valid
traits that enable us to be and act morality is brought into question.
in ways that develop our highest The causes of this modem
potential. They enable us to pursue questioning are hard to pin down.
the ideals we have adopted. Honesty, Certainly, the spread of education,
courage, compassion, generosity, progressions in science and
fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, technology, problems arising from
and prudence are all examples of the modern way of living like the
virtues. ever-increasing urbanization, easier
Virtues are like habits – that communication media, faster means
is, once acquired, they become of travel whereby people of one culture
characteristic of a person. Moreover, a come in closer contact with people
person who has developed virtues will of another culture, are some of the
be naturally disposed to act in ways causes. But moral thinking is closely
consistent with moral principles. The related with philosophical thinking
virtuous person is the ethical person. in general, it might very well be that
these causes are to be sought for on
In dealing with an ethical problem a deeper human level. Human being,
using the virtue approach, we might perhaps, is not so much asking about
ask: the morality of this or that human act
¾ What kind of person should I be? but, more intensely still, about himself;
the meaning of his life, the direction of
¾ What will promote the development human history, the significance of the
of character within myself and my human world he lives in, the ambit
community? of his knowledge and the possibility

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 Introduction to Ethics
of his ever getting an answer to the towards the achievement of one
questions he asks. common goal or mission.
In addition, ethics is important 4. Improving Decision-Making
because of the following:
¾ A man's destiny is the sum total
1. Satisfying Basic Human Needs of all the decisions that he/she
¾ Being fair, honest and ethical is makes in the course of his life. The
one the basic human needs. same holds true for organizations.

¾ Every employee desires to be ¾ Decisions are driven by values.

such himself and to work for For example, an organization
an organization that is fair and that does not value competition
ethical in its practices. will be fierce in its operations
aiming to wipe out its competitors
2. Creating Credibility and establish a monopoly in the
market.
¾ An organization that is believed
to be driven by moral values is 5. Long Term Gains
respected in society even by those
who may have no information ¾ Organizations guided by ethics
about the working and the and values are profitable in the
businesses of an organization. long run, though in the short run
they may seem to lose money.
¾ Infosys, for example, is perceived
as an organization for good ¾ Example: Tata Group, one of the
corporate governance and largest business conglomerates
social responsibility initiatives. in India was seen on the verge
This perception is held far and of decline at the beginning of the
wide even by those who do not 1990's, which soon turned out to
even know what business the be otherwise.
organization is into.
6. Securing the Society
3. Uniting People and Leadership
¾ Often ethics succeeds law in
¾ An organization driven by values safeguarding society. The law
is revered by its employees too. machinery is often found acting
as a mute spectator, unable to
¾ They are the common thread that
save society and the environment.
brings the employees and the
decision-makers on a common ¾ Technology, for example, is
platform. growing at such a fast pace that
¾ This goes a long way in aligning by the time law comes up with
behaviours within the organization a regulation, we have a newer

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 ETHICS

technology with new threats also deals with emerging

replacing the older one. biotechnologies that affect basic
biology and future humans. These
¾ Lawyers and public interest
developments include cloning,
litigations may not help a great
gene therapy, human genetic
deal but ethics can.
engineering, astro-ethics and life
7. Self-realization in space, and manipulation of
basic biology through altered DNA,
¾ It helps a person to critically etc. Many religious communities
evaluate his/her actions, choices, have their own histories of inquiry
and decisions. into bioethical issues and have
¾ It assists a person in knowing developed rules and guidelines
what he/she really is and what is on how to deal with these issues
best for him/her. from within the viewpoint of their
respective faiths.
¾ This way it deepens the reflection
of ultimate question of life. 2. Business ethics: Business ethics
also referred as corporate ethics
8. Improves thinking, perspective is a type of applied ethics that
and judgements scrutinizes ethical principles and
moral or ethical problems that
¾ It improves our thinking about arise in a business environment.
specific moral issues. It applies to all aspects of
¾ It helps us to decide what should business conduct and is pertinent
be correct course of actions and to the conduct of individuals and
what should be avoided. entire organizations. Business
ethics also has both normative
SCOPE OF ETHICS: and descriptive dimensions. As
a corporate practice and a career
1. Bioethics: Bioethics is the study
specialization, the field is mainly
of contentious ethics brought
normative. Academics attempting
about by advancements in biology
to understand business behaviour
and medicine. Bioethicists are
employ descriptive methods.
more involved with the ethical
The range and quantity of
questions that arise in the
business ethical issues reveal the
relationships among life sciences,
interaction of profit-maximizing
biotechnology, medicine,
behaviour with non-economic
politics, law, and philosophy.
concerns.
It also includes primary care
ethics which is the study of the 3. Organizational ethics: Organizational
everyday decisions that primary ethics is the ethics of an organization
care clinicians make. Bioethics and the way an organization

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 Introduction to Ethics
responds to an internal or artificial intelligence concerned
external stimulus. Organizational with the moral behaviour of
ethics is interdependent with the artificially intelligent beings.
organizational culture. Although Machine Ethics contrasts with
it is similar to both organizational roboethics, which is concerned
behaviour and business ethics, with the moral behaviour of
organizational ethics is neither humans as they design, construct,
organizational behaviour nor solely use and treat such beings.
business ethics. Organizational Machine ethics should not be
ethics articulate the values of an perplexed with computer ethics,
organization to its employees and/ which focuses on professional
or other entities irrespective of behaviour towards computers
governmental and/or regulatory and information. The effort to
laws. actually program a machine
or artificial agent to behave as
An organization is developed when though instilled with a sense of
individuals with varied interests and ethics requires new specificity in
diverse backgrounds join on a common normative theories.
platform and work together towards
predefined goals and objectives. A 5. Military ethics: Military ethics
deals with questions regarding
code of ethics within an organization
the application of force and
is a set of principles that are used to
the ethos of the soldier and are
guide the organization in its decisions,
often understood as applied
programs, and policies.
professional ethics.
There are at least four elements
Military ethics involves manifold
that create an ethical culture and
behaviour of employees within an areas, including the following
organization. These elements are: among others:
¾ A written code of ethics and ¾ The laws of war.
standards (ethical code) ¾ Justification for the initiation of
¾ Ethics training for executives, military force.
managers, and employees ¾ Decisions about who may be
targeted in warfare.
¾ The availability of ethical
situational advice (i.e. advice lines ¾ Decisions on the choice of
or offices) weaponry, and what collateral
effects such weaponry may have.
¾ Confidential reporting systems
¾ Standards for handling military
4. Machine ethics: Machine Ethics
prisoners.
is the element of the ethics of

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 ETHICS

¾ Methods of dealing with violations Others argued that there is no

of the laws of war. need to pay so much attention to
politicians and policies but should
6. Political ethics: Political ethics
instead look more closely at the
is concerned with making moral
larger structures of society where
judgements about political action
the most serious ethical problems
and political agents. It includes
lie.
two areas.
Supporters of political ethics reply
The first is the ethics of process
that while structural injustice
(or the ethics of office), which
should not be ignored, too much
deals with public officials and the
emphasis on structures neglects
methods they use. The second
the human agents who are
area, the ethics of policy (or
responsible for changing them.
ethics and public policy) concerns
judgements about policies and 7. Public sector ethics: Public
laws. sector ethics is a set of values
that guide public executives in
Some opponents argue that
their service to their constituents,
ethics has no place in politics. If
including their decision-making
politicians are to be effective in the
on behalf of their constituents. We
real world, they cannot be bound
will study about this in detail in
by moral rules. They have to follow
the upcoming chapters.
the national interest.

hhhhh

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 ETHICS AND HUMAN INTERFACE 2
INTRODUCTION But Ethics became more relevant
after the Industrial Revolution started
Ethics begins with human
when man became greedy and started
action, and a crucial consideration in
exploiting nature, colonization, and
assessing the morality or immorality imperialism and the rich became
of any action is that it must be a richer, the poor became poorer, and
deliberate and conscious human act crime and discrimination started
to possess any moral quality. every nook and corner of the society.
Physiological processes such As a civil servant, one has to go
as digestion, growth, and blood through various critical circumstances
circulation, which are beyond our in his service. Therefore, it’s important
voluntary control, are acknowledged to study Ethics and inculcate those
as acts of a human person but they values into administration. It not only
are not classified as 'human acts.' helps him in decision-making but
also allows him to uplift the weaker
A human act is one arising from
sections of society.
knowledge and free will. In cases
where an act lacks either sufficient HISTORY OF ETHICS IN INDIA
knowledge or freedom, it is deemed
not fully human and consequently not 1. MAHABHARAT
fully moral. Consequently, judgments
of rightness or wrongness apply only ¾ Atmani pratikulani paresham na
samachary is the principle given
to voluntary actions, intended by
in the Mahabharata/Bhagavad
the actor, and grounded in adequate
Gita. The definition of Ethics is
knowledge.
well concretized in this maxim
ORIGIN OF SOURCE OF ETHICS IN meaning that we should not do
INDIA anything, which is a deviation
from our intrinsic humanness
Since time immemorial Ethics has -Swabhav.
been practiced by several personalities
¾ Our behavior outside reflects our
across ancient India such as Buddha’s
values within, which we radiate
Ashtanga Marga and Ashoka’s
outwards through our actions and
realization after the Kalinga war.
deeds. Thus, if the values guiding
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 ETHICS

an action are positive, the results ¾ It teaches us to value one's word

are positive. On the other hand, and honor it, no matter what price
if the values guiding a particular we have to pay for it.
action are negative the outcome
¾ One should never pay heed to evil
will be negative only.
advice as Kaikeyi did by listening
¾ In the Bhagavad Gita, selfless to Manthara.
action is advocated. It is an action
¾ According to the Ramayana,
which is required to be performed
one should make an effort to do
without consideration of personal
good deeds and put an end to the
consequences. It is an altruistic
demons within us.
action aimed at the well-being
of others rather than for oneself. ¾ Overall, the Ramayana teaches
This desire-less action is what is many important ethical lessons
termed as Nishkam Karma- The that are still relevant today,
principle of detached involvement including the importance of duty,
i.e. involved in work and detached loyalty, love, respect, forgiveness,
from personal rewards or gains. compassion, honesty, and
Arjuna was advised to do the integrity.
rightful action in Lokhit.
3. ANCIENT INDIA
¾ The concept of right and wrong
is the core of the Mahabharata/ ¾ India has a very ancient history
Gita which emphasizes, among of ethics. Its central concepts are
others, the values of non-violence, represented in Rig-Veda as an idea
truthfulness, absence of anger, of an all-pervading cosmic order
charity, forgiveness, and self- (rta) that stands for harmony and
realization. balance in nature and human
society. The concept of rta gave
¾ Mahabharata is a story that rise to the idea of dharma. The
explores ethical dilemmas term 'dharma' here does not mean
and moral choices faced by its mere religion; it stands for duty,
characters, such as the decision obligation, and righteousness
by Bhishma to remain loyal to
his king, even when he disagreed ¾ Rigveda emphasizes the
with his actions. importance of truthfulness and
honesty in human relationships.
2. RAMAYANA Rigveda emphasizes the
importance of social justice and
¾ It demonstrates the importance
equality. This is reflected in
of values, such as loving and
many hymns that criticize social
respecting your family, protecting
inequality and call for the fair
the weak, etc.
treatment of all people. It teaches

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 Ethics and Human Interface
the importance of self-control and Sufis too rejected the artificial
discipline. division of society into various
strata based on caste and other
¾ The credit goes to all the saintly
considerations.
kings, from King Janaka to
Ashoka, Akbar, Harshavardhan, ¾ The Sufis practiced full equality
and the others; who had put into between the genders and
practice human values ideology propounded many ethical values
as given in Vedanta and the other that are relevant even today.
ancient Indian thoughts.
5. CONSTITUTION
4. BHAKTI AND SUFI MOVEMENT
Our Constitution is full of
¾ It played a very important codes and directives on values and
part in re-awakening moral ethics to be followed by the state as
consciousness in India by well as the society. The preamble
rejecting the distinctions of caste, of the constitution, fundamental
colour, and creed and spreading duties, fundamental rights, directive
the message of human equality. principles, and other articles teach
various values like equality, justice,
¾ It rejected violence and
fairness, rule of law, etc. Upholding
emphasized treating all living
the constitution and constitutional
beings with kindness and respect.
morality leads to ethical conduct in
¾ Like the Bhakti saint poets, the daily life.

SOURCE OF ETHICS
Source Ethics
Ashoka’s giving up war and spreading dharma and
Historic Texts
Harshvardhan’s Charity and truthfulness
Ramayana & Ideal governance, consequences of bad intentions, Nishkam
Mahabharat karma
Non-violence, Self-sustenance, swaraj, satyagraha, courage
Gandhi Ethics
of conviction, sustainable development
Constitution Liberty, Equality and fraternity, secularism, justice, etc.
Buddhist Ethics Four Nobel truths, middle path, non-violence
Jain Ethics No harm to anyone including small creatures
Sikh Ethics Langar, brotherhood
Islamic Ethics Collectivism, code of conduct
Laws lay down the basic framework for ethical action, and
Laws
indicate the guidelines for such action.

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 ETHICS

It plays a crucial role in laying down the norms for acceptable

Society
community behaviour.
Our inner conscience perhaps serves as the final point,
Conscience where the actual decision-making about what is ethical, and
what is not, are eventually made.
The determinants of ethics are often regarded as universal
Human values​
human values such as truthfulness, honesty, integrity, etc.

ETHICS OF INDIAN SCHOOLS OF

PHILOSOPHY
2. Yoga (Patanjali)Purusha
Introduction ¾ Key Concepts: Eightfold Path,
emphasizing self-discipline and
Over the course of centuries, India's pur- control of the mind.
suit of intellectual truth has been encapsu-
lated by six distinct systems of philosophy: ¾ Philosophical Contribution:
Vaishesika, Nyaya, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Integrates physical, mental, and
Mimansa, and Vedanta (or Uttara Mi- spiritual practices for achieving
mansa). These systems, attributed to sages liberation (mukti).
Konada, Gotama, Kapila, Patanjali, Jai- 3. Nyaya (Gautama Muni)
mini, and Vyasa, respectively, continue to
shape scholarly discussions in the country. ¾ Key Concepts: Logical
Despite their apparent differences, there thinking, four means of valid
exists an underlying harmony in their col- knowledge (perception, inference,
lective understanding of truth. comparison, verbal testimony).
¾ Philosophical Contribution:
INDIAN SCHOOLS OF PHILOSOPHY Emphasizes reason and a
scientific approach as criteria for
ORTHODOX SCHOOLS OF INDIAN accepting knowledge.
PHILOSOPHY
4. Vaisheshika (Kanada)
1. Samkhya (Kapila)
¾ Key Concepts: Atomism,
¾ Key Concepts: Dualism between Brahman as the fundamental
purusha (self) and prakriti force, five elements composing
(matter). the universe.
¾ Philosophical Contribution: ¾ Philosophical Contribution:
Offers a metaphysical framework Regarded as a realistic and
for understanding the origins of objective philosophy of the
reality. universe.

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 Ethics and Human Interface
5. Purva Mimamsa (Jaimini) difference and non-difference of
the individual self from Brahman.
¾ Key Concepts: Emphasis on valid
knowledge, and eternal nature of UNORTHODOX SCHOOLS OF
the Vedas. INDIAN PHILOSOPHY
¾ Philosophical Contribution: Focuses 1. Charvaka (Brihaspati)
on the importance of rituals and
duties outlined in the Vedas. ¾ Key Concepts: Materialism,
skepticism, atheism.
6. Vedanta
¾ Philosophical Contribution:
¾ Key Concepts: Concentrates on Rejects the authority of Vedas,
Upanishads, with six sub-schools emphasizing pleasure as the
interpreting the texts differently. ultimate goal.
¾ Philosophical Contribution: Diverse 2. Buddhist Philosophy (Siddhartha
perspectives on the nature of Gautama)
reality, self, and ultimate truth
(Brahman). ¾ Key Concepts: Non-theistic,
focuses on the alleviation of
Types under Vedanta suffering.
¾ Advaita (Adi Shankara): Non- ¾ Philosophical Contribution:
dualism, identifying the individual Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path,
self (Atman) with Brahman. critiques blind faith in traditional
scriptures.
¾ Visishtadvaita (Ramanuja): Unity
of diversity, subsuming all 3. Jain Philosophy (Mahavira)
differences into a unified whole.
¾ Key Concepts: Anekantavada
¾ Dvaita (Madhvacharya): Dualism, (multiplicity of viewpoints),
considering Brahman and Atman rejection of absolute truth.
as distinct entities.
¾ Philosophical Contribution:
¾ Dvaitadvaita (Nimbarka): Both Emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa)
different and not different from and a detailed metaphysical and
Brahman. ethical system.
¾ Shuddhadvaita (Vallabhacharya): This diverse array of philosophical
Non-dualism, God and the individual schools reflects the rich heritage of
self are the same. Indian thought, contributing to a
¾ Achintya Bheda Abheda (Chaitanya holistic understanding of truth and
Mahaprabhu): Emphasizes simultaneous existence.

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 ETHICS

ETHICS IN INDIAN SCHOOLS OF Samkhya involves the realization

PHILOSOPHY of the self's distinct nature,
leading to detachment from the
1. Nyaya material world. Knowledge and
discernment are considered
¾ Ethical Foundation: Nyaya, crucial for ethical living.
often paired with Vaisheshika, is
a school of logic and epistemology. 4. Yoga
Its ethical foundation lies in the
concept of niyama, which refers ¾ Path of Self-Discipline: Yoga,
to ethical rules or principles that associated with Patanjali,
govern human conduct. emphasizes self-discipline
and control of the mind. The
¾ Fourfold Means: Nyaya ethical foundation is laid out
enumerates a fourfold means in the Eightfold Path (Ashtanga
of attaining happiness Yoga), which includes principles
(purusharthas): dharma (duty), such as yama (restraints) and
artha (wealth), kama (pleasure), niyama (observances). Ethical
and moksha (liberation). The living is seen as a prerequisite
pursuit of these goals is considered for progressing on the path of
essential for leading a balanced spiritual realization.
and ethical life.
5. Mimamsa
2. Vaisheshika
¾ Ritualistic Ethics: Mimamsa,
¾ Material Ethics: Vaisheshika, particularly Uttara-Mimamsa,
closely associated with Nyaya, focuses on the interpretation of
is a school of atomism and Vedic rituals. Ethical conduct
metaphysics. While it doesn't is largely centered around
explicitly focus on ethics, its adherence to prescribed rituals
emphasis on understanding and duties outlined in the Vedas.
the nature of the material The performance of one's duties
world contributes to a broader (karma) is considered a moral
understanding of ethical actions obligation.
and their consequences.
6. Vedanta
3. Samkhya
¾ Non-Dualistic Ethics (Advaita
¾ Detachment and Knowledge: Vedanta): Advaita Vedanta,
Samkhya philosophy, dualistic founded by Adi Shankara, posits
in nature, posits the existence the ultimate reality as non-dual
of Purusha (consciousness) (Brahman). Ethical conduct in
and Prakriti (matter). Ethics in Advaita Vedanta involves realizing
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 Ethics and Human Interface
the unity of the individual suffering and the path to its
self (Atman) with Brahman. cessation. The Eightfold Path,
Detachment from worldly desires, a guide to right living, includes
selflessness, and pursuit of ethical principles such as right
knowledge are integral to ethical speech, right action, and right
living. livelihood.
¾ Dualistic Ethics (Dvaita ¾ Compassion: Central to Buddhist
Vedanta): In contrast, Dvaita ethics is the cultivation of
Vedanta, associated with compassion (karuā) and loving-
Madhvacharya, maintains a kindness (maitrī) towards all
dualistic view, emphasizing the sentient beings.
eternal distinction between the
individual soul and God. Ethical 9. Jainism
living involves devotion to God, ¾ Ahimsa (Non-Violence):
adherence to dharma, and selfless Jain ethics is prominently
service. characterized by the principle of
7. Hinduism ahimsa, or non-violence. Jains
strive to minimize harm to all
¾ Dharma: Central to Hindu living beings and follow strict
ethical thought is the concept vegetarian practices.
of dharma, which refers to duty,
¾ Anekantavada: This doctrine
righteousness, and moral order.
emphasizes the multiplicity
Different stages of life (ashramas)
of viewpoints, encouraging
and social roles come with specific
individuals to consider multiple
duties, and adhering to these
perspectives in ethical decision-
duties is considered ethically
making.
imperative.
These schools collectively
¾ Karma: The law of karma, the
contribute to the ethical landscape
principle of cause and effect, plays
of Indian philosophy, offering
a crucial role. Individuals are
diverse perspectives on how
responsible for their actions, and
individuals can lead virtuous
the consequences of these actions
lives, achieve spiritual goals, and
determine future experiences.
navigate the complexities of human
8. Buddhism existence. Each school provides a
unique lens through which ethical
¾ The Four Noble Truths: principles are understood and
Buddhism's ethical foundation is applied, reflecting the richness and
rooted in the Four Noble Truths, diversity of Indian philosophical
which highlight the nature of
thought.
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 ETHICS

NEED OF ETHICS Ethics, as a field of study, delineates

distinctions between good and evil,
We can think of ethics as the
right and wrong, providing insight into
principles that guide our behavior
our moral obligations. It encompasses
toward making the best choices that
the examination of overarching
contribute to the common good of
values such as fundamental human
all. Ethics is what guides us to tell
qualities, and natural and human
the truth, keep our promises, or help
rights, as well as considerations for
someone in need. There is a framework
health, safety, and the environment.
of ethics underlying our lives daily,
While not a legal framework, ethics
helping us make decisions that create
serves as a set of principles guiding
positive impacts and steering us away
behavior and instilling a sense of guilt
from unjust outcomes. Ethics guides
for any unethical conduct.
us to make the world a better place
through the choices we make. An additional merit of ethics lies
in its capacity to instigate adherence
Ethics in public service and work
to rules. A community of ethically-
is just as important as ethics in
minded individuals has the potential
personal life. Public servants have a
to cultivate a more positive society
unique role and a great responsibility
and environment. Embracing ethical
in shaping the ethical culture of their
behavior enables individuals to
society and thereby influencing their
pursue what is ultimately in their
broader communities as well.
best interest, as ethical goodness is a
Some of the major demands met common aspiration.
out by ethics are mentioned below:
Furthermore, ethical reasoning
¾ Help in regulating social proves invaluable in resolving moral
relationships dilemmas. When individuals possess
¾ Ethical values help in growth and sound principles and morals, it
development overall contributes to finding solutions to
complex ethical quandaries. Ethics
¾ For self-satisfaction extends beyond public interactions,
¾ Helps in living a happy and playing a crucial role in personal
meaningful life relationships by guiding responsible
conduct.
¾ Making a good citizen
In essence, ethics is a universal
¾ Man, as a social animal by nature concept that transcends cultural,
is selfish and exploits others religious, and social diversities.
for his benefit and satisfaction, It stands as a cornerstone for
therefore to achieve greater good, fostering a society where individuals
ethics are required. collectively strive for ethical conduct,

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 Ethics and Human Interface
contributing to the betterment of both ¾ Defining what is Good/
interpersonal relationships and the bad: Ethics helps us in deciding
broader community. the goodness or badness of
thoughts, conduct and behaviour
ESSENCE OF ETHICS IN HUMAN
¾ Ethics cannot be shaped and
ACTIONS
sustained in isolation: A person
The essence of ethics in human is not born with an ethical system
actions refers to the influence of or moral setup. An external
ethical values on human conduct. environment like society and
Ethics is a set of standards that society culture, in interaction with the
places on itself and which helps guide genetic structure, shapes it for
behaviour, choices and actions. What the person. A person may be born
kind of conduct a person follows, in captivity, but to know what is
reflects in his actions. Either he ethical, he/she needs to live in a
wants to follow the good ones which society.
will make him a good human being or
¾ Man is not only shaped by
he wants to follow the bad ones that
ethics but also shapes ethics.
will cause only harm to him as well
For example, slavery and
as to society. But standards alone
discrimination were earlier
don’t ensure ethical behaviour which
accepted as social norms but not
requires a robust culture of integrity.
now. It is because of a few great
The crux of ethical behaviour does
personalities which have brought
not lie only in standards but in their
about the changes.
adoption in action and sanctions
against their violations. Deciding ¾ Ethics depend upon the context
between good and bad is not easy. Our in which they are operating:
course of action decides which is good They vary in their meaning and
and bad. Because good is not always intensity according to time, place
pleasurable but bad always attracts and person. For example,
us which is by nature an easy thing y Issues like abortion and
to do. homosexuality are judged
Essence is the intrinsic quality of some- differently in different countries.
thing that determines its character. The es- ¾ Ethics are subjective in
sence of ethics refers to its features, sig- nature, i.e. they are affected by
nificance and the intrinsic or indispensable an individual’s emotions and
properties that characterise ethics. perceptions:
y An angry person may behave
The following properties/features can de- in a highly unethical manner.
fine the essence of ethics in human actions: It happens during riots.

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 ETHICS

y Cases of cow vigilantism, among the youth because their

honour killings, etc., occur significance and rationale are not
because of conflicts regarding explained to them.
the ethics of various people.
¾ Descriptive discipline: It
¾ Ethics originate from the examines are (existing) standards
sense of justice prevailing in of behaviour of individuals and
a society. A child slaps another community.
child. A third child watching finds
¾ Ethics Scrutinises voluntary
it unethical because he believes
human action: Ethics only deals
in social justice and that every
with voluntary human action. It
human is equal and has the right
to live with dignity (article 21, only deals with actions when the
protection of Life and personal person acts with free will without
liberty). coercion. For instance, if a person
is made to do something unethical
¾ Ethical standards may transcend at gunpoint, he/she cannot be
the narrow stipulations of law or called ethical/unethical as he/
rule book and code of regulation. she did not act on his own.
Many acts of omission and
commission may not violate the ¾ Ethics operates at different
law as such. Still, they may run levels like individual,
counter to ethics, for example, organisational, socio-cultural,
Police not helping victims as the political and international levels,
incident has happened outside but Ethics of any level affect the
the area of their jurisdiction. ethics at other levels.
¾ Ethics is maintained and ¾ Ethics analyses and evaluates
sustained by a sense of various ethical norms, principles,
responsibility and not mere laws, values etc.
accountability to some external
agency but also to something Examples
within. Habituating to smoking is easy but
¾ Ethics is prescriptive in nature: Quitting smoke is very much hard to
Ethics preach a certain kind of achieve. By smoking, we get pleasure
behaviour to us. It tells us how but quitting smoke requires we need
people should behave. However, self-determination. Therefore, our
ethics are often prescribed without Course of action decides our Ethical
any reason or explanation. This conduct. The underlying principles to
undermines people’s respect decide whether it is ethical or not are
and value for ethical behaviour. decided by factors like larger public
For instance, traditional values good, conservation and sustainable
like family values are declining development.

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 Ethics and Human Interface

DETERMINANTS OF ETHICS IN ¾ Moral Responsibility: Agents are

HUMAN ACTION morally responsible for actions
with deliberate intentions, desires,
The actions performed by human or motivations.
beings cannot be genuinely called
human actions, if any of the aforesaid ¾ Important Features:
conditions, i.e., ignorance, passion y Good intentions are essential
or violence, are present. This action for moral goodness.
is not human and hence cannot be
subjected to scrutiny in ethics. y Motive can turn a morally
good act into an evil one.
However, when there is reason or
knowledge involved, when the acts y A good intention doesn't
are voluntary, it can be determined redeem an inherently immoral
whether a given human act is good or act.
bad. As per moral theologians there y Purpose influences the
are certain determinants of the moral morality of an act.
quality of our actions. These are:
y An intrinsically wrong act's
1. Nature/Object of the Act: severity may vary based on
the agent's purpose.
¾ Definition: Every action has a
distinct nature that categorizes it 3. Circumstances of the Action:
as good, bad, or indifferent.
¾ Concrete Order: Human acts occur
¾ Examples: Helping a blind under specific circumstances.
person is good; blasphemy is bad;
learning to shoot is indifferent. ¾ Impact on Morality:
¾ Intrinsically Evil Acts: Some y Circumstances may increase
acts are inherently immoral, such or decrease the moral quality
as rape or murder, regardless of of an action.
intentions or circumstances. y Example: Stealing is worsened
¾ Controversies: Societal or if the victim is destitute.
religious codes may label certain y Some circumstances introduce
acts, like abortion or euthanasia,
a new type of goodness or
as intrinsically immoral.
badness to an action.
2. Intention/Purpose of the Action: y Where and when an action
occurs can affect its morality.
¾ Importance: Aristotle and
teleological theorists emphasize y Circumstances may diminish
the purpose or motive behind the agent's responsibility.
actions.
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 ETHICS

¾ Considerations: All human so being ethical will bring you good

actions need consideration of consequences like awards, rewards,
the goodness of the object, end, appreciation etc but it will also bring
and circumstances for moral bad consequences like transfers
evaluation. at the workplace, societal stigma,
fear of harm to family members etc.
4. Agents that Influence/ Consequential Ethics where an act
Determine Ethicality: can be considered as good if it’s able
to produce positive results.
¾ Individual Personality Traits:
Personal characteristics shape Some of the consequences are:
ethical choices. 1. At an individual level:
¾ Culture or Country of the
¾ Credibility
Individual: Cultural norms
and values influence ethical ¾ Confidence
perspectives. ¾ Social capital
¾ Organization/Industry: Work ¾ Happiness
environments and industry
standards can impact ethical ¾ Decide your outlook on society
decision-making. ¾ Elevate your sense of being
Therefore, the ethics of human ¾ Decision making
actions are influenced by the nature
of the act, the intention behind it, and 2. At the organisational level:
the circumstances surrounding it. ¾ Brand quality
Additionally, individual traits, cultural
influences, and organizational factors ¾ Employee- Employer relationship
play a crucial role in determining ¾ Stakeholder relationship
the ethicality of human actions. A
comprehensive evaluation considers 3. At the societal level:
the interplay of these determinants in
¾ Absence of greed
assessing the moral quality of human
conduct. ¾ Cooperation and peace
¾ Equality and justice
CONSEQUENCES OF ETHICS IN
HUMAN ACTIONS ¾ Sustainability
Consequences of Ethics means ¾ Progressiveness
consequences of human actions
which are guided by ethical practices. Other consequences are:
This means, if there is an action ¾ Prescribe standards of right
then definitely there is a reaction and wrong: As a discipline,

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 Ethics and Human Interface
ethics identifies what good or person to admire and follow the
evil, just or unjust, fair or unfair rules. Ethics/morality provides
practice, or what our moral duty a common point of view. The
is. It prescribes well-established common point of view among
standards that a person should people leads to an agreement
follow concerning rights, among them. This way, ethics
obligations, fairness, and benefits provides stability in society and
to society. These standards put other institutions.
a reasonable obligation to stop ¾ Ethics helps in making society
unethical activities or crimes better: It teaches us to treat
such as stealing, assault, rape, everyone equally and respect
murder, fraud and so on. each other’s rights; without
¾ Improves thinking, perspective ethical conduct, society would be
and judgments: Ethics provides a miserable place.
us with a moral map, a framework ¾ Solving moral dilemmas:
that we can use to find our way Many moral issues like abortion
through difficult issues. It helps and euthanasia create ethical
a person to critically evaluate dilemmas. Ethics offer us rules
his/her actions, choices and and principles that enable us
decisions. to take a clearer view of moral
¾ It assists a person in knowing problems.
what he/she is and what is ¾ Aids in exercising discretion: It
best for him/her. Thus, helping provides a set of principles and
a person to decide what he/she helps to make clear choices in
should do to attain the best. particular cases where neither
¾ Determines our actions or social norms nor law can provide
inaction: In the absence of ethics, the answer or solution. It allows
human actions would be rendered us to work on skills such as
exercising discretion, so when we
random and aimless. Ethical
are faced with real situations that
standards help us to organise our
impact others, we are capable of
goals and actions to accomplish
making a morally sound decision.
a good and virtuous life and also
larger good for society. ¾ Guide to both private and
public life: Ethics is integral to
¾ Ethics is the basis of a
both private and public life. In the
healthy and peaceful society:
personal sphere, ethics guide our
Every institution designed for
relations with our fellow beings,
human good has some rules and in professional life or public
and regulations based on moral administration, ethics focuses on
principles. Being ethical helps a how one should act and reflect

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 ETHICS

to act responsibly. For instance, ¾ Ethics shows the way to self-

adherence to ethical principles realisation: Every individual
in business leads to rejecting the desires to be good. Being ethical
route that would lead to short- or moral helps a person to attain
term profit over larger corporate what is best for him. It deepens
social responsibility. Meanwhile, the reflection of the ultimate
in political and social life, ethics question of life and its purpose.
decides how human life and Thus, ethics is fundamental to a
institutions must be organized to satisfactory human life.
be moral.

DIMENSIONS OF CONSEQUENCES OF ETHICS

At At the Individual level, it will build self-confidence, courage of
Individual conviction, trust and credibility.
level Examples
The court ruled out accusation charges against Ex Chairperson
of ISRO Madhavan Nair and also asked govt to pay compensation
for his mental suffering.
Edward Snowdon’s leaking of highly classified CIA personal
data monitoring across the world
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s home arrest by Leaking
US army’s intelligence mischief.
At At organisational Level, its brand quality improves, creates
organisational trusts among people. But whistle blowers may face life threats
for leaking mischief happening in the organisation
Level
Examples
Election Commission of India – Even after seven decades it
conducts elections free and fair manner. People and political
parties posed tremendous faith on ECI to conduct elections
TATAs known for their social service. Its brand never become
as history even after independence.
Recent Infosys whistle-blower’s letter to SEBI regarding
mischief happening in management salary structure. Such an
organisation protects whistle blowers.
At At the societal level, it creates social capital, communal
societal harmony, the absence of greed, and distributive justice.
level Example
Bhutan is one the happiest nations across the countries
because they measure wealth in terms of Gross National
Happiness

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 Ethics and Human Interface
Examples UNETHICAL CONSEQUENCES
A 20 year old girl, Rukhsana Ethics plays an instrumental role
Kausar, from the Kashmir won the in human life and society. Ethics helps
Indian National Bravery Award for the in arriving at decisions more quickly as
killing of a Terrorist. it assists in making choices. It reveals
the value dimension of a decision that
IAS officer Ashok Khemka would otherwise seem value free.
transferred more than 50 times just However, loss of ethics could cause
because he is an honest civil servant. the following consequences

Dimensions of Unethical Consequences

Dimension Consequences
Individual level Petty crimes, domestic violence, urinating and spitting in
public spaces, abusive and filthy language, crime against
aged, jumping red light.
Social level Corruption, Rise in crime rate, acknowledging goons and
mafias, joint family, parent’s respect, drug addiction,
regionalism, castes.
Organisational Nepotism, Corruption, rise in inequalities, loss of trust,
level decrease in efficiency, economy and effectiveness, destruction
of work culture, loss of trust in the administration, lawlessness.
Political level Hung parliament, corruption, criminalisation of politics,
Coalition govt.
International Trust deficit, frictions, disputes, unhealthy competition,
level damage to the environment and unsustainable development,
and disregard for international conventions and laws.
Bioethical level Abortion, animal rights, cloning, artificial intelligence,
consent, confidentiality, GM organisms, Suicide.
Environmental Loss of flora and fauna, unsustainable development, polluter
level shall pay principle is diminishing, increase in pollution levels, and
disregard to Common But Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR)
HUMAN VALUE
Introduction According to Milton Rockeach, "a value
'Value' comes from the Latin word is an enduring belief a specific mode of
'valere', which means to be of worth, to conduct or end state of existence that is
be strong, something that has a price, personally or socially preferable"
something precious, dear, etc. Values are "Values are defined as a set of
a set of standards, rules or regulations standards of Human Conduct which are
of behaviour which play a crucial important for humans based on human
role in shaping the life of individuals. preferences, beliefs & Knowledge"
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 ETHICS

VALUE SYSTEM ¾ A strong value system defines

character and character allows him
¾ Since human born, he will to follow a specific code of conduct.
undergo several stages of personality Such conduct finally turns into
development. The basic pillar on Behaviour. Therefore, a strong value
which his Behaviour depends on the system makes a person stronger they
Values he adopted in his life cycle. are good values or bad values.
Classification of Values

Honesty
(talking straight
genuine
ethical) Courage
Trust (Talking
(Keeping our accountability
promise) for results)

Fairness
Caring
(Treating
(Listening
people
carefully to
others shared justly and
Respect
goals) equitably)
(Treating
individuals
with dignity)

1. Personal Value 3. Universal Value

The principles of ideologies that a Principles that all people across
person follows in personal life. the planet are expected to adhere.
2. Human Value 4. Civic Value
Principles and ideologies that are Principles which guide in the dos
basic to human nature to make and don'ts of the citizens.
their life smooth and happy.

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 Ethics and Human Interface
5. Moral Value 7. Ethical Value
Principles and directives, which enable Principles that encourage a person to
us to follow the correct and right path. follow the honesty, truthful and integrity.
6. Social Value 8. National Value
Principles and ideologies, which Principles and ideologies, which
encourage us to live together. encourage a person to imbibe feelings
of patriotism and national integration.
Differences In Value System
CORE VALUE PERIPHERAL VALUE
Universal across the time and space It changes with time and space
Example: Love, self-lessness, Example: Truthfulness & Impartiality
Compassion
GOOD VALUE BAD VALUE
Believe in Patriarchy and women subordinate to men. Kindness
Killing of animals Respect
Corruption Protecting Environment
Opaqueness in a Government organisation Honesty
Tolerance
PERSONAL VALUE SOCIAL VALUE
Importance for individual well-being. Importance for other people's well-being
Examples: self-respect, freedom, Example: equality, social justice,
individuality national security, world peace etc.
VALUES OF LIFE VALUES AT WORKPLACE
It is important for each one of us to Each one of the employees need to
possess a set of values in order to possess a set of values in order to
maintain conducive atmosphere. A few maintain a conducive atmosphere at
of them are: the workplace.
Honesty and loyalty A few of them are mentioned below;
Respect for work Honesty and Loyalty for the organization
Punctuality, regularity and discipline Respect for the work assigned
Courtesy and politeness with others Punctuality, regularity and discipline
Judicious use of resources Judicious use of resources
Taking initiatives Courtesy and politeness with co-workers
Efficiency in completing tasks Efficiency in completing tasks
Willingness to look up new tasks

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 ETHICS

Difference of Ethics, Values and Morals

ETHICS VALUES MORALS
Ethics are standards Values can be defined Morals are principles of
of human conduct as qualities that are right and wrong held by an
that society adopts instrumental to us. individual. Unlike ethics,
for itself. Ethics are Values are benchmarks morals are standards
a set of dos and or standards on which of behaviour about an
don’ts that govern the desirability of an individual and not social
human conduct in a action can be measured. conduct. Morals arise
social setting. Values act as an from personal experience,
internal compass that character, conscience
help a person evaluate and so on. For instance,
different choices of Homosexuality might be
conduct and behaviour. moral from an individual’s
E.g. honesty, integrity, perspective. But it might
empathy, courage, be unethical from a
dedication, compassion society’s point of view.
etc.
VALUE INCULCATION immoral, and amoral but inculcating
moral values is very much important.
Role of Family, Society, and Education
Institution in Inculcating Ethics Process of Value Inculcation

Values are a certain principles Lawrence Kohlberg developed six

possessed by an individual which stages of moral education among the
guides them towards desirable people. He proposed three levels and
behaviour. They are either moral, six steps to inculcate values.

Level 1: At the preconventional level, morality is externally

controlled. Rules imposed by authority figures are
Preconventional level
conformed to avoid punishment or receive rewards.
(Child stage)
This perspective involves the idea that what is right is,
what is personally satisfying. Level 1 has two stages:
Stage 1: Punishment or obedience orientation-
Behaviour is determined by consequences. The
individual will obey to avoid punishment.
Stage 2: Instrumental purpose – Behaviour is determined
again by consequences. The individual focuses on
receiving rewards or satisfying personal needs.

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 Ethics and Human Interface

Level 2: At the conventional level, conformity to social rules

remains important to the individual. However, the
Conventional level
emphasis shifts from self-interest to relationships with
(Teenage stage) other people and social systems. The individual strives
to support rules that are set forth by others such as
parents, peers, and the government in order to win their
approval or to maintain a social order.
Stage 3: Good Man/Woman orientation: Behaviour is
determined by social approval. The individual wants to
maintain or win the affection and approval of others by
being a “good person.”
Stage 4: Law and order: Social rules and laws determine
behaviour. The individual now takes into consideration a
larger perspective, that of societal laws. Moral decision making
becomes more than consideration of close ties to others. The
individual believes that rules and laws maintain social order
that is worth preserving.
Level 3: At the post conventional level, the individual moves
Post conventional beyond the perspective of his or her society. Morality
or principled level is defined in terms of abstract principles and values
(Maturity stage) that apply to all situations and societies. The individual
attempts to take the perspective of all individuals.
Stage 5: Social contract orientation: Individual rights
determine behaviour. The individual views laws and rules
as flexible tools for improving human purposes. That is,
given the right situation, there are exceptions to rules.
When laws are not consistent with individual rights and
the interests of the majority, they do not bring about
good for people and alternatives should be considered.
Stage 6: Universal ethical principles: According
to Kohlberg, this is the highest stage of functioning.
However, he claimed that some individuals will never
reach this level. At this stage, the appropriate action
is determined by one’s self-chosen ethical principles of
conscience. These principles are abstract and universal
in application. This type of reasoning involves taking
the perspective of every person or group that could
potentially be affected by the decision. Examples:
Gandhi, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Martin Luther king JR,
and Rosa parks who was unwilling to stand in bus seat
caused the civil rights movement – All are examples of
last level who were driven by individual morality than
the societal conditions

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 ETHICS

Importance of Value Inculcation family values and morals have an

impact on it. These formative years
¾ Inculcates ethical behaviour like
shape personality development. Being
honesty, service towards the
ethical or not is nothing but a part of
nation, kindness towards poor
personality and family plays a critical
¾ They make an individual bold and role in determining ethics in human
strong. They will have a lifelong action.
impact on our lives. For example:
Hunger strike unto death by How Family Imparts Values?
Shri Potti Sriramulu to achieve a
Parents as role models: For
separate Telugu state.
anyone, the first person who has
¾ They socialise an individual. Example: influence is either father or mother.
Gender sensitisation & equality And also, grandparents bed time
¾ Acts as an anchor to exhibit stories guide us on what is right and
certain ways of behaviour where wrong through moral stories from
society accepted Panchatantra, religious books, moral
¾ Inculcating values at early age books etc.
will have long lasting effects. So, Examples:
we can make good citizens in the
future through moral values. ¾ I, myself learnt discipline from
Sources of Values my father, and hygiene and
cleanliness from my mother
At an early age of children, we
can mold like, clay pots, good desired ¾ Thomas Alva Edison was able to
behaviour by inculcating moral study at home when his school
values. The various sources where kicked him off from school and
values inculcated are: became a great scientist only
because of his mother.
¾ Family
¾ Society Respect towards others and
Lower sections of people: Respecting
¾ Education elders and mingling with downtrodden
Role of Family in Value Inculcation sections of people by family members
creates positive attitudes towards
Family is a social institution where lower sections of people. Then he/
we spend our half of life together she will treat everyone equally and
with family members. During the develop a habit of empathy towards
formative years of his/her age, our lower section kids which makes him
behaviour gets shaped where our soft hearted personality.

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 Ethics and Human Interface
Charity: If parents are doing labour and respect towards the daily
charity work children too develop wage workers. Parents should teach
such habit of donating. This instils them how it’s important to self-help.
kindness in children.
Examples:
Examples:
¾ In India we feel that cleaning our
¾ A Manipuri and Bengaluru origin toilets is not our duty, someone
6 Years old boy and girl donated else comes and cleans our toilets.
all their savings to the PM CARES India should adopt from western
fund during the lockdown societies where they feel it’s
¾ In Chennai, A saloon shop owner, embarrassing when someone
at the request of his daughter, cleans their toilets. It should start
spends all his savings saved for with elders, starts cleaning our
his daughter’s education spent washrooms. This kind of attitude
on poor people who are suffering creates an egalitarian society.
with basic necessities. Even she, ¾ Open defecation very much
Netra 13, was appointed as UN prevails even today. Children
good will ambassador to the poor. should start teaching parents
Pampering or Punishment: that open defection is not good
Pampering makes parents’ eyes practice.
and ears blind and deaf when their Observational learning: Children
children do wrong things. Parents observe what happens at home and
should be in a position to make them begin to see such behaviour as normal
realise their wrong acts. Even harsh and morally correct. This is a basic
punishments results in counter
process of attitude formation.
results. Therefore, counsel them and
treat them like friends so they won’t Examples:
be afraid to share their thoughts with
their parents. Hence, to inculcate good ¾ Children who witness domestic
values parents should not pamper violence and gender discrimination
the kids but limited freedom to be at their homes themselves develop
expected. similar vices and fail to develop
values of gender equality.
Examples:
Joint family: The joint family
¾ Nirbhaya case in 2012 – A juvenile structure stands for certain values
involved in such a heinous crime like tolerance, cooperation, sacrifice,
care etc. Living in a joint family and
Dignity of Labour: Children
should adopt doing their work that is its healthy functioning imparts these
self-help. This instil a kind of dignity of values to the children.

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 ETHICS

Traditions and customs: Harshness: Sometimes parents

Families follow certain practices as a adopt harsh and regressive measures
norm which are always adhered to by to bring desired behaviour, this
the children. Traditions themselves creates a sense of fear and erodes a
become a value for children due to self confidence among the children.
regular and repetitive behaviour. Outsourcing Parental care:
Parents who spend more time with
STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF their children get to know about their
FAMILY IN VALUE INCULCATION children. If parents get busy with their
¾ The first stage of moral education work and outsourcing care it will bring
starts with family so it acts as a negative consequences
bedrock in shaping one’s ethical Grandparents care: Children also
personality need grandparents’ care and their bed
¾ Family is a permanent source time stories so keeping them away
from elders may leave a good chance
of ethics and value. There is
to learn values
no breakage or brokerage of
relationships here. Patriarchy vs Gender equality,
Bribing vs Honesty: Children should
¾ Family consists of all kinds of not confuse between those the values
diverse people, elders, youngsters, families follow, which sometimes
women, men, children, and adults. deviates from what they preach. They
Therefore, there is a chance to should practice what they preach.
learn diverse views and opinions.
ROLE OF SOCIETY IN VALUE
¾ Family is the first place to create INCULCATION
trust.
Ethics are set of standards
¾ Family is the first place where which are acceptable to the society.
self-confidence develops Therefore, it’s the society which is the
¾ Family punishes and rewards for main pillar where ethical values mold
bad behavior. Therefore, it’s a first their shape. The society is expected to;
place to learn both good and bad. ¾ Create a homogeneous environment
so that the learners may take
Problems in the Role of Family
up valuable lessons on human
Anti-Social: Family is considered values.
as a first place to learn values; hence ¾ Reflect values like simplicity,
it can be a first place where we can honesty, kindness, and fairness
become anti-social by adopting in their conduct etc.
various means which is not acceptable
¾ Provide maximum freedom for
to society fuller growth with experiences.
40 All Rights Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing.
 Ethics and Human Interface
¾ Explain to children their alike to become active participants in
traditions, rituals, mythological the transformation of their societies.
stories, etc. so that they can learn Education means a change in
lessons of human values from man’s conduct of life. It means the
such texts. upgrading of a man’s ability to choose
the best alternative available in any
MEDIA: The media can play a
circumstances he faces. It means the
significant role in promoting human
development of the person to prepare
values by portraying positive role
him to adopt the best approach to a
models and highlighting stories
problem at any given time.
of individuals who have exhibited
values such as courage, honesty, and Learning should also focus
perseverance. The media can also on the values, attitudes, and
create awareness about social issues behaviours which enable individuals
and encourage individuals to take to learn to live together in a world
action. characterized by diversity and
pluralism. Education therefore has
FAMILY VALUE: Indian families value a crucial long-term role in developing
respect, loyalty, and responsibility, a knowledge and understanding of
Children are taught to respect elders, human rights, the values base they
care for their siblings, and take represent and the skills required to
responsibility for their actions. These strengthen a democratic culture.
values are deeply ingrained in Indian
culture and are passed down from PURPOSE OF EDUCATION
generation to generation
¾ The purpose of education is to
EDUCATION: Indian education educate individuals within society,
places great emphasis on moral to prepare and qualify them for
education and character building. work for an economy as well as to
Students are taught to value honesty, integrate people into society and
hard work, and respect for others. teach them values and morals of
Schools and colleges often organize the society.
value education programs and
¾ Role of education is to socialize
extracurricular activities to promote individuals and to keep society
these values. smooth and remain stable.
ROLE OF EDUCATION IN VALUE ¾ After the family a person spends
INCULCATION most of his/her life with educational
institutions starting from school.
Education is defined as ‘adjustment Even after schooling during
ability to a changing situation and graduation and post-graduation
environment’. Education should be a education helps to develop ethical
means to empower children and adults behaviour in the students.

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 ETHICS

ROLE OF EDUCATION INSTITUTION ¾ We are facing a moral crisis in

the education system which leads
¾ Producing a new generation that to suicides among the students,
enables solving the real problems particularly those who are failing
in our society. at subjects and not in a position
¾ Community service is another to accept failures in life.
area that can help in cultivating ¾ Forcing children to take the areas
and instilling a sense of national of subjects where parents are
identity. It includes the activity interested, instead of exploring
that stresses about tolerance and
children’s creativity is creating
harmonious values regardless
paramount stress on the children
religion and race aspect.
¾ Even parents too run after the
¾ Youths’ development toward a
competition, with neighbour
positive sense of ethnic identity.
children’s and relatives.
¾ It can give them an opportunity to
interact with others from various MEASURES TO IMPROVE VALUE-
backgrounds. BASED EDUCATION SYSTEM
¾ Produces leaders and develops 1. There is a need to overhaul the
leadership qualities. educational system in India.
More importance should be given
PROBLEMS IN THE EDUCATION
to value-based education along
SYSTEM
with rationality and science.
¾ Today’s Modern education We are teaching them how to be
deals only with knowledge- successful but not teaching them
based education but not value how to be happy.
based education. 2. Inculcate discipline and
¾ Educational institutions are punctuality starting from early
running after marks and days of schooling.
trophies but there are no specific
3. Charity habit should be inculcated
chapters on ethics or how to be
among the students.
happy in the curriculum.
Example: Coins for the Country
¾ Consequences is that we are
Initiative: Hyderabad based
producing number of professionals
like doctors, engineers or lawyers school took an initiative to
but not producing good human encourage students to save
beings. money at home while reducing
unnecessary expenditure and
¾ We are creating professionals without borrowing money from
without a kind heart but with anyone. At the end of academic
intelligent mind just like a robot.
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 Ethics and Human Interface
year, saved money will be used for CHALLENGES OF ETHICS AND HUMAN
the betterment of society. VALUES
4. Constitutional values should be Ethics and human values face
a part in every level of education numerous challenges in today's
curriculum. complex and rapidly changing world.
Some of the key challenges include:
5. Take field visits to rural areas and
teach them how land & farmer ¾ Technological Advancements
are inter linked, so they will ¾ Artificial Intelligence and
understand the value of food and Automation: The development
stop wasting the food. of AI and automation raises
6. Develop scientific temper among ethical concerns regarding job
the children and make it a part of displacement, privacy, bias, and
school curriculum. accountability.
Example: Fundamental duties ¾ Biotechnology: Advances in
mentioned in the Article 51A of fields like genetic engineering and
the Indian constitution reads cloning pose ethical dilemmas
that “to develop scientific temper, related to human enhancement,
humanism and the spirit of inquiry genetic manipulation, and the
and reform” definition of "natural" boundaries.

7. Happiness curriculum Privacy Concerns

should become a part of the school
¾ Digital Surveillance: Increased
books. So, it helps students to not
surveillance through technology,
worry about marks and grades.
both by governments and private
Example: Delhi govt’s Happiness entities, challenges the right to
curriculum. American first lady privacy.
visited one of the Delhi school ¾ Data Security: The collection and
and interacted with students and use of personal data by companies
enquired how these happy hours and organizations without proper
need to be implemented consent raise ethical issues.
8. Stop giving too much importance
to only engineering and medicine. Globalization
Let’s encourage students to ¾ Labor Practices: Globalization
explore various areas of subjects. has led to complex supply chains,
Example: New Education Policy often involving exploitative labor
2020 has such provisions. It practices, raising questions about
should get implemented in letter& fair wages, working conditions,
spirit. and corporate responsibility.

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 ETHICS

¾ Cultural Values: The clash of Crisis Response

different cultural values in a
globalized world can challenge ¾ Pandemics and Emergencies:
universal ethical norms. Ethical decision-making is
crucial in times of crisis, such
Environmental Sustainability as pandemics, where issues
of resource allocation, public
¾ Climate Change: Ethical questions health measures, and individual
arise regarding responsibility for freedoms come into play.
climate change, resource allocation,
and the moral obligation to protect the Cultural and Moral Relativism
environment for future generations.
¾ Diversity of Values: The existence
¾ Resource Exploitation: The ethical of diverse cultural and moral
use of natural resources and frameworks raises questions
the impact on indigenous about the universality of ethical
communities are areas of concern. principles.
Social Inequality Education and Media Influence
¾ Income Disparities: Growing ¾ Misinformation: The spread of
gaps between the rich and the misinformation and fake news
poor raise ethical questions about challenges the formation of
distributive justice and social informed and ethical judgments.
responsibility. ¾ Media Manipulation: The influence
¾ Access to Healthcare and Education: of media on shaping values and
Unequal access to basic necessities perceptions can raise concerns
like healthcare and education about bias and objectivity.
challenges the principles of justice Changing Social Norms
and equality.
¾ Gender and Sexuality: Evolving
Political and Governance Challenges norms around gender identity
and sexual orientation challenge
¾ Corruption: Widespread corruption traditional ethical frameworks.
in governments and institutions
poses ethical challenges to fair Addressing these challenges requires
and just governance. ongoing dialogue, education, and the
development of ethical frameworks that
¾ Human Rights Violations: can adapt to the evolving nature of society
Issues such as censorship, and technology. It involves a collective
discrimination, and suppression effort from individuals, communities,
of dissent challenge the ethical governments, and organizations to foster
foundations of societies. a more ethical and values-driven world.

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 ETHICS OF THIRUKURAL 3
INTRODUCTION expounds various aspects of life also
known as Tamilmarai.
Thirukkural is the most popular
and the most quoted by many Tamils The word Thirukkural is a
and Indians as the epitome of ethical combination of two Tamil words
living. Even today Tamil philosophers, thiru and kural. Thiru means
sociologists, economists, political auspiciousness and kural means
leaders, songwriters, poets, teachers, short poem consisting of two lines, a
and others often quote verses from couplet. Thirukkural consists of 1,330
the Thirukkural to mention or explain couplets (kural) and is divided into
different ethical and moral solutions three parts. The first part deals with
to worldly problems. The popular the ethical code of conduct (aram) and
Tamil poet Kannadasan also quoted the second part deals with political
Ethics from the Thirukkural and there governance, wealth and other topics
is a high prevalence & extensive use of social and material interest (porul).
of verses of Thirukkural in many of The third part deals with romance and
his works. Although the teachings of love (inbam).
Thirukkural encompass all aspects of
life, limited literature is found on its FEATURES OF THE THIRUKURAL
principles of business, private and The Three Most Important and
public life ethics, and application in Unique Features of the Thirukkural
leadership & daily life. are:
THE GREAT THIRUKKURAL ¾ It is secular in nature
The Great Thirukkural is ¾ It is universal and applicable to
considered one of the greatest literature people living everywhere
works like the Valmiki Ramayana and ¾ It is everlasting and its messages
the Vyasa Mahabharata. Thirukkural transcend time.
is also an epic this way and is also
considered the fifth Veda. The author This secular, universal and
Thiruvalluvar was a Tamil saint and he immortal nature of Thirukkural,
was also a weaver and believed to have combined with its conciseness and
lived in Mylapore, a part of Chennai, literary charm, has been the pride
the capital of Tamil Nadu. Thirukkural of Tamil people for the past many

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 ETHICS

centuries. Therefore, it is imperative from the heart, otherwise, it cannot

for the Indians (Tamils) to dive into be considered ethical. Similar to the
the ocean of Thirukkural to learn the other Vedic literature, Thirukkural
principles of ethics for life. recommends intrinsic or inside out
perspectives to ethical conduct. The
PRINCIPLES OF ETHICS IN propensity to behave ethically must
THIRUKURAL come from the heart and not by force
or by any rules or regulations.
On principles of ethics, in
Thirukkural, Thiruvalluvar guides not Thirukkural says a blemishless
only the leaders but also all humanity mind is the basis of all virtue;
to live an ethical life and virtues. In everything else is just an empty show
the daily life context, what was said (Kural 34 –Manathukkan maacilan
by Thiruvalluvar for a king applies to aadhal anaitharan aakula neera pira).
people in public and private life too. The word Maacil in Kural 34 refers to
A human being who is virtuous and the impurity of the mind, which has
acts according to the principles of to be eschewed if one is to progress in
ethics will not only bring a good name virtue. Jesus Christ also highlighted
and reputation but will also enrich this concept of purity of heart, when
one’s wealth. Therefore, good ethical he said that a man who entertained
practices provide society with the in his mind lustful thoughts with
guidance and information they need reference to another woman.
for effective, efficient and responsible
choices and actions. ETHICS, MORALITY, AND HUMANNESS
The goodness of a man’s In its essence, Thirukkural is
behaviour itself is the root cause of a treatise par excellence on the art
all other goodness. This is asserted by of living. Tiruvalluvar, the author,
Thiruvalluvar as the only goodness of diagnoses the intricacies of human
the leader is that of their goodness; all nature with such penetrating insight,
other goodness is not to be included perfect mastery and consummate skill
among any goodness. (leader here in in absorbing the most subtle concepts
this context refers to the ideal and of love and modern psychology, that
well behaved man). one is left wondering at his sweep and
depth. His prescriptions, leavened
Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad-
by godliness, ethics, morality and
Gita also asserts the following to
humanness are sagacious and
Arjuna: whatever action the ideal one
practical to the core. They cut across
performs, common men follow; and
castes, creeds, climes and ages and
whatever standards he/she sets by
have a freshness which makes one feel
exemplary acts, all worlds pursue.
as if they are meant for the present
Ethical conduct should originate
times.”

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 Ethics of Thirukural

THIRUKKURAL ON ETHICS IN the leaders must be encouraged and

BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP given emphasis by organisations. Poor
ethical behaviour can lead to business
With globalisation and the growth losses and embarrassing scandals.
of the world economy, business
organisations are becoming more In the contemporary business
dominant with less of governmental environment, the business Ethics
control; therefore, a greater need for from the Thirukkural expresses that
ethical practices arises. The leaders in leaders throughout the world are
organisations are facing the problem faced daily with ethical issues at work,
of ethics, on the choice between good and sometimes they do not know
or bad, and do’s or dont’s in making how to deal with them. Some of the
the work. issues being faced by them include
bribery, nepotism, stealing, lying,
A business leader is just one whose fraud and deceit, conflict of interest,
behaviour is considered to reflect all quality control issues, discrimination,
those ethical qualities. The principle falsification of information, abuse
objective of ethics has always been of public funds and environmental
to produce morally upright individual pollution. In several Asian countries,
leaders with good and acceptable chronic disregard for transparency,
behaviour. In business organisation ethics and democratic principles
and also in the political context, has been cited as the cause for
ethics involve the application of moral organisational failures.
principles of conduct in governance
or good governance. The principles of In the American context, some
ethics should be an integral part of results of public opinion studies
the organisation for good governance indicate that 58% of American
and societal welfare. adults rate the ethical standards of
business executives as only fair or
Business organisations are also poor, 90% believe white-collar crime
increasingly concerned with the is very common or somewhat common
ethical conduct of the duties and and 76% say the lack of ethics
responsibilities, their relationship with in businesspeople contributes to
the shareholders of the company and plummeting societal moral standards.
stakeholders groups with the ultimate
aim to provide value to shareholders One of the major assertions is
and stakeholders. that the American public does not
view businesspeople as unethical or
ISSUES IN BUSINESS ETHICS immoral, but instead, as being moral
because that ethical considerations
The ethical business practices are often seen as inappropriate in
are crucial to overall society’s well- business situations. “Business is not
being and good ethical behaviour of structured to handle questions of
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 ETHICS

values and ethics, and its managers well behaved and set good examples
have usually not been trained in for their followers. The Thirukkural
business schools to do so”. highlighted that the leader can be a
highly qualified person. However any
BUSINESS ETHICS FROM THIRUKURAL of the leader’s unethical practices will
Ancient literature is always a result in irreparable damage to their
source of wisdom. It inspires those business. Therefore, they must do the
who are open to it all the time and it is right things first and continue to do
never exhausted by any one generation the right things only.
of interpreters, no one has said the last The leader’s glamour and show off
word on it. Thirukkural is an example in business will not serve any purpose,
of one such ancient literature. The unless they gain faith and confidence
Thirukkural is pregnant with lessons in the market as reliable business.
in several fields related to wealth, As a leader of reliable and reputed
economics, politics, duty, pleasure, businesses, they must be always
etc. besides ethics. For some Indians, truthful, and honest and follow ethics
it may look strange that ancient in all their business transaction. Even
literature like the Thirukkural can say for millions of dollars of profits, they
some things about business ethics in should not attempt to do anything
the modern context of leadership. The unethical and illegal in their business,
contribution made by Thiruvalluvar as this will destroy the hard-built
on ethical principles and its relevance reputation of their business. It is
today. known that customers will throng to
the business with your established
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP high reputation, product and service
Business leaders today are reliability in the market. Therefore,
considered to be fortunate to obtain leading with sound principles of ethics
good education with many usefulness is essential for every leader.
leaders with at least a Bachelors These leaders will be seen to walk
Degree or with Masters Degree or the talk and also talk the walk. Poet
PhDs, but what is the use of that Kannadasan in Aandavan Kattalai
learning if they are not ethical in their had written that a leader who walks
undertaking, and that learning does his talk and talks his walk will attain
not lead to the blessed feet of pure happiness. People will work with
intelligence. Kural 2 – karratana laa leaders with ethical principles and
payanekol; valarivan narral tolaar not for them. The leaders will be
rennin which means that the purpose considered to be honest, trustworthy
of education is to develop the intellect and have a very high level of integrity,
to distinguish between what is right and will deliver their promises to their
and what is wrong and cautioned by people or subordinates.
one’s conscience. A leader needs to be
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 Ethics of Thirukural
THIRUKURRAL ON ETHICS IN 4. Avoidance of Corruption (Kural
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 91-100): Thiruvalluvar condemns
corruption and stresses the need
While the Thirukkural does for administrators to refrain
not specifically address public from taking bribes or engaging
administration as we understand it in dishonest practices. The text
today, it provides timeless wisdom on highlights the corrosive effects
ethical principles that can be applied of corruption on society and
to governance and administration. governance.
Some instances from the Thirukkural 5. Administrative Competence (Kural
that are relevant to ethics in public 381-390): Thirukkural discusses
administration are: the importance of administrative
competence. Leaders are advised
1. Justice (Kural 1-4): Thirukkural
to be knowledgeable, skilled,
emphasizes the importance of and capable of managing affairs
justice in governance. It states that effectively. This underscores the
a king's primary duty is to ensure importance of competence in
justice for all, and a ruler should public administration.
be impartial, treating all citizens
6. Compassion and Welfare (Kural
equally. This principle underscores
391-400): Thirukkural advocates
the need for fairness and equity in for compassion in governance.
public administration. Leaders are encouraged to be
2. Good Conduct (Kural 5-12): considerate of the welfare of the
The Thirukkural underscores the people. The text promotes the
importance of good conduct for idea that leaders should strive to
improve the well-being of their
leaders and administrators. It
citizens.
advises leaders to maintain ethical
behavior, humility, and integrity. 7. Communication and Consultation
Public administrators are urged (Kural 541-550): The Thirukkural
to lead by example and set high recognizes the importance of
moral standards. effective communication and
consultation in governance.
3. Duty (Kural 31-40): The concept of Leaders are advised to listen to
duty is central to the Thirukkural. the opinions and concerns of the
It emphasizes that administrators people and make decisions with
should fulfill their responsibilities wisdom and prudence.
diligently. Public servants are 8. Foresight and Planning
reminded of their duty to serve (Kural 551-560): Thirukkural
the people with sincerity and emphasizes the need for foresight
dedication. and planning in governance.
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 ETHICS

Leaders are urged to anticipate distributive justice. This resonates

challenges and plan for the future, with contemporary discussions
ensuring stability and prosperity on fair and equitable taxation in
for the society they govern. public finance.
DEEPER INSIGHT OF THIRUKKURAL 4. Environmental Stewardship (Kural
ON PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 101-110): Thirukkural recognizes
the interconnectedness of
Some specific aspects of human life and nature. Verses
Thirukkural that relate to ethics in in Kural 101-110 highlight the
public administration are: importance of environmental
1. Leadership and Accountability: stewardship and sustainable
Thirukkural emphasizes the resource management. This
accountability of leaders. In Kural ecological perspective is relevant
55, it states that a king's duty to contemporary discussions on
is to punish those who deserve sustainable development and
punishment, emphasizing the responsible governance.
importance of accountability in 5. Meritocracy (Kural 391): Thirukkural
leadership. This can be interpreted promotes the idea of promoting
as a call for ethical governance individuals based on merit rather
where leaders are responsible for than favoritism. In Kural 391,
their actions and decisions. it suggests that leaders should
2. Public Welfare (Kural 401-410): recognize and reward individuals
Thirukkural devotes an entire based on their competence and
section to the concept of "Aram" contributions. This aligns with the
or virtue, which includes verses modern principle of meritocracy in
(Kurals 401-410) that stress the public administration.
importance of public welfare. 6. Avoidance of Favoritism (Kural 441):
Leaders and administrators The text advises against favoritism
are encouraged to prioritize in governance. Leaders are urged
the well-being of the people to treat all citizens impartially and
they serve. This aligns with the avoid showing undue preference
modern understanding of public to certain individuals or groups.
administration as a service- This underscores the importance
oriented profession. of fairness and equity in public
3. Fair Taxation (Kural 551): In administration.
Kural 551, Thirukkural discusses 7. Conflict Resolution (Kural
the fair imposition of taxes. It 981-990): Thirukkural provides
suggests that taxes should be guidance on conflict resolution
levied based on the citizens' ability in Kural 981-990. Leaders are
to pay, reflecting the principle of encouraged to resolve disputes

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 Ethics of Thirukural
peacefully and with wisdom. This moral principles that should govern
principle aligns with the modern the conduct of people. The ethical
emphasis on diplomacy and framework presented in Thirukkural
negotiation in conflict resolution is comprehensive, containing various
within the context of governance. facets of virtuous living. The text,
primarily focuses on "Aram" (virtue)
8. Humility and Humane Governance: and provides a nuanced analysis of
Throughout Thirukkural, there is ethics in the following way:
a recurring theme of humility and
humane governance. Leaders are 1. Justice (Kural 1-10): Thirukkural
advised to approach their roles with underscores the significance
a sense of humility, recognizing of justice as the cornerstone of
the needs and aspirations of ethical conduct. Leaders are urged
the people. This ethical stance to rule with fairness, ensuring
promotes a leadership style that is equal treatment for all citizens.
The emphasis is on creating a just
considerate and compassionate.
and equitable society.
While the Thirukkural may not
2. Compassion (Kural 25): Compassion
explicitly address modern concepts of
is highlighted as a key ethical
public administration, its teachings
principle, encouraging individuals
provide a strong ethical foundation
to empathize with others.
for leaders and administrators. Thirukkural promotes a sense of
The principles of justice, integrity, interconnectedness, emphasizing
competence, compassion, and kindness, and under-standing in
foresight outlined in the Thirukkural human interactions.
remain relevant and applicable
to ethical governance and public 3. Humility (Kural 15): Thirukkural
administration even today. emphasizes humility as a virtue
that prevents arrogance and
OVERALL ANALYSIS OF ETHICS fosters a sense of equality. Leaders
IN THIRUKURAL are advised to approach their
roles with humility, creating an
The Thirukkural do not conflict environment of mutual respect
with Vedanta and are not different and cooperation.
from the teachings from the Bible,
4. Duty and Responsibility (Kural
the Koran, the philosophy of Buddha, 31-40): Duty is presented as a
Confucius and other philosophical moral obligation, with individuals
schools of thought. The Thirukkural encouraged to fulfill their respon-
is a treatise on ethical business sibilities diligently. This aligns
leadership. Thirukkural advocates a with the ethical principle that
consciousness and a spirit-centred one's actions should positively
approach to the subject of business contribute to the well-being of
ethics based on eternal values and society.
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 ETHICS

5. Avoidance of Harm (Kural 241- of generosity and charitable

250): Thirukkural advises against acts, considering them as noble
causing harm to others, extending qualities that contribute to the
beyond physical harm to include welfare of society and foster
emotional and psychological well- communal harmony.
being. Ethical conduct involves a
9. Discipline and Self-Control
commitment to non-violence.
(Kural 151-160): Ethical behavior
6. Avoidance of Greed (Kural 151- involves discipline and self-control.
160): The negative consequences Thirukkural advises individuals to
of greed and the pursuit of exercise restraint, avoid impulsive
wealth at any cost are warned actions, and cultivate virtues
against. Ethical behavior involves contributing to personal and
moderation, appreciating what societal well-being.
one has, and not succumbing to
As a whole, ethics in Thirukkural
destructive influences.
revolves around principles such
7. Truthfulness (Kural 291-300): as justice, compassion, humility,
Truthfulness is presented as a duty, truthfulness, and self-control.
moral imperative, essential for It emphasizes the importance of
building trust and maintaining virtuous living, promoting a balanced
integrity in personal and and ethical approach to personal and
societal relationships. Honest societal conduct. Thirukkural's ethical
communication is a foundational teachings serve as a timeless guide for
aspect of ethical living. individuals, urging them to lead lives
marked by integrity, empathy, and a
8. Generosity (Kural 231-240):
sense of social responsibility.
Thirukkural promotes the virtue

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 ETHICS

PART - 2
KINDS OF ETHICS

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 ETHICS

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 ETHICS AND MORALS 4
INTRODUCTION systems. Though in contemporary
times, ethics and morality are
Ethics is a simple system of moral
generally used interchangeably, still,
principles as it depicts how people
the philosophical study of moral
make their own right and wrong
principles or moral philosophy is the
decisions. In complex terms, it is a
part of applied ethics. It enlightens
branch of philosophy that utilizes a
human beings to differentiate what is
system of principles to define what is
right and wrong in different contexts.
good for individuals and their society.
Ethics talks about which decisions DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ETHICS
are right for society and individuals, AND MORALS
described as moral philosophy.
Ethics are the moral principles ETHICS AND MORALITY
that govern the behavioral inclinations Although the words ethics
and activities of an individual, society, and morality, are often used
or organization. Ethics revolves interchangeably, morality is more
around the philosophical study of the precisely used to refer to the customs,
concepts that discuss what is morally principles of conduct, and moral codes
right or morally wrong. For a system, of an individual, group, or society.
ethics incorporate values, principles, Ethics, also termed moral philosophy
or codes of the different moral rules. or the science of morals, is the branch
All in all, ethics is the philosophical of philosophy that studies morality
study of morality while morality is the through the critical examination of
systematic set of thoughts or belief right and wrong in human action.

ETHICS MORALS
Ethics deals with what is 'good or evil' Morals deal with what is 'right or
wrong'.
Ethics are a set of principles or values Morals are an individual's personal
that guide the behavior of a group or beliefs about right and wrong.
profession.

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 ETHICS

They are more objective and are They are shaped by cultural, religious,
based on a shared understanding and personal values and beliefs.
of what constitutes right and wrong Morals are often taught from a young
behavior within a particular context or age and are deeply ingrained in a
community. Ethics are often codified person's character. They tend to be
in a code of conduct or a set of rules more subjective and may vary from
that govern professional behavior. person to person, or from culture to
culture.
Example: Assume that a company Example: In contrast, the company's
produces a product that is harmful code of ethics may require the
to the environment. A marketing marketing executive to promote the
executive at the company may feel product, regardless of their personal
that it is morally wrong to promote beliefs. The code of ethics may prioritize
the product and may struggle with the company's financial success over
the decision to do so. The marketing any individual's personal moral beliefs
executive's personal values and beliefs
about the environment may conflict
with the company's goal of maximizing
profits.

CONSTITUTIONAL MORALITY Concept of Constitutional Morality

Constitutional morality refers to The doctrine of Constitutional
the principles and values that underlie morality traces its origin back to the
the constitution and guide the actions work of English Historian George
of government and citizens. Grote.
¾ The term Constitutional Morality He used 'constitutional morality'
is not mentioned anywhere in the to describe popular sovereignty,
constitution. governed based on 'freedom' and self-
¾ It encompasses the idea that the restraint.
constitution is not just a legal Constitutional morality, for Grote,
document but also a moral one also meant citizens' right to criticize
that reflects the shared values public officials. Therefore, highlighting
and aspirations of a society. the limitation to the power of public
¾ It also encompasses the idea officials and their duty to respect the
that the constitution should be Constitution
interpreted and implemented
Aspects of Constitutional Morality
consistently with these funda-
mental principles and values The functional aspects of morality
rather than simply as a technical present in the constitution and several
document to be followed literally. elements exercised by the judiciary

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 Ethics and Morals
while implementing the morality part ¾ Joseph Shine vs Union of India
of the constitution are mentioned (2018) decriminalized adultery,
below: citing violations of rights to
equality, dignity, privacy, and
¾ To protect individual autonomy
autonomy.
and personal liberty
¾ Shafin Jahan vs Asokan K.M.
¾ To regulate the state's power to
(2018) upheld the right to marry a
punish based on public or social
person of one's choice, irrespective
morality
of religion or caste, overturning
¾ To respect the Constitution's the annulment of a Hindu-Muslim
values like secularism, pluralism, marriage.
and diversity.
¾ Shakti Vahini vs Union of India
¾ An individual can freely express (2018) condemned honor killings
their identities and preferences and violence against inter-caste
without fear or coercion. and inter-religious couples,
Example: Navtej Singh Johar vs issuing guidelines for prevention
Union of India (2018) case wherein and protection.
Affirmed the rights of LGBTQ+
Challenges of Constitutional Morality
individuals to express their sexual
orientation and identities with dignity. Constitutional Morality as an
aesthetic philosophical ideology is
Landmark Judgements Upholding easily acceptable but has major
Constitutional Morality lacunae while comprehending,
¾ Lata Singh vs State of UP (2006) implementing, or accepting it. Some of
mandated protection for inter- the major challenges of constitutional
caste and inter-religious couples, morality are:
shielding them from harassment ¾ Constitutional morality lacks
and violence. a clear definition, leading to
¾ S. Khushboo vs Kanniammal varied interpretations based on
& Anr. (2010) legalized sexual individual perceptions.
relations between consenting ¾ Constitutional morality promotes
adults outside of marriage, judicial supremacy, which
asserting it as a right to privacy. can result in the Judiciary
¾ Naz Foundation vs Government of intervening in the functioning of
NCT of Delhi (2009) decriminalized the legislature.
consensual homosexual acts, ¾ Constitutional morality may
deeming Section 377 of the Indian sometimes conflict with popular
Penal Code a violation of rights. morality or religious beliefs.

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 ETHICS

¾ Constitutional morality may Two Sense of Intuitionism

be influenced by political
The primary usage of “intuitionism”
considerations or personal biases.
is to refer to a doctrine in
¾ These influences can undermine moral epistemology concerning how
the objectivity and legitimacy of agents come to know or justifiably
constitutional morality. believe moral judgments such as that
‘torture is wrong’ or that ‘virtue is good’.
INTUITIONISM Intuitionism in this sense is a theory
Ethical intuitionism refers to a core about how ethical beliefs acquire
of related moral theories, to especial their justification. More specifically,
it says that we can know that certain
prominence in the work of G.E. Moore,
things are good or actions are right by
H.A. Pritchard and W. D. Ross in the
intuition. Coming to know something
earlier part of the twentieth century.
by intuition is to apprehend it directly,
The label ‘ethical intuitionism’ has
and not on the basis of some reasoning
had at least two distinct contemporary
process.
uses.
Since intuitionism assumes that
Firstly, ‘intuitionism’ between the
we are capable of moral knowledge, it
1860s and 1920s was another name for
is to be contrasted with forms of moral
unranked pluralism, the doctrine that
skepticism, such as emotivism, which
there is a plurality of moral principles
deny this. It is also to be contrasted
none of which is more basic than any with coherentism, which denies that
other. In this respect, intuitionism is moral knowledge is intuitive, rather
a normative ethical theory contrasted than inferred from other things already
with versions of monism—the view known. In illustration, an intuitionist
that there is only one basic moral might hold that the judgment that
principle—such as utilitarianism, one ought to keep one’s promises is
and Kantianism. Intuitionism in this something that is intuitively known to
sense is nowadays distinguished as be true; in contrast, an emotivist would
methodological intuitionism. regard this judgment as an
Secondly, and primarily, expression of feeling, and hence not
intuitionism in ethics refers to a something that could be true or false;
cluster of theories about how moral lastly, coherentists would argue that
agents come to know which things are this principle is known by inference
good, or which actions are right and from other principles which are
wrong. This view may be distinguished themselves not intuitively known.
as epistemological intuitionism, a Relationship Between Methodological
theory of the way in which ethical and Epistemological Intuitionism
propositions come to be grasped or
known. The relationship between metho-
dological and epistemological intuitio-
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 Ethics and Morals
nism, in their historical development, might intuition the general principle
the two doctrines are closely tied up that breaking promises is wrong, or
with one another. Notable intuitionists that some particular action would be
such as H.A. Pritchard and W.D. Ross morally wrong.
held both of these doctrines, endorsing
Thirdly, various forms of
unranked pluralism, and the claim
intuitionism may be distinguished
that a plurality of basic principles are
from one another in terms of the
known through intuition. However,
source of what is intuited.
it is possible to deny methodological
intuitionism, while sanctioning Intuitionists are here divided into
epistemological intuitionism. Henry two camps: rational intuitionists and
Sidgwick is instructive in this regard. perceptual intuitionists.
He argued that there is one basic moral ¾ Rational intuitionists hold that
principle—the principle of utility— some moral judgments are known
but that this principle is grasped by means of reason, and are
through intuition. So Sidgwick is an therefore a priori. They are likely
epistemological intuitionist but not a to draw an analogy with the way
methodological intuitionist. in which mathematical principles
are known by intuition.
Varieties of Epistemological
Intuitionism ¾ In contrast with rational
intuitionism, perceptual
Firstly, varieties of intuitionism intuitionism holds that moral
may be distinguished from one another intuitions are akin to sense
in terms of differences in the content perceptions so that one “sees” that
of what is intuited. The content of an some particular action is wrong.
intuition is roughly “what it is about.” Perceptual intuitionists will tend
In the case of moral intuition, moral to emphasize the particularity of
intuitions could be about (amongst the knowledge that is intuited,
other things) values such as goodness while rational intuitionists tend
and badness, or rightness and to point to general moral truths
obligation. For example, holds that known by rational insight.
goodness and badness are intuited.
¾ Fourthly, various forms of
Secondly, various forms of intuitionism may be distinguished
intuitionism may be distinguished according to the degree of
from one another in terms of the justification intuition confers on
generality of what is intuited. This belief. Most classical intuitionists
is a question as to whether intuitive argue that intuition confers
moral knowledge is essentially of enough justification upon belief
general principles or of particular for it to count as knowledge.
actions and things. For instance, one So intuiting a moral principle
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 ETHICS

is sufficient for knowing that AUTONOMY OF ETHICS

principle. However, there is
The autonomy of ethics is the
nothing in the notion of intuition
thesis that moral properties cannot
that requires that it provide be explained in terms of natural
certainty or knowledge and some properties. Moral properties are
recent thinkers have argued normative (or evaluative) and include
picked up on this, arguing that notions such as right, wrong, ought,
intuition provides some evidential good, bad, virtuous and vicious.
weight insufficient for knowledge. Natural properties are descriptive,
It is also worth noticing that including such things as being
intuitive evidence in favor a belief pleasant, being painful, being desired
does not preclude the possibility (rather than desirable), or hated (rather
of inferential support. So intuition than hateful). Normative properties
may provide evidence for a given provide reasons that recommend or
moral principle, but coherence disapprove actions or states of affairs,
with other beliefs may add to the whereas natural properties merely
evidential weight in support of report states of affairs. For example,
that belief. it is one thing to say that smoking is
wrong, and quite another to say that it
Arguments of Intuitionism causes lung disease. The former is an
evaluation of a certain habit of action
Epistemological intuitionism is
whereas the latter is a description of a
usually understood to be the outcome
causal outcome of this habit.
of a commitment to three theses:
(1) moral realism, FOUNDATIONALISM
(2) the autonomy of ethics, and Foundationalism is an epistemological
theory about the structure of
(3)  foundationalism. justification. It says that not all
beliefs rest upon other beliefs for their
MORAL REALISM
justification. For example, if someone’s
Moral realism is the meta-ethical belief that P depends on Q, which in
doctrine that there are objective moral turn depends on R, the question arises
facts. A moral realist may hold that it as to where this relation of support
is (or could be) a fact that torture is comes to an end.
wrong, even if everyone in the world A foundationalist thinks that if
came to believe the opposite. He or she this chain of support did not come to
claims that there are true and false an end somewhere, then the entire
moral propositions, and the truth of chain of belief lacks justification
these propositions is not dependent because one cannot know an infinite
on people’s opinions, or attitudes. number of truths. So he concludes

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 Ethics and Morals
that there must be some beliefs that EXISTENTIALISM
are not justified by their relationship
Existentialists oppose defining
to other beliefs, but are directly and
human beings as primarily rational,
immediately justified. These are the
and, therefore, oppose both positivism
foundational beliefs that support
and rationalism. Existentialism
the system. In the context of moral
asserts that people make decisions
philosophy, foundationalism says
based on subjective meaning rather
that we know certain derivative
than pure rationality.
moral truths only because we know
basic truths. Basic moral truths are The Kierkegaard was many things:
foundational and support the higher- philosopher, religious writer, satirist,
level beliefs that depend on them. psychologist, journalist, literary critic
They are known by intuition. and generally considered the 'father'
of existentialism.
Moral realism, the autonomy of
ethics, and foundationalism, lead to Existentialist Themes portraying
intuitionism as follows. Moral realism (as per Irvine) to be an existing human
says that ethical propositions are being means to be free. In contrast
factual. The autonomy of ethics says with most everything else in the world,
that they cannot be entirely reduced a human being is not determined by
to natural propositions. If there are 'laws of nature. ‘The human being has
indeed moral facts, then according to a unique freedom to determine his or
foundationalism they must depend on her own behavior.
some basic moral facts. These basic Features of the Existentialism
beliefs must have direct justification,
that is, be known directly—by ¾ Meaninglessness and purposelessness
intuition—and not by inference from of life in this absurd universe is
any other moral belief. the principal theme of this genre
of dramas.
For example, we know, that lying
is normally wrong. Suppose that the ¾ There is neither a specific plot nor
reason that lying is wrong is because it specific action.
brings about harm. Then the wrongness ¾ There are few characters who are
of lying is justified by inferring it from types of the lower or middle class
a more basic moral principle. But of society.
this chain of justifications cannot
Types of Existentialism
go on forever (by foundationalism),
and can never ultimately eliminate The standard typology that has
moral propositions (by the autonomy long been used by commentators is
of ethics). Therefore, there are some the distinction between;
moral facts known directly, that is, by ¾ Theistic existentialists
intuition.
¾ Atheistic existentialists
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 ETHICS

While both focus on the am myself – but do I feel free to

significance of the individual, a theistic be myself? Am I allowed to be who
existentialist is concerned with the I am? Do I experience attention,
individual's choices in relation to justice, appreciation, esteem,
divinity. An atheistic existentialist is respect, my own worth? Do I feel I
concerned with an individual's choices have the right to be me? – Deficits
in a Godless universe. at this level can lead to a histrionic
complex of symptoms and to the
Areas of Existentialism main personality disorders.
The four areas of existentialism ¾ Context and future: We are
are continuously challenged and motivated by the question of
questioned by the four existential meaning: I am here – for what
motivations. The practice of Existential purpose? What is present today
Analysis relies on dialogue as the that may make my life part of a
main therapeutic tool to explore these meaningful whole? What do I live
challenges at the individual level. for? – A deficit can lead to suicidal
¾ World: We are motivated by tendencies, aggravate addictions
the fundamental question of and other dependencies.
existence: I exist – can I be in this Importance of Existentialism
world where I live? Do I have the
necessary space, protection and Existentialism can help people
support? When we experience better understand themselves as
these we feel accepted and this individuals and in relation to others
in turn enables us to embrace in the world. Although it has its
an accepting attitude toward limitations, it can be valuable to help
ourselves. – A deficit can lead to individuals better identify their values
anxiety. and make choices to create their most
meaningful life.
¾ Life: We are motivated by the
fundamental question of life: I am Scope of Existentialism
alive – do I like this? Do I have
access to my emotions? Do I feel ¾ Existentialism and Post-modernism:
my emotions, feel their value? existentialism shares common
Experiencing the value of my life ground with postmodernism,
makes me aware that it is good particularly in its emphasis
to be alive – “that I am here”. – on individual subjectivity, the
Deficits can lead to depression. rejection of grand narratives, and
the questioning of objective truth.
¾ Self: We are motivated by the
Others argue that existentialism's
fundamental question of “self”: I

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 Ethics and Morals
focus on personal responsibility DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
and authenticity distinguishes IN ETHICS AND MORALS
it from postmodernism's more
radical skepticism and relativism. Definition of Duties
¾ Existentialism and feminism: Duty can be defined as a moral,
Feminist philosophers have legal, or professional obligation that a
engaged with existentialist ideas, person is bound to do, otherwise, he/
exploring the ways in which she has to face certain punishment or
gender, identity, and social norms penalty. It determines what a person
shape individual existence and should have done in the normal course
the possibilities for freedom of action in general or in specific
and authenticity. Some feminist circumstances.
critics argue that existentialism's
emphasis on individualism and Duty is the obligatory task,
personal responsibility can be conduct, work, or service, that
limiting, while others find value in emerges out of an individual’s position,
its focus on personal choice and occupation, or role.
self-determination. Example: The law governing the
¾ Existentialism and environmentalism: country has specified certain duties
Environmental philosophers have which must be followed by every
drawn on existentialist ideas to citizen. It exhibits an invisible force
explore the relationship between that binds a person to do something
human existence and the natural that is considered right in the eyes of
world, examining the ethical the law, whose non-performance may
and existential implications of result in a fine or punishment.
environmental degradation and
Definition of Responsibilities
the need for a more sustainable
and responsible way of life. Responsibility refers to a state of
¾ Existentialism and neuroscience: having some authority or obligation to
Recent developments in neuroscience undertake a task satisfactorily which
and cognitive science have raised has been assigned by someone who is
questions about the nature of superior or elder, so as to attain the
human existence, consciousness, desired results. It is required to be
and free will, prompting new undertaken as a part of a job or role.
debates about the relevance and It makes a person answerable
implications of existentialist or accountable for the completion of
ideas in light of these scientific the task, safekeeping of valuables/
discoveries cash, or protection of a person.
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 ETHICS

Hence, the person who accepts the performance and completion or non-
responsibility has to be ready to bear completion. The difference between
the consequences, for his/her actions duty and responsibility are mentioned
or decisions taken in this regard, below:
which may be positive or negative.
¾ Duty refers to the legal or moral
Responsibility often comes with obligation, or commitment
the authority to give directions and towards certain work, which
take relevant actions when required. you are expected to perform, in
When authority is delegated to a general, or special circumstances.
person, he/she becomes responsible On the contrary, responsibility
for its performance and the optimum refers to the liability that requires
use of the delegated authority. fulfilment which is either assumed,
voluntarily accepted or promised,
It reflects the trust of the person
by an individual, inherent to his/
delegating the authority to the person
her job or role.
to whom it is delegated, that the task
will be completed accordingly. ¾ Duties show a hidden binding
force that impels a person to do
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DUTIES a certain act, which is regarded
AND RESPONSIBILITIES as the right thing to do in a
Duty and Responsibility are wider particular situation. As against,
terms, that are used in a number responsibility brings authority,
of contexts, say in the field of law, i.e. the power to take necessary
management, education, ethics, and decisions and actions and
so forth. These are commonly used give proper directions for the
with one another, but they are two successful completion.
different terms, wherein the duty is ¾ Duties exhibits respect, sincerity,
imposed on someone, to perform of the person towards the work
something which is morally, legally, (task), elders and superiors
or professionally considered right. It and obedience. Conversely,
is something that we are required to Responsibility gives birth to
do as per law, conventions, rules, and accountability, i.e. acceptance of
norms. certain responsibility by a person
The responsibility is undertaken, makes him/her accountable for
i.e. something which a person has its performance.
to take care of or handle. When a ¾ Duty requires the sacrifice
person is responsible for something, of self-interest by the person
he/she becomes the one to be held to whom it is ascribed. In
accountable for or blamed for its
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 Ethics and Morals
contrast, responsibility demands shouldered on a person who is
trustworthiness and loyalty, competent and conscientious
i.e. the person to whom the enough to handle it.
responsibility of a certain task is
Therefore, Duty brings responsibility,
given must be trustworthy and
i.e. when you say it is your duty, it
loyal to perform the tasks as
indicates that you ought to do that
required.
because you are responsible for
¾ Duties are imputed on a person, that act if it is not done properly,
either naturally or out of the role/ within a reasonable time. It requires
position he occupies. On the other allegiance on the part of the concerned
hand, responsibility is nothing individual, for the discharge of duties
but demanded duties, which are and responsibilities successfully.

hhhhh

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 PRINCIPLES IN MORALS 5
INTRODUCTION we think and feel about those actions
and choices. It can also refer to the
'Morale' is an attitude of
values and beliefs that determine our
satisfaction with desire to continue in
behavior.
and willingness to strive for the goals
in their particular lives. It generally Moral and morale may sound and
refers to feeling of enthusiasm, zeal, look similar, but they have distinct
confidence in individuals or groups meanings and uses. Moral is an
that they will be able to complete the adjective with the meaning of correct
tasks assigned to them.. behavior; ethical. Morale is a noun
Moral refers to what societies describing the emotional state of a
sanction as right and acceptable. group or individual.
Most people tend to act morally and Example of Morality
follow societal guidelines. Morality
often requires that people sacrifice Morality is the set of standards
their own short-term interests for the that dictate what is right and wrong
benefit of society. in terms of behavior and beliefs.
Examples of morality include being
MORAL IN ETHICS honest, treating others with respect,
Morality is a set of values, helping those in need, and adhering
beliefs, and principles that guide an to laws and social norms. While there
individual’s behavior and decisions. It are many different interpretations
is a code of conduct that is commonly of morality, all societies have some
accepted in a particular society or form of moral code that guides their
culture. It refers to the distinction members.
between right and wrong, and is For example, in most societies it
usually based on an individual’s is considered immoral to steal from
personal beliefs and values. It is also another person or to lie to them. In
closely related to ethics, which is a other cultures it might be seen as
system of moral principles. immoral to eat a certain type of animal
Morality is a broad concept, and or to talk about someone behind their
its meaning can differ depending on back. Even within a single society,
the context. It can refer to the actions what may be seen as moral can change
and choices we make, or to the way depending on the context.
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 Principles in Morals

ELEMENTS OF MORALE ¾ At its core, morality is about doing

the right thing – it is about making
There are two important elements
decisions and taking actions that
of morale:
are beneficial for society as a
¾ Purpose: The individual shares whole. When we act in a moral
the purpose which gives him way, we promote good values,
– enthusiasm, energy and self- such as kindness and respect.
discipline.
¾ We also act in ways that benefit
¾ Responsibility: The responsibility everyone, instead of taking
of the authorities to infuse advantage of others for our own
the feeling of togetherness, a benefit. This can help create a
sense of identification and his better world for us all.
consideration for other members
of the institution. ¾ But morality also goes beyond
simply doing the right thing – it
TYPES OF MORALE also involves developing strong
character traits, such as honesty
Individual Morale: It means a
and integrity.
person’s attitudes towards life.
¾ When we act in a moral way,
Group Morale: It implies the
we strive to treat others with
collective attitudes of a group of
respect and fairness, and we take
persons.
responsibility for our actions. This
Social morale: Social Morality type of behavior helps us form
is a set of values and norms that exist positive relationships and gain
in society. These are the rules that trust within our communities.
govern the members of a society on
how they should behave with each ¾ Ultimately, morality is an essential
other for their welfare and well-being. element of a functioning society.
It provides us with guidelines
IMPORTANCE OF MORALE to follow and encourages us to
take care of ourselves and those
¾ Morality is an important concept
around us. It helps us become
that guides the behavior and
better people, and it sets an
decisions of individuals in a
example for others to follow.
society.
¾ It is the foundation of ethical PRINCIPLES OF MORALS
conduct, helping us to distinguish
Moral principles are guidelines
right from wrong. Without it, our
that people live by to make sure
interactions with others would be
they are doing the right thing. These
based solely on personal interests
include things like honesty, fairness,
or desires, without any regard for
and equality. Moral principles can be
what is fair or just.
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 ETHICS

different for everyone because they or perhaps it contributes to their

depend on how a person was raised well-being.
and what is important to them in life.
Example of Relative principles:
TYPES OF MORAL PRINCIPLES y It is morally wrong to spend
money. on a luxury item.
There are two types of moral
principles: absolute and relative. y It is morally right to care for
our planet and preserve it for
1. Absolute principles - Absolute
future generations.
principles are unchanging and
universal. They are based on IMPACT OF MORAL PRINCIPLES
universal truths about the nature
of human beings. For example, Moral principles are important
murder is wrong because it goes for society because they help people
against the natural order of things. learn how to get along and live well
These are also sometimes called with each other. They teach us that
normative moral principles, or all human beings deserve the same
those that are generally accepted rights, which is why it's not okay to
by society. discriminate against someone based
on their ethnicity or race. People who
Example of Absolute principles:
follow moral principles also tend to
y Don't kill. have a better quality of life than those
who don't.
y Speak the truth.
Moral principles can also impact
y Be careful with what you say
an individual's identity and sense of
and do to others.
self- worth. For example, someone
y Respect the property of others. who is honest may feel that they are
2. Relative principles - Relative a good person because they follow
principles change depending on the moral principle to be truthful at
the situation. They are based all times. And for people with strong
on opinions and circumstances values about equality, it might make
that may change over time or them feel better about themselves
from person to person or for when they don't discriminate against
different situations. Relative moral people who are different from them.
principles depend on a person's
beliefs, relative to what people Disadvantages in Moral Principles
perceive as good or bad in relation ¾ There are some things that can
to themselves. In other words, go wrong when following moral
when someone says something principles. Below are some
is good, in most cases they are examples of how moral principles
really saying it is good for them,
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 Principles in Morals
may not always guide you toward ¾ Ask yourself what you think is
the best course of action. right or wrong and make sure
that your actions are in line with
¾ First, it's possible to make
those thoughts.
judgments about others based
on your personal values and ¾ Watch out for double standards,
not theirs. For example, if you like being nice to one person while
think all women should dress not being so kind to another.
conservatively because you believe
¾ If it helps, write down a list of
dressing another way is immoral,
moral principles and post them
then you are passing judgment on
where they're easy to see, like on
others based on your own set of
a mirror or in your workspace.
standards.
¾ Don't worry if you're not perfectly
¾ In addition, it can be hard to
adhering to your moral principles.
tell the difference between a
The important thing is that you
moral principle and something
are trying your best.
that's cultural or part of your
upbringing. For example, you MORAL ABSOLUTISM
might believe women should
defer to their husbands because ¾ Moral absolutism is the belief
in your culture everyone has there are universal ethical
traditionally agreed with this idea standards that apply to every
for generations; however, if you situation and every individual.
were born into a different country Moral absolutism argues that
where people don't think this way, there are some moral rules that
you might not feel that it's morally are always true, that these rules
right. can be discovered and that these
¾ Finally, sometimes people can rules apply to everyone.
use moral principles to justify bad ¾ Immoral acts - acts that break
behavior like stealing or hurting these moral rules - are wrong
others in some way. For example, in themselves, regardless
if you steal because you believe of the circumstances or the
it will help the poor, then your consequences of those acts.
thoughts could be twisted to say
¾ Absolutism takes a universal view
that stealing is okay.
of humanity - there is one set of
Steps to Develop a Moral Principles rules for everyone which enables
the drafting of universal rules -
¾ Think about what you would such as the Declaration of Human
do when faced with an ethical Rights.
dilemma and why you would
make those decisions. ¾ One example of moral absolutism
in Indian administration is the
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 ETHICS

strict enforcement of laws and have more to them than the general
regulations in India regardless of agreement of a group of people, that
the circumstances of individual morality is more than a super-charged
situations. Ford company form of etiquette. Many of us think we
regulations, regard's approach to can be good without conforming to all
environmental conservation can the rules of society.
also be seen as an example of
Moral relativism has a problem
moral absolutism.
with arguing against the majority
IMMORAL ABSOLUTISM view. If most people in a society agree
with particular rules, that's the end of
¾ Many moral philosophers feel that the matter. Many of the improvements
the consequences of an act or the in the world have come about because
circumstances surrounding it are people opposed the prevailing ethical
relevant to whether that act is view but moral relativists are forced
good or bad to regard such people as behaving
¾ Absolutism doesn't fit with respect "badly”. Any choice of social grouping
for diversity and tradition as the foundation of ethics is bound to
be arbitrary. Moral relativism doesn't
¾ Different cultures have had provide any way to deal with moral
different attitudes to issues like differences between societies.
war
IMMORAL RELATIVISM
MORAL RELATIVISM
¾ Many moral thinkers feel that
Moral relativists say that if you moral rules have more to them
look at different cultures or different than the general agreement of a
periods in history you'll find that they group of people - that morality is
have different moral rules. Therefore it more than a super-charged form
makes sense to say that "good" refers of etiquette.
to the things that a particular group
of people approve of at a particular ¾ Many of us think we can be good
time. Moral relativists dispute the without conforming to all the
idea that there are some objective rules of society.
and discoverable 'super-rules' that all MORAL OBLIGATION
cultures ought to obey. They believe
that relativism respects the diversity Moral obligation in ethics refers to
of human societies and responds to the concept that individuals or groups
different circumstances surrounding have a duty or responsibility to act in
human acts. ways that are morally right or morally
permissible. This concept is deeply
Problems with Moral relativism:
rooted in ethical theories that explore
Many of us feel that moral rules
the nature of right and wrong actions,
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 Principles in Morals
as well as the principles that guide other hand, focus on the outcomes
ethical decision-making. or consequences of actions. Despite
this focus on consequences,
Aspects of Moral Obligation consequentialist ethical systems
1. Duty and Responsibility: Moral can still involve a sense of moral
obligation is often linked to the obligation, especially when certain
idea of duty and responsibility. actions are seen as necessary
It implies that individuals have for achieving the best overall
a moral duty to fulfill certain consequences.
obligations or responsibilities. 5. Social Contracts and Virtue
This duty may be derived from Ethics: Moral obligations can
ethical principles, religious beliefs, also be understood in the
cultural norms, or a combination context of social contracts, where
of these factors. individuals agree to follow certain
2. Normative Ethics: Moral obligation rules for the greater good of
is a central concern in normative society. Additionally, virtue ethics
ethics, which is the branch of ethics emphasizes the development of
that seeks to provide a framework virtuous character traits, and
for determining what is morally individuals may feel a moral
right or wrong. Different ethical obligation to cultivate virtues and
theories, such as deontology, act in accordance with them.
consequentialism, and virtue 6. Cultural and Religious
ethics, offer various perspectives Influences: Cultural and religious
on moral obligation and how beliefs can significantly impact the
individuals should navigate moral sense of moral obligation. In many
dilemmas. cases, individuals may feel morally
3. Deontological Perspective: Deon- obligated to adhere to the ethical
tological ethical theories, such principles and guidelines set
as those advocated by Immanuel forth by their cultural or religious
Kant, emphasize moral duties and traditions.
obligations as intrinsic features 7. Individual Autonomy: Discussions
of certain actions. According on moral obligation often involve
to deontology, some actions considerations of individual
are inherently right or wrong, autonomy. While certain ethical
regardless of their consequences. theories stress the importance of
Individuals have a duty to adhere following moral rules or principles,
to these moral principles. others emphasize the role of
4. Consequentialist Perspective: individual autonomy in ethical
Consequentialist theories, on the decision-making.
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 ETHICS

Therefore, moral obligation is a rationalization for our judgments only

complex and multifaceted concept after the judgment has occurred.
within ethics, encompassing notions
of duty, responsibility, and adherence TYPES OF JUDGMENTS
to moral principles. Different ethical Four major classes of moral
theories provide varying perspectives judgment prominent in current moral
on the nature and source of moral psychology research:
obligations, contributing to the
ongoing discourse on how individuals 1. Evaluation: The first class of
should navigate ethical dilemmas in judgment to consider is evaluations
their lives. of good and bad, positive and
negative. Evaluations represent
MORAL JUDGMENTS one of the most basic human
responses, can be easily transferred
Moral judgment refers to a decision from one object to another through
about what one should do in a morally evaluative conditioning, and can
problematic situation, what is right be made about virtually anything:
and what is wrong when deciding characters, objects, sounds, all
what to do. the way to human decisions,
Judgments involve our intuitions unintended outcomes, persons,
and/or our capacity to reach and groups.
decisions through reasoning. Moral 2. Norm Judgments: A second large
judgments refer to judgments that class of moral judgment may
have moral content; they are used to be termed “norm judgments”—
evaluate situations, courses of action, whether something is permissible,
persons, behavior, etc. The basis of required, forbidden, etc. Such
moral judgments is a topic of some judgments were made famous in
philosophical dispute. moral psychology by research into
the trolley dilemma and related
Some hold that moral judgments
moral dilemmas.
are based in intuition or feeling, often
in connection with the emotions. 3. Wrong Judgments: Wrong is
On this account of moral judgment, perhaps the most commonly
conscious reasoning plays no role in used word to express a moral
coming to a moral judgment. judgment the “paradigm moral
judgment” Wrongness judgments
For example, moral reasoning have certainly been heavily used
often comes ‘after the fact’ in moral in moral psychology.
judgments. In other words, we often
come to moral judgments quickly, 4. Blame Judgments: Moral wrongness
on the basis of a first impression or judgments merge evaluations and
intuition, and provide reasons or a norm judgments of intentional

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 Principles in Morals
actions. Blame judgments1 build (4) Joint enterprise
on all three processes. An initial
(5) Suffering and respect for persons
blame value is hypothesized to
be formed from evaluations and According to “Ethics” by Ronald
wrongness judgments in light of Dworkin, there are three types of
the seriousness of the violated morality: prescriptive, descriptive and
norm. But blame judgments reflective. Prescriptive morality has its
provide significant extensions: one rules and laws, which people follow and
is to fully incorporate the notion of are obliged to do. This type of morality
justification; a second is to handle is similar to legal or contractual
unintentional norm violations. ethics. Descriptive morality focuses on
Blame achieves these extensions individual judgments, while reflective
by processing multiple sources morality focuses on understanding
of information, including the the reasons behind moral judgments.
agent’s causal contributions to the An important factor that influences
event, reasons and their potential moral judgments is one’s own social
justification, and counterfactuals identity. This can be defined as a sense
about what the agent could have of membership in a grouping such
done differently. Being sensitive to as society and the norms associated
all this information enables blame with it. The stronger a person’s social
to be a graded moral judgment and identity, the stronger the inclination
often expressed moral criticism of towards following certain moral values
the norm violator. A closer look within this grouping.
at these extensions and their
basis in information processing is ETHICAL (OR) MORAL
warranted. INTUTIONISM AND REASONING
CRITERIAS FOR MORAL JUDGMENTS Moral intuition and moral
reasoning are pivotal cognitive
There are various criteria that
processes in shaping our moral
are used to determine the morality
judgments. Moral intuition operates
of an action. Among them, moral
as an immediate, emotion-driven
axioms have the most influence in
response, whereas moral reasoning
moral judgments. Moral axioms are a
involves a deliberate, rational analysis
set of general rules that guide moral
before reaching a moral decision. For
judgments. These rules can be divided
example, in a distressing situation,
into five moral principles:
moral intuition prompts instinctive
(1) Impartiality help, while moral reasoning assesses
(2) Universalizability potential risks and benefits before
deciding on the appropriate action.
(3) Voluntariness
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 ETHICS

ASPECTS MORAL INTUTION MORAL REASONING

Immediate and automatic The deliberate process of
judgement about the right determining right or wrong
Definition or wrong of a situation, often through logical analysis,
driven by emotions and involving critical thinking and
instinctive reactions. evaluation of ethical principles.
Involves conscious thought,
Often instantaneous, arising
where one applies moral
Characteristic from gut feelings without
principles and ethical theories
conscious reasoning.
to reach a conclusion.
Comes into play when one
Plays a foundational role,
Importance seeks to justify a moral
forming the immediate
in Moral judgement or when engaging
judgement that can later be
Judgements in moral discussions and
analyzed through reasoning.
debates.
Grounded in innate
Relies on cognitive processes
tendencies and shaped by
Psychological and often involves employing
evolutionary processes,
Basis moral philosophies such as
cultural norms, and personal
utilitarianism or deontology.
experiences.
Can be biased and subject Can sometimes be influenced
to personal prejudices and by an individual’s moral
Objectivity
might not always lead to intuition, and therefore not
morally correct judgments. entirely objective.
Evolves with cognitive
Develops early in life, with
Moral development and education,
children showcasing basic
Development becoming more refined with
moral intuitions.
intellectual maturity.
1. Critically evaluating the
1. Feeling an instant implications of a policy on
disapproval upon seeing various stakeholders and
someone steal, without making a decision based
analyzing the act in on principles of justice and
depth. fairness.
Examples 2. Feeling a spontaneous 2. Deliberating on the
urge to donate to allocation of limited
a charitable cause medical resources (like
upon hearing about a ventilators) during a
natural disaster or a pandemic, considering
humanitarian crisis. principles of justice, equity,
and the greater good.

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 Principles in Morals
Moral intuition and moral reasoning punished. The dilemma presented to
are distinct yet interconnected the men is they are either a good man
processes that guide individuals in or a bad one.
their moral decision-making, with
The concept of moral dilemma
moral intuition often serving as
was further developed in psychology
the instinctive compass and moral
by people like Edmund Burke,
reasoning providing the calibration.
Lawrence Kohlberg and others. The
A deep understanding of these
most common objective for these
processes can lead to a comprehensive
theories is to discover whether or not
and thoughtful approach to ethical
moral judgments are based on logic or
dilemmas, fostering a well-rounded
emotion.
moral decision-making process.
TROLLEY DILEMMA
MORAL DILEMMA
The concept of moral dilemma Trolley Dilemma is a concept that
was first introduced by Plato. In his was introduced by Philippa Foot in
famous dialogue, "The Republic," he 1967 in an article for “The Journal
illustrated the concept of the morally of Philosophy”. The main goal of this
right and wrong decisions. According article was to discuss how people
to him, there is a perfect society in should make moral decisions that
which the ideal man is neither praised involve harming others.
nor punished for his actions but is The following question is used to
recognized for what he has done.
illustrate the dilemma:
With this society in mind, Plato
felt that it would be unfair if the A trolley is going down a track with
people were forced to do something five people on it, who will be killed
without being given a chance to decide if nothing is done. You are standing
whether or not they wanted to do it. some distance away from the trolley
He therefore offers an example - one and you can pull a switch that will
where two options are posed before turn the trolley onto a different set of
two people: tracks, where only one person will die.
Do you do it?
Option A: Steal something from a
warehouse and give it to a friend. After this was published,
numerous articles and studies have
Option B: Do nothing and let the been conducted regarding this topic.
other person get robbed. One of the important concepts that
Options A and B directly contradict has come from this dilemma is the
what was mentioned in the previous distinction between personal and
section that in a perfect society, impersonal dilemmas.
the ideal man is neither praise nor

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 ETHICS

Dilemma “Fine-Tuning”—Proposal colonial legacy of unchallenged

of an Optimized Set: authority and propensity to
exercise power arbitrarily. In a
Moral dilemmas are often called society that worships power, it is
“fine-tuning”. This is because the easy for public officials to deviate
status and situation of these dilemmas from ethical conduct.
greatly affect one’s decision making.
As a result, numerous studies have ¾ Nepotism: Appointment of
been done utilizing the concept of relatives or friends to public
fine tuning where an appropriately positions, thereby ignoring the
optimized set of variables that affect merit principle leads to the
moral decisions can be revealed. downgrading of the quality of the
public service.
Therefore, Moral/Ethical Dilemma
is a decision-making problem between ¾ Public accountability: Public
two moral imperatives neither of officials ought to be accountable
which resolves the situation in a for their official actions to their
morally satisfactory manner. It is a superiors, the courts, and
complex situation that often involves the public. It is nevertheless,
an apparent mental conundrum in possible for them to hide behind
which obeying one imperative would prescribed procedures, the cloak
result in disobeying another. of professionalism and even
political office-bearers
MORAL DILLEMAS IN PUBLIC ¾ Policy dilemmas: Policymakers
SERVICE: are often confronted by conflicting
Some of the most common moral responsibilities. They have the
dilemmas with which public servants freedom to act on behalf and in
are confronted, revolve around aspects the interest of others, but they
such as: must also answer to others - their
superiors and society – for their
¾ Administrative discretion: Public actions.
officials are not merely executors
of public policy. They make Preventing and managing misconduct
decisions pertaining to the lives as well as enforcing moral values and
of people, for example, about standards are very complex issues.
taxes, survival and the dismissal However, it is important for public
of people. When faced with servants to ensure that their official
alternatives choices, public official conduct is always guided by the
face ethical problems. emplaced mechanisms for improving
moral competency:
¾ Corruption: Corruption is an
important manifestation of ¾ Re-Sensitization Program on
the failure of ethics. There is a Ethical and Moral Values can

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 Principles in Morals
be taken up with a view to halt be strengthened and appropriate
the decline of the time-honored punishments for violators should
ethical principles and rules in the be handed out.
public service.
¾ Demonstrable political commitment
¾ Promoting Administrative at the highest political authority
Accountability through strict level is critical for the successful
adherence to Codes of Conduct, promotion of durable sound
encouraging public servants to ethical fitness.
adhere to the mandatory and
¾ Peer consultation can also turn
permissible conduct in the public
out to be valuable in navigating
service.
through the labyrinth of ethical
¾ Laws and rules, which prohibit dilemmas in public service.
misconduct and corruption should

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 ETHICS

PART - III
ATTITUDE

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ATTITUDE: THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIOUR 6
INTRODUCTION Attitudes are positive, negative, or
neutral views of an "attitude object": i.e.
According to Breckler and Wiggins,
a person, behaviour or event. People
attitude is a hypothetical construct
can also be "ambivalent" towards a
that represents individuals' likes or
target. Example: I hate men with long
dislikes for an item. It is organized
hair. In this example, a person has a
through experience, exerting influence
negative attitude towards men who
on behaviour.
grow long hair.

Cognitive
Knowledge and Beliefs

Attitude
to
regular
exercise

Affection Behavioural
Feelings and emotions Indented behaviour

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 ETHICS

Concept of Attitude 2. Implicit: A person may be unaware

of his implicit beliefs though these
Attitude is a psychological still have some influence on his
construct. It is a mental and emotional conduct and behaviour. Implicit
entity that inheres in, or characterises, attitudes are subconscious
the person. Over the past century, attitudes.
numerous definitions of attitude have
been proposed. The following views COMPONENTS OF ATTITUDE
of attitude are representative of the Attitude’s structure can
population of definitions. According to be described in terms of three
scholars, an attitude is: components.
¾ an association between a given
¾ Affective component: this
object and a given evaluation
involves a person's feelings/
(Fazio)
emotions about the attitude
¾ a psychological tendency that object. For example: "I am scared
is expressed by evaluating a of spiders".
particular entity with some degree
¾ Behavioural (or conative)
of favour or disfavour.
component: the way the attitude
It is a psychological tendency we have influences how we act or
that is expressed by evaluating a behave. For example: "I will avoid
particular entity with some degree of spiders and scream if I see one".
favour or disfavour. The evaluations
¾ Cognitive component: this
which people make can range from
involves a person's belief/
extremely unfavourable to extremely
knowledge about an attitude
favourable, or can be more moderate.
object. For example: "I believe
Attitudes can be mixed, and about the
spiders are dangerous".
same object, may vary from time to
time This model is known as the
ABC model of attitudes. The three
Types of Attitude
components are usually linked.
1. Explicit: If a person is aware of However, there is evidence that the
his attitudes, and they influence cognitive and affective components of
his behaviour and beliefs, his behaviour do not always match with
attitudes are explicit. Explicit behaviour.
attitudes are formed consciously.

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 Attitude Thoughts and Behaviour

Perceptual Responses
STIMULI COGNITIVE Vertical Statements of Belief
(Individuals,
situation, Sympathetic Nervous
ATTITUDES AFFECTS System responses verbal
social issues,
social group statements of affects
and other
BEHAVIOUR Over action
attitude)

FORMATION OF ATTITUDE
Friends
Friends Religion / culture
media
Peers

past Formation of
experiences Family
Attitudes

Feed Teachers
back can
Coaches
reinforece Attitude
attitude can create
false
perceptions
known as
prejudice

Causes for the Formation of Attitude

1. Culture:
¾ Culture exerts an enormous influence on an individual. Culture in itself
includes religion, tradition, customs, prohibitions, rewards, and sanctions.
¾ Socialisation is the process by which culture shapes the attitudes of people.
¾ Culture teaches individual beliefs, attitudes and behaviour that are
acceptable in one’s life and society.
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 ETHICS

¾ For example: Consuming beef ¾ For example: Educational

in India is generally considered institutions like schools and
taboo but in western countries, colleges act as repositories of
there is no such restriction. knowledge, direct and shape the
beliefs, and values of a person
2. Family: and thus form attitudes.
¾ Family is the most important and 5. Familiarity:
closest social group for a person.
It is the nursery for attitudinal ¾ Familiarity breeds a positive
formation. attitude. Man generally has a
fear of the unknown, so anything
¾ Parents are more influential in
familiar might make him or her
the family system who structure
feel at peace.
and mould the attitude of a child.
¾ Familiarity and classical
¾ Extended family and sibling
conditioning act on the emotions
relationships, in particular, play
of an individual and therefore
an important role in attitude
shape the affective component of
formation.
attitudes.
3. Social Groups:
Functions of Attitude
¾ Several social groups apart
1. Knowledge Function: Attitudes
from family play an important
have a knowledge function, which
role in attitude formation
enables individuals to understand
which includes friends, peers,
their environment and to be
colleagues, etc.
consistent in their ideas and
¾ Consider the voting pattern in thinking. Most attitudes serve this
India. Some people do not listen basic function in some measure.
to candidate’s speeches, read
2. Utilitarian Function: Attitude
newspapers or follow debates.
helps individuals maximize benefits
They talk with friends, family, etc.
and minimize disadvantages while
and vote for a candidate. Families,
interacting with individuals,
friends and other such social
groups and situations in their
groups most definitely influence
environment. Utilitarian attitudes
the choice of a candidate.
lead to behaviour that optimizes
4. Institutions: one's interests.

¾ A man is never alone. From cradle 3. Performing a social role: Attitudes

to grave he is under the influence help perform a social role, helping
of one institution or the other. in an individual's self-expression
and social interaction.

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 Attitude Thoughts and Behaviour
Subscribing to a given set 2. Attitudes are Typically
of attitudes signals one's Emotional And Evaluation
identification with important
reference groups to express one's Attitudes are, first and foremost,
core values, and to establish evaluations. Having an attitude means
one's identity. This social role that you have categorized something
of attitudes is known as social and made a judgment of its net value
identity function, it underlies an or worth. It means that you are no
individual's desire to establish his longer neutral about the topic.
individual and social identity. Attitudes invariably involve affect
4. Individual’s self-esteem: Attitudes and emotions. "Attitudes express
can serve as defence mechanisms passions and hates, attractions and
for handling an individual's repulsions, likes and dislikes," note
internal mental conflict which Eagly and Chaiken. Affect usually
reflects tensions within the plays an important part in how
individual psyche. attitudes are formed or experienced.
Attitudes encompass beliefs, feelings,
The defence mechanisms hide intentions to behave, and behaviour
an individual's true motives from itself.
himself or psychologically isolate
him from groups perceived as 3. Attitude Influence Thoughts
hostile or threatening. and Action
CHARACTERISTICS OF ATTITUDE ¾ Attitudes (and values) organize
our social world. They allow
1. LEARNING OF ATTITUDE us to categorize people, places,
People's attitudes vary widely. and events quickly and to figure
They depend to a considerable degree out what's going on. Attitudes
on what individuals have learned in shape perceptions and influence
their course of cultural and social judgments.
upbringing. Your attitude depends in ¾ Attitudes also influence behaviour.
part on your religious background. They guide our actions and steer
Attitudes vary as a function of us in the direction of wit doing
religion, social upbringing, and even what we believe. In our society,
the cultural landscape in which consistency between attitude and
an individual was raised Attitudes behaviour is valued, so people
develop through encounters with try hard to "practice what they
social objects. "Individuals do not have preach."
an attitude until they first encounter
¾ Attitudes come in different shapes
the attitude object (or information
and sizes. Some attitudes are
about it) and respond evaluative to it."
strong; others are weaker and
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 ETHICS

susceptible to influence. Still, Values are ideals, "guiding

others contain inconsistent principles in one's life," or overarching
elements. Some attitudes exert a goals that people strive to obtain.
stronger impact on thought and They are our "conceptions of the
behaviour than others. desirable means and ends of action."
More comprehensively, values are
4. Belief and Values "desirable end states or behaviors that
transcend specific situations, guide
An attitude is a cognition (A form selection or evaluation of behaviour
of thought) that is formed through and events, and are ordered by
(evaluative) experience and influences relative importance. (For example, the
our behaviour. Attitudes have two divergent attitudes people hold toward
basic components: beliefs and values. research on animals.

VALUES ATTITUDES
Moral principles or moral ethics or Opinions or stances about a certain
standards of behaviour subject matter or a person
A part of a person's character A part of a person's personality
Showcase a particular person's moral Highlight a person's behaviour through
ethics and his/her overall character the personality
Directly influenced by family, friends, Directly influenced by a person's
culture, religion, and social interactions values
Moral Ethics Can be negative and positive

Beliefs, in contrast, are more RELATION OF ATTITUDE WITH

specific and cognitive. Beliefs number THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIOUR
in the hundreds, perhaps thousands.
These are typical: Attitude plays an important role in
our thought processes and behaviour.
¾ Maintaining a vegetarian diet An attitude can be positive or negative,
improves your state of mind. but generally, it has more of an impact
¾ College students drink too much. on our behaviour than we realize. It
takes hard work and dedication to
¾ A daily dose of religion uplifts the
maintain good attitudes, so the most
spirits.
important thing you can do to improve
Beliefs are cognitions about the your attitudes is to pay attention to
world-subjective probabilities that an them. By recognizing your attitudes,
object has a particular attribute or you can begin to recognize how they
that an action will lead to a particular affect your thoughts and actions,
outcome. allowing you to change the way you
act and think for the better.

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 Attitude Thoughts and Behaviour
¾ Attitude: Attitude is a person's processes involved in this include
disposition or way of thinking attention, perception, memory,
toward something. It could be reasoning and judgement.
positive (I love my job) or negative
¾ Behaviour: The term 'behaviour'
(I hate my job). Our attitudes
(American English 'behavior')
are often subconscious and
refers to the actions and reactions
can be influenced by our mood,
of people or animals. In order for
environment, experiences, etc.
behaviour to be called 'behaviour',
¾ Thought: It's a mental activity it has to be something that can be
that allows us to make sense observed (that is, it is overt). All
of, and conclude from, the organisms have some behaviour.
information we take in from the The study of human behaviour is
world around us. The cognitive a branch of Sociology.

ATTITUDE BEHAVIOUR
Attitude is defined as a person's mental Behavior implies the actions,
tendency, which is responsible about moves, conduct or functions of an
the way he thinks or feels for someone or individual or group towards other
something. persons.
A person's attitude is mainly based on the On the other hand, the behavior
experiences gained during the course of his of a person relies on the situation.
life and observations.
Attitude is a person's inner thoughts and As opposed, behavior expresses a
feelings. person's attitude.
The way of thinking or feeling is reflected by On the contrary, a person's
a person's attitude. conduct is reflected by his
behavior.
Attitude is defined by the way we perceive things Attitude is a human trait but
whereas behavior is ruled by social norms. behavior is an inborn attribute
People's attitudes are often a don't match up with their actions
good predictor of their behaviour. or feelings which makes them feel
If someone has a positive attitude confused or embarrassed. They then
towards something, they're more need to change either what they think
likely to act in a positive way towards or what they do so that these two
it. Likewise, if someone has a negative things match up again which will lead
attitude, they're more likely to act in them to feel better.
a negative way. Attitudes also affect
A person may start telling
how people think; this is known
themselves that they were wrong for
as cognitive dissonance. Cognitive
the guilty (changing their thoughts)
dissonance occurs when people feel
or start making excuses for why
uncomfortable because their thoughts
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 ETHICS

they behaved badly (changing their a person with a positive attitude of not
behaviour). Another example of jumping queues. However, when he
cognitive dissonance could be found sees everyone around him doing the
in reactions to animal testing: some same, he may think he will lose, if not
people believe animals should be used jump queues. Thus he may behave
for medical research, while others opposite to his original attitude –
argue against it. When faced with which we can call a weak positive.
evidence supporting both sides, many
people experience confusion and 3. Case 3 – Attitude = Behavior
choose to ignore both arguments by Psychologists have found that
refusing to decide at all. there would be consistency between
Relation with Thought and Behaviour attitudes and behavior when:
¾ The attitude is strong, and it
We tend to assume that people
occupies a central place in the
behave according to their attitudes.
attitude system.
However, social psychologists have
found that attitudes and actual ¾ The person is aware of her/his
behavior are not always perfectly attitude.
aligned. ¾ There is very little or no external
pressure on the person to behave
1. Case 1 – Attitude ≠ Behavior
in a particular way. For example,
For example, take the case of when there is no group pressure
elections. Plenty of people may support to follow a particular norm.
a particular candidate, but they may ¾ The person’s behavior is not being
not take the pain to go out and vote for watched or evaluated by others.
him, despite their names being there
on the electoral roll. ¾ The person thinks that the
behavior would have a positive
2. Case 2 – Behavior ≠ Attitude consequence, and therefore,
intends to engage in that behavior.
Behavioural component (remember
the CAB model) is generally the most 4. Case 4 – Behaviour = Attitude
visible component of our attitude.
Here a negative attitude was masked People dislike Cognitive
by people to show positive behavior. Dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is
a phenomenon in which a person
There can also be instances where experiences psychological distress
a negative behavior co-exists with a due to conflicting thoughts or beliefs.
positive attitude. This occurs usually In order to reduce this tension, people
when the positive attitude is not may change their attitudes to reflect
strong enough. For example, consider their other beliefs or actual behaviors.

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 Attitude Thoughts and Behaviour
This means they prefer their ¾ Example: Holding one's self-
attitude and behavior to be aligned interest as the standard for
in the same direction. By giving decision making.
incentives to behave contrary to the
attitude, Leon Festinger and James 4. Logic or Rational Attitudes:
Carlsmith (study in 1954), proved that ¾ It develops rational behaviour.
the first attitude can be changed to
suit their external behavior. ¾ Example: A rational person will
not act superstitiously and will
INFLUENCE OF ATTITUDE ON always try to find the rational
BEHAVIOUR behind any act.

1. Positive Attitude: 5. Egoistic Attitude:

¾ A person who has positive ¾ It will result in a negative attitude

attitudes towards work and co- and behaviour.
workers (such as contentment, ¾ Example: Elderly individuals
friendliness, etc.) can positively control their younger siblings
influence those around them. even if they are wrong to satisfy
¾ Example: People with a good their ego of being elder.
attitude are active and
Attitude based on Values and Beliefs:
productive and do what they can
to improve the mood of those It will act according to the values.
around them.
¾ Example: In India touching the
2. Negative Attitudes: feet of elders is guided by an
attitude of giving respect to them.
¾ A person who displays negative
attitudes (such as discontentment, Steps to Increase Correlation
boredom, etc.), will behave between Attitude and Behaviour
accordingly.
¾ Development of emotional intelligence.
¾ Example: People with these types
of attitudes towards work may ¾ Introspection
likewise affect those around ¾ Attitude literacy – learn what
them and behave in a manner attitudes are. Identify your good
that reduces efficiency and and bad attitudes.
effectiveness.
¾ Connecting with a conscience – try
3. Selfish Attitude: to understand the reasons behind
a holding particular attitude.
¾ It will selfishly guide an
¾ Developing values of integrity and
individual's actions.
truthfulness.
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 ETHICS

¾ Discovering ways to motivate request or under real pressure/

yourself. fear of punishment.
¾ See change as an opportunity to ¾ Identification is a change of
grow. attitude and behaviour due to the
influence of someone that he/
RELATION OF ATTITUDE TO
she likes. Advertisements that
SOCIAL INFLUENCE rely on celebrities to market their
Social influence products are taking advantage of
this phenomenon.
¾ It is an attribute that can bring
change in a person’s behaviour, Other forms of social influence
thoughts, feelings and attitudes
that results from interaction with ¾ Imitation – following someone
another individual in society. without any external pressure.
¾ Persuasion: It is a process aimed
Features of social influence
at changing the person’s attitude
¾ It is the influence of one on other or behaviour towards some
event, idea, object or person.
¾ It can be conscious or unconscious
The process involves the use of
¾ It is aimed at changing the attitude different methods of verbal or
of others non-verbal communication to
¾ Its endurance can be short or convey information, feeling and
long-lived reasoning to change the attitude
¾ It can be positive or negative of the concerned entity.

¾ Its degree varies from person to ¾ Conformity–following the existing

person rules/order/system/norms/
culture under pressure (real or
Forms/levels of social influence imaginary)
As per Herbert Kelemen ¾ Obedience – Following orders
¾ Internalisation: a person under Extreme external pressure.
internalizes the whole idea, the According to Aristotle persuasion
goodness of a particular object can be brought about by the speaker’s
or event. Then we start to have use of logos, ethos and pathos:
a positive attitude towards it
because of the congruence of the ¾ Logos: Facts, reason and evidence
value system. ¾ Ethos: Trust, reliability and ethics
¾ Compliance – Following some ¾ Pathos: Emotions
rules/guidelines on an explicit

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 Attitude Thoughts and Behaviour
Principles of Influence process of changing or reinforcing
the attitudes, beliefs or behaviour
¾ Obligation: We feel obliged to give of a person. It can be intentional or
back to people who have given to unintentional, as a result of the way the
us. changed person perceives themselves
¾ Imitation: We copy what others in relationship to the influencer.
do, especially when we are unsure. It is different from conformity, power
People will be more open to things and authority. These are fundamental
they see others doing. functions of communication.
¾ Peer pressure: most of us learn
many things under peer pressure Types of Persuasion
like smoking. ¾ Systematic persuasion: The
process through which attitudes
¾ Low balling: Low-balling is or beliefs are leveraged by appeals
a persuasion technique that to logic and reason.
deliberately offers a product at a
lower price than one intends to ¾ Heuristic persuasion: The
charge (but charges higher than process through which attitudes
normal) or beliefs are leveraged by appeals
to habit or emotion.
¾ Foot-in-the-door technique:
Foot-in-the-door technique works
Theories of Persuasion
by first getting a small yes and
then getting an even bigger yes.
1. Attribution theory

¾ Challenging Beliefs ¾ Attribution is the process by

which individuals explain the
¾ Developing Counter-arguments causes of behaviour and events.
Humans attempt to explain the
Enablers of Social Influence
actions of others through:
¾ Peer pressure ¾ Dispositional attribution, referred
¾ Charisma to as internal attribution,
attempts to point to a person’s
¾ Master servant relationship
abilities, and motives, as a cause
¾ Content (beneficial, rational, or explanation for their actions.
practicable)
¾ Situational attribution, referred to
¾ Presentation as external attribution, attempts
to point to the context around
Persuasion the person and factors of his
It is defined as communicative surroundings, particularly things
activities that are mediated. It is the that are completely out of his
control.
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 ETHICS

2. Classical Conditioning ¾ Their ability to do this depends on

their intelligence.
¾ Leading someone into taking
certain actions of their own, rather ¾ People with higher intelligence are
than giving direct commands, ex – unlikely to be persuaded by one-
advertisements sided messages.

¾ Repeating the message several ¾ The conventional view is that it

times will cause the consumer is hard to persuade people with
to be more likely to purchase the high self-esteem to accept new
product because he/she already attitudes.
connects it with good emotion and ¾ However, the relationship between
a positive experience. self-esteem and willingness to
change one’s attitude seems to be
3. Elaboration likelihood model curvilinear.
¾ In many commercial and ¾ It means thereby that individuals
administrative situations, attitude with average levels of self-esteem
is formed by persuading people are more ready to change their
to change their attitudes, beliefs attitudes than those with either
and habits. It describes the ideal high self-esteem or low self-
means of persuading people to esteem.
change their beliefs, attitudes and
¾ The state of mind and mood of
habits. the target audience also influence
¾ This theory is also known as the how they respond to the message.
Elaboration Likelihood theory of
attitude. 2. Source Characteristics
¾ For Example: Governments may ¾ These refer to the person who is
try to induce parents in rural delivering the message.
areas to enrol their children in ¾ The variables which determine
primary schools. how effective a person will be in
delivering the message are his
Factors Determining the Success
expertise, trustworthiness and
of Persuading People
attractiveness to the audience.
1. Audience Characteristics ¾ The audience, in order to be
convinced, has to be assured that
¾ To change the attitude of people the message is authoritative and
on any object, they have to be authentic.
provided with information which
they may not possess. 3. Cognitive Routes
¾ It is the audience who has to receive ¾ A message seeking to change
and process the information. an attitude can appeal to an
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 Attitude Thoughts and Behaviour
individual’s intellect or logical A positive attitude can motivate
faculty. us to take constructive actions,
while a negative attitude may lead
¾ This appeal can be either through
to unproductive or destructive
the central route or the peripheral
behaviors.
route.
3. Interpersonal relationships: Our
¾ Central Route: In the central
attitudes towards others can shape
route to persuasion, the individual
our interpersonal relationships,
is presented with the data and
fostering trust, cooperation, and
motivated to evaluate the data
empathy, or leading to conflicts,
and arrive at an attitude changing
misunderstandings, and negative
conclusion.
sentiments.
¾ Peripheral Route: In the
4. Emotional well-being: Attitude can
peripheral route to attitude change,
impact our emotional state, with
the individual is encouraged to
positive attitudes contributing
not look at the content but at the
to feelings of happiness,
source. This is commonly seen
contentment, and optimism, while
in modern advertisements that
negative attitudes may lead to
feature celebrities.
stress, anxiety, and depression.
¾ Example: For example, having a
5. Success and performance: Our
popular athlete advertise athletic
attitude towards work, learning,
shoes is a common method used
and personal growth can
to encourage young adults to
significantly affect our performance
purchase the shoes.
and achievements. A positive
ATTITUDE IN PERSONAL AND attitude can enhance motivation,
PUBLIC LIFE creativity, and resilience, while
a negative attitude may hinder
Attitude affects our personal progress and limit opportunities.
lives in many ways:
SCOPE OF ATTITUDE IN PUBLIC
1. Decision-making: Our attitudes LIFE:
play a significant role in our
Attitude plays a crucial role in
decision-making process, as they
delivering exceptional experiences:
influence how we perceive and
evaluate different options, risks, 1. Customer service: In customer-
and rewards. facing roles, a positive and
proactive attitude can make a
2. Behavior: Attitude influences our
significant difference in providing
behavior and actions, shaping how
exceptional service, building trust,
we interact with others, approach
and fostering customer loyalty.
challenges, and pursue goals.
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 ETHICS

2. Teamwork and collaboration: A motivation, perseverance, and

positive attitude fosters a problem-solving abilities, enabling
supportive and collaborative work individuals to provide exceptional
environment, enabling teams to experiences consistently. It
overcome challenges, share ideas, also helps foster a healthy
and achieve collective goals more work environment, promoting
effectively. collaboration and teamwork.
3. Leadership: Effective leaders 2. Negative attitude: This attitude is
demonstrate a positive attitude, marked by pessimism, cynicism,
inspiring and motivating others and a focus on the negative aspects
to overcome obstacles, embrace of situations. A negative attitude
change, and strive for excellence. can hinder performance, creativity,
and collaboration, making it
4. Innovation and problem-
challenging to deliver consistent
solving: A positive attitude fosters
exceptional experiences. It can
creative thinking and encourages
also create a toxic atmosphere
individuals to seek novel solutions
that demoralizes team members
to challenges, leading to innovation
and affects overall morale.
and enhanced problem-solving
abilities. 3. Growth mindset: This attitude is
characterized by a belief in one's
5. Adaptability and resilience: A
ability to learn, grow, and improve.
positive attitude can help
Individuals with a growth mindset
individuals adapt to change and
embrace challenges, view mistakes
navigate uncertainties, enhancing
as learning opportunities, and
their resilience and ability to
continuously seek feedback to
bounce back from setbacks or
enhance their performance. This
failures.
attitude can lead to consistent
ATTITUDES, THOUGHTS AND exceptional experiences by
VALUES NECESSARY IN PERSONAL fostering adaptability, resilience,
AND PUBLIC LIFE and a commitment to excellence.
4. Fixed mindset: In contrast, a
There are various types of attitudes
fixed mindset involves the belief
that can impact our ability to deliver
that one's abilities and talents are
consistent exceptional experiences.
static and cannot be improved. This
Some of the key attitudes include:
attitude can limit an individual's
1. Positive attitude: This is willingness to take risks, learn
characterized by optimism, from mistakes, or embrace new
enthusiasm, and a focus on the challenges, ultimately hindering
bright side of situations. A positive their ability to deliver consistently
attitude can lead to increased exceptional experiences.

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 Attitude Thoughts and Behaviour
5. Proactive attitude: Individuals with HOW CAN YOU CHANGE ONE'S
a proactive attitude take initiative, ATTITUDE?
anticipate potential problems,
and actively seek solutions. 1. Learning Theory of Attitude
This attitude can contribute to Change:
consistent exceptional experiences
by enabling individuals to identify Classical conditioning, operant condition-
opportunities for improvement and ing, and observational learning can be
implement changes effectively. used to bring about attitude change.
¾ Classical Conditioning: Create
6. Reactive attitude: A reactive
positive emotional reactions to
attitude is characterized by a
an object, person, or event by
tendency to respond to situations
only when problems arise, rather associating positive feelings with
than anticipating and addressing the target object.
issues proactively. This attitude ¾ Operant Conditioning: Strengthen
can lead to inconsistencies in the desirable attitudes and weaken
quality of experiences delivered, as undesirable ones.
individuals may struggle to adapt
¾ Observational Learning: Let people
quickly to changing circumstances
observe the behavior of others so
or resolve issues effectively.
that they change their attitude.
7. Open-minded attitude: Open-
minded individuals are receptive 2. Elaboration Likelihood Theory of
to new ideas, perspectives, and Attitude Change (The theory
feedback. This attitude can of persuasion):
promote consistent exceptional
experiences by fostering a culture This theory of persuasion suggests
of continuous learning and that people can alter their attitudes in
innovation, as well as encouraging two ways.
collaboration and effective ¾ First, they can be motivated
communication across teams. to listen and think about the
8. Closed-minded attitude: In message, thus leading to an
contrast, closed-minded attitude shift.
individuals are resistant to ¾ They might be influenced by the
change and may dismiss new characteristics of the speaker,
ideas or perspectives without leading to a temporary or surface
due consideration. This attitude shift in attitude. Messages that
can create barriers to learning, are thought-provoking and that
growth, and collaboration, making appeal to logic are more likely
it difficult to deliver consistent to lead to permanent changes in
exceptional experiences. attitudes.
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 ETHICS

3. Dissonance Theory of Attitude achieving his goal, nothing on

Change: earth can help the man with the
wrong mental attitude. - Thomas
As mentioned earlier, people can also Jefferson
change their attitudes when they have
conflicting beliefs about a topic (cognitive ¾ All birds find shelter during a
dissonance). In order to reduce the rain. But the Eagle avoids rain by
tension created by these incompatible flying above the clouds. Problems
beliefs, people often shift their attitudes. are common, but Attitude makes
In the earlier example, the dissonance the difference. -A P J Abdul Kalam
was created by giving the incentive to
change the behavior, and thus attitude ¾ Weakness of attitude becomes
was also changed accordingly weakness of character. -Albert
CONCLUSION Einstein.

Some Quotes Related to Attitude ¾ Optimism is the faith that leads to

achievement, nothing can be done
¾ Nothing can stop the man with without hope.” -Helen Keller
the right mental attitude from

hhhhh

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 MORAL AND POLITICAL ATTITUDE 7
CONCEPTS OF MORAL AND POLITICAL ATTITUDE
Moral Attitude Political Attitude
Attitude is about what you like, Political attitude is the attitude
and morals are about (what society you hold towards political issues or
thinks is) right or wrong. ideologies.
So Moral Attitude is the attitude Liberal/Moderate: They support
you hold towards moral issues (where principles of liberty, equality, and
society debates what is right or wrong). fraternity but through reforms in a
For example – what is your attitude constitutional manner.
towards Euthanasia (mercy killing), Conservative: Wants status quo,
capital punishment, same-sex not reforms.
marriage, abortion, and live-in- Progressive: Slow reform to the
relationship? system.
Various types of moral attitude Radical: Immediate reforms.
¾ Empathetic Reactionary: Want to go back to
¾ Humble the previous system.
¾ Generous Extremistsand Pacifists: Extremely
¾ Honest unhappy with the current system but
¾ Virtuous want it to change by violence and non-
¾ Helping violence respectively.
¾ Cooperative Manifestation of political attitude
¾ Assertive ¾ Voting
¾ Aggressive ¾ Social media posts
¾ Submissive ¾ Articles in newspapers
¾ Ignorant ¾ Sloganeering
¾ Public discussions
Factors affecting the formation
of political attitude
¾ – Socio-economic status
¾ – Education
¾ – Election campaign
¾ – Social media
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 ETHICS

MORAL ATTITUDE that man first adopts a posture

toward the world that allows him
Moral views on what constitutes
to make spiritual judgments and
"right" and "wrong" behaviour serve
understand values.
as the foundation of moral attitudes.
More powerful than moral concepts 2. Faithfulness
are moral attitudes.
¾ Among the characteristics of a
It is commonly known that among
person's moral attitude that are
all categories of natural values,
fundamental to his or her entire
ethical values rank highest. Moral
moral existence, faithfulness is
principles such as goodness, purity,
another crucial aspect.
truthfulness, and humility of man
are valued more highly than qualities ¾ Faithfulness is the idea of
such as genius, brilliance, exuberant consistently putting one's
vitality, and the beauty of nature or allegiance into action and
art, as well as stability and power of remaining faithful to someone
a state. or something, despite adverse
circumstances.
Characteristics of Moral Attitude
3. Veracity
¾ Reverence
¾ Reliability is yet another
¾ Faithfulness
fundamental predicate of a
¾ Veracity person's moral life. A dishonest
¾ Goodness person not only displays a serious
moral deficiency, but also suffers
1. Reverence from crippling effects on every
aspect of his personality, moral
¾ The foundation for realizing a life, and ability to uphold moral
man's moral principles is the principles.
capacity to hold moral beliefs,
uphold them, and respond to ¾ The dishonest individual does
them. Only the individual who not hold values in high regard.
possesses reverence bears these He takes a lordly posture over
signs. the being and handles it any way
he pleases. This attitude conveys
¾ An emotion or attitude of a sense of haughtiness, disdain,
profound respect for others that and impertinence.
is tinged with wonder is known as
reverence. It is the mindset that 4. Goodness
can be referred to as the beginning
of all moral life since it is in it ¾ The foundational element of moral
principles is goodness. Goodness

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 Moral and Political Attitude
is the only moral value that more personal experiences, beliefs, and
fully embodies the entire reign of values.
moral values than any other.
Implication of Moral Attitude
¾ A man's goodness is not restricted
to having kind thoughts for just Our actions also affect our
one person they adore. When moral attitudes in both negative and
someone is described as being positive ways.
good, it indicates they consistently
demonstrate their open goodness 1. Negative Implications of
and have a loving, giving character Moral Attitudes:
toward all men.
If an act that harms society is
¾ Because goodness is a justified by individual morality, it
fundamental attitude and position becomes tough to change such an
rather than being restricted to attitude and can do great harm. For
a specific transient attitude like example:
every other virtue.
¾ In Hitler’s concentration
Qualities of Moral Attitude camps, guards made to engage
in cruel acts may be initially
¾ Consistency: Moral attitudes are uncomfortable but later justify
consistent with an individual's their behaviour.
beliefs and values about what is
¾ Israel-Palestine conflict: In
right and wrong. They reflect an
the present times, it may be
individual's moral principles and
argued that by engaging in
ethical standards.
discriminatory acts towards each
¾ Universality: Moral attitudes are other (like differential access
often considered to be universal, to water and other resources),
meaning that they are valued Israel and its supporters have
across cultures and societies. started believing that the ‘sleazy,
¾ Stability: Moral attitudes are corrupt, and inferior Orientals’
relatively stable over time and are deserve it and that any degree
not easily changed. of hostility towards even the
ordinary citizen of Palestine is
¾ Normative: Moral attitudes justified while targeting terror
reflect social norms and values groups like Hamas. The expulsion
and are a product of socialization of the enemies is moral, ethical,
and cultural conditioning. and ‘good’.
¾ Subjectivity: Moral attitudes Thus, a moral justification for a
are subjective and vary across harmful act degrades the society.
individuals based on their

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 ETHICS

Fortunately, the reverse is also life that political psychology studies,

true. Positive interracial behaviour such as opinions on nationalism,
has also been found to reduce racial political conservatism, political
prejudice. liberalism, and political radicalism.

2. Positive impact of Moral attitudes Political views range from being

exceedingly liberal to being extremely
Moral attitudes are often rooted conservative. According to a large
in ‘conscience’. They prevent an number of academics, a political
individual from acting ‘immoral’ or in attitude refers to the beliefs and values
a corrupt way. that support the functioning of a given
¾ Importance in private life: For political system. When political beliefs
example, a person brought up shape political behaviour, they are
in Indian culture might never significant.
consider old parents to be an Qualities of Political Attitude
economic burden and take care of
them because it is a moral duty. ¾ Consistency: Political attitudes
are consistent with an individual's
¾ Importance in Bureaucracy and
beliefs and values about political
Politics: Voice of conscience,
issues and policies. They reflect
which is rooted in individual
an individual's political principles
morality, often acts as the first
and ideological standards.
line of defence against corruption.
For example, a public officer might ¾ Diversity: Political attitudes
consider the service as a moral are diverse and can vary across
duty and thus always remain individuals, political parties, and
duty-bound. cultures.
In crux, we can say that in the ¾ Fluidity: Political attitudes can
hierarchy of values, moral values are be fluid and can change over time,
always supreme. Values like goodness, influenced by personal experiences
truthfulness, humility, compassion, and societal developments.
forgiveness, etc, are always revered
¾ Subjectivity: Political attitudes
more than values like beauty or
are subjective and can be
wealth. Attitudes rooted in these
influenced by personal biases and
values are moral attitudes and
beliefs.
have greater influence over individual
actions. ¾ Impact: Political attitudes can
have a significant impact on an
POLITICAL ATTITUDE individual's political behaviour,
Political attitudes are people's including voting patterns, political
perspectives on the aspects of public activism, and engagement with
political institutions.
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 Moral and Political Attitude
Types of Political Attitude 2. Subjective Type: People with
subjective political attitudes
Based on people's roles and the have a partially active role in the
input they provide in the political political processes. They engage
processes theoretically, there are 4 with the government of the day for
types of political attitudes that people a few purposes, like participation
have. They are: in voting and utilization of rights
provided to them, etc.
3. Participative Type: Participative
attitude provides for a fully active
role, and thus, these people
ensure that not only their rights
but also their duty of holding
political objects accountable are
upheld. For example, in India,
people with a participative attitude
put their opinions on policy drafts
that are given by the government
1. Parochial Type: People with on a public platform. RTI activists
parochial attitudes have little or are also prominent examples of
no interest in political processes, participative attitudes.
so they don’t participate 4. Assertive Type: In this type,
in political exercises like emotions (affective component)
voting, For example, nomadic override the cognitive
tribal groups across India fall component. For example, cow
under this category. vigilantism in India.

Other Classifications of Political Attitudes

Ideology Character
Liberal/ They support basic ideas of liberty, equality and democracy but
Moderate want reforms in the system albeit not in an extreme/violent
manner but through constitutional/legal means.
Conservative Want Status quo. They believe changes or reforms will not
improve the situation.
Progressive Progressive: slowly reform the system
Radical: immediately reform the system, e.g. Marx: Confiscate
all the private property immediately.
Nehru was a progressive- he believed in state ownership but in
a gradual manner.

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 ETHICS

Reactionary They're one step behind Conservatives I.e. Conservatives want

the status quo, while reactionaries want to go back to the
previous system.
For example, Taliban/ISIS wants to run the nation with a literal
interpretation of Sharia/Quran.
Religious organizations involved in politics= they're usually
reactionary.
Extremist Extremely unhappy with the current system
want complete change to a new system, and justify violence as a
‘mean/tool’ to achieve the end/goal.
Pacifist They're also unhappy with the current system but reject violence
as a tool to achieve the goal.
Example: Gandhi, [Link] Luther King Jr.

DEMOCRATIC VERSUS BUREAUCRATIC 2. ‘Democratic’ attitude refers to

ATTITUDES the tendency of a person to act
democratically or to support those
1. ‘Bureaucratic’ attitude refers to positions that are in general public
the tendency of a public officer to interests, regardless of law, norms
follow the laws, rules and norms or morals.
in true letter and spirit, regardless
of the current public interest. Problem of Democratic attitude: The
real job of a bureaucrat is to
The problem of the Bureaucratic implement the law, not to interpret
attitude: Often, public interest the law, which is the job of a judge.
is ignored. For example, say a Being overly democratic can mean
reserve forest is being used by a certain degree of lawlessness.
local communities for fuel and
fodder, which is illegal under law. Importance of Democratic attitude:
If a Public officer enforces the law Often, laws provide a certain
strictly, the livelihood of the local degree of flexibility to a bureaucrat.
communities would be severely Democratic attitude allows laws
impacted. to be interpreted in favour of the
public interest, as far as possible.
Importance of Bureaucratic
Attitude: Strict adherence to laws For example, suppose there are
prevents any corruption or careless illegal slums in a city. If a civil servant
mistake by the bureaucracy. For goes by law and forcefully removes
example, strictly not allowing all the illegal settlements, it is a
grazing in reserve forests would bureaucratic attitude. However, if the
prevent the degradation of the civil servant chooses not to enforce
forest land due to over-grazing. the law and tries to resolve the matter

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 Moral and Political Attitude
through an amicable solution as far change, and this is a crucial
as possible, it is a democratic attitude. component.
Thus, people supporting different Factors Affecting Political Attitude
political ideologies have different
attitudes towards political objects of Political attitude-shaping factors
society. include:

Functions of Political Attitude 1. Family

¾ Maintaining Political Culture: In In most cases, the first and

stable circumstances, maintaining most enduring effect on young
political culture is a crucial people's political ideas comes from
component of forming political their families. Despite generational
attitudes. The communication differences and incongruities within
of political cultures from one the family, children often have political
generation to the next serves this views that are similar to those of their
parents.
purpose. However, in the current
climate, political socialization Children prefer to vote in the same
does not necessarily serve to manner as their parents, which is
sustain political culture. understandable despite generational
differences. Children from politically
¾ Changes in Political Culture:
engaged families are more likely
A crucial aspect of developing
to share their parents' values and
political attitudes is the
outlooks.
modification of political culture.
¾ Building Political Culture: 2. Religion
The practice of forming political ¾ Voting behaviour is frequently
attitudes is used to create political influenced by religious beliefs.
culture. With the implementation Religion is the belief system that
of a new political system, every individuals adhere to. Recent
society must construct a new events have shown that the
political culture. The foundation religious right has favoured
of the current political system is Republican Party candidates
the fact that in totalitarian states, over Democratic Party candidates
there is no room for opposition by endorsing more conservative
or disagreement, whereas, in candidates for public office.
open societies, there are many
¾ People who identify with the
opportunities for such things.
"Religious Right" have different
¾ Continuity and Change: The political views than everyone
process of forming attitudes else. The religious right generally
involves both continuity and leans toward conservatism.
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 ETHICS

This tendency is more obviously ¾ The state, the government, the

connected to social problems like political parties, and the election
gay rights and cow protection than or selection of representatives are
it is to economic or international just a few of the mechanisms or
concerns. agencies that any society develops.
How people develop their political
3. Race and Ethnicity attitudes and how they transmit
It has been determined that African their ideals from one generation
Americans have been more closely to the next are guided by political
associated with the Democratic Party attitude formation.
over the past 50 years than any other ¾ A political system cannot function
recognized group. without the process of forming
Some experts think that this political views. Political attitude
allegiance is dwindling. Numerous development and political attitude
studies have shown that Asian progression go hand in hand.
Americans tend to vote conservatively, ¾ A person develops orientations,
although there is still a dearth of hard ideas, values, norms, and
data to support this. behavioural patterns relevant
4. Economic Reforms to the political system through
the process of developing their
A lot of academics have stated political attitude.
that economic pressures are a major
motivator for selecting a specific ¾ The patterns of sociopolitical
political position, and this does seem behaviour are determined by
to play a significant role. Typically, political attitude formulations.
those who are prospering in society do Political attitude formation is a
not want it to alter. psychological term since it affects
both individuals and society as a
The impoverished, on the other whole.
hand, stand to benefit greatly from
gradual change and have little tangible Stages of Political Attitude
to lose. Possibly, at least.
There are four stages in the process
Changes and Developments of of forming a political mindset:
Political Attitude
¾ A youngster recognizes authority
¾ Every society aims for the efficient through particular people, such
governance of its citizens to as parents, police officers, and the
ensure the smooth operation nation's president.
of the system and to sustain ¾ It is necessary to distinguish
harmony and coordination within between private and governmental
the community. authorities.
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 Moral and Political Attitude
¾ It develops knowledge about People blindly follow their Political
impersonal political institutions Attitude without even considering
like the national legislature, the what lies behind it. In this article, I
courts, and voting practices. will try to examine this very topic
which is so important and very hot
¾ There are differences between topic these days all over the world. We
political institutions and the will discuss Political Attitude and its
people who participate in the impact on society in this article.
activities linked with such
organizations, leading to Role of Social Media in Political
romanticized perceptions of Attitude
specific people like the president
¾ In the 2014 general election,
or Congress. ~16 crore voters were 18-24 age
Impact of Political Attitude On group first-time voters. In such a
Society demographic composition, social
media/internet plays a huge role
A political attitude could be in shaping political attitudes.
described as the disposition or way of ¾ Social media has helped both Modi
thinking or feeling about issues about and Kejriwal to reach surprise
politics and political events, especially victories in the election.
issues that are controversial or
¾ Social media is full of both Hindu
partisan, among groups of people and
vs. Muslim, India vs Pakistan,
nations. Political attitudes are usually and Shia vs Sunni. A teenager
associated with and are important exposed to such groups is likely
elements of public opinion. Sometimes to develop extreme radical or
it can be difficult to tell the difference reactionary political views.
between public opinion and a political
¾ ISIS is using social media to
attitude because sometimes public
recruit soldiers for their war.
opinion is considered part of politics
and sometimes it could be considered ¾ Muzaffarnagar riots were a result
separate from politics. of a viral video about Eve teasing.
Here moral attitude (about the
Political Attitude and its impact dignity of women) + Religion +
on society are one of the most politics created a deadly stew.
debatable topics of this time. With
¾ Whatsapp has become an App
the growing popularity of Political
for activism and empowerment-
parties and other Social forums, many
for coordination of political
misconceptions have taken birth in and violent agitation. During
our minds regarding Political Attitude the recent Paatidar agitation in
and its influence on people around us. Gujarat, mobile internet was
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 ETHICS

banned to prevent perpetrators ¾ Political discourse: Political

from coordinating their attacks/ attitudes can contribute to
spreading false rumours. political discourse and debates,
shaping the direction and focus of
Implications of Political Attitude political discussions.
On Society
¾ Political polarization: Political
¾ Decision-making: Political attitudes can contribute to
attitudes play an important political polarization and division
role in an individual's decision- within society, particularly when
making process related to political individuals hold extreme or
activities and engagement. divergent views.
¾ Public opinion: Political attitudes ¾ Policy outcomes: Political attitudes
can shape public opinion on can influence policy outcomes,
political matters, influencing particularly when individuals with
how individuals perceive and similar attitudes work together to
respond to political events and promote and implement specific
developments. policies.

hhhhh

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 ETHICS

PART - IV
ETHICS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

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 ETHICS

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 ETHICS AND GOVERNANCE 8
INTRODUCTION ¾ The concept of ethical governance
is, thus, value-laden. Governance
Meaning of Governance should be equal and impartial,
civil servants ought to keep their
Governance is distinct from promises and be true to their
government and is the process word, and authorities should
through which various stakeholders take good care of public affairs.
articulate their interests, exercise Thus, ethical governance denotes
their rights and mediate their characteristics of ethically good
differences. Governance refers to the civil servants.
system or process by which a group
or organization is managed, directed, Principles of Ethical Governance
and controlled. It involves the
establishment of policies, procedures, 1. Transparency: This refers to
and rules to guide decision-making the openness and accessibility
and ensure accountability. of information about an
organization's activities, decisions
Ethical Governance and outcomes.
¾ Ethical governance denotes 2. Accountability: This refers to the
administrative measures, procedures responsibility of an organization
and policies that fulfil criteria and its leaders to act in the best
required for the ethically good interests of stakeholders and to
or acceptable handling of answer for their actions.
public affairs, such as in public 3. Integrity: This refers to the
administration, public health adherence to ethical principles
care, education, and social and values in decision-making
security. and behaviour.
¾ In the context of public 4. Responsibility: This refers to
administration, ethically good the obligation of an organization
or acceptable behaviour is often and its leaders to act in the best
defined in terms of justice, interests of society as a whole.
fairness, equality and integrity.

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 ETHICS

Philosophical Basis of Governance 4. Transparency: The requirement

and Ethics that the actions of those in
positions of authority are open and
¾ The philosophical basis of probity transparent and that the public
in governance can be traced back has access to information about
to ancient Greek and Roman how decisions are made and how
philosophy, which emphasized resources are allocated.
the importance of justice, honesty,
and integrity in public life. 5. Individual rights and freedoms:
The belief that individuals should
¾ The philosopher Aristotle, for have certain inalienable rights and
example, argued that good freedoms and that the state has
governance depended on the a responsibility to protect these
virtue and moral character of rights.
the rulers and that rulers had a
moral obligation to act in the best 6. Collective ownership: The idea
interests of the community. that the means of production
should be owned collectively,
¾ The philosophical foundations of rather than by private individuals
governance and probity refer to the or corporations.
underlying principles and ideas
that inform the way a society is 7. Redistribution of wealth: The
governed, with a focus on ethical principle that the state should
standards and the avoidance of redistribute wealth in order to
corruption and abuse of power. promote social and economic
equality.
Importance of Governance 8. Communitarian values: The
1. Social contract theory: The idea belief that the needs and interests
that individuals agree to give up of the community should take
some of their rights and freedoms precedence over the rights and
in exchange for the protection and freedoms of the individual.
order provided by the state. 9. Virtue ethics: The idea that
2. Rule of law: The principle that good governance depends on the
the law applies equally to all virtue and moral character of
individuals, regardless of their the rulers and that rulers have a
social status or position of power. moral obligation to act in the best
interests of the community.
3. Accountability: The requirement
that those in positions of authority 10. Utilitarianism: The belief that
are answerable to the public actions and policies should be
for their actions, and can be judged based on their ability to
held to account if they fail to act promote the greatest happiness
responsibly and ethically. for the greatest number of people.

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 Ethics and Governance
Overall, the philosophical basis GOOD GOVERNANCE
of probity in governance is rooted in
Governance is the process of
the belief that those in positions of
decision-making and the process by
authority have a moral obligation to act
which decisions are implemented (or
in the best interests of the community
not implemented). Governance can
and that they should be held to high
be used in several contexts such as
ethical standards.
corporate governance, international
This requires the promotion of governance, national governance and
principles such as accountability, local governance.
transparency, and the rule of law, as
World Bank defined Good Governance
well as the implementation of specific
as "how power is exercised in the
practices and mechanisms to ensure
management of a country's economic and
that these principles are upheld.
social resources for development".

Responsive
Participatory Accountable Role of law
Effective and
Consensus oriented efficient

Transparent
Equitable and
Inclusive

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD It assures that corruption is

GOVERNANCE minimized, the views of minorities are
taken into account and that the voices
¾ Participatory of the most vulnerable in society are
¾ consensus-oriented heard in decision-making.
¾ Accountable It is also responsive to the present
and future needs of society.
¾ Transparent
¾ Responsive PRINCIPLES OF GOOD
GOVERNANCE
¾ Effective and efficient
¾ Participation: People should be
¾ Equitable and Inclusive
able to voice their own opinions
¾ Rule of law through legitimate immediate
organizations or representatives.
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 ETHICS

This includes men and women, being accountable to the people.

vulnerable sections of society, Governmental institutions, private
backward classes, minorities, etc. sectors, and civil society organizations
Participation also implies freedom should be held accountable to the
of association and expression. public and institutional stakeholders.
¾ Rule of Law: The legal framework ¾ Transparency: Information should
should be enforced impartially, be accessible to the public and
especially on human rights laws. should be understandable and
Without the rule of law, politics monitored. It also means free
will follow the principle of matsya media and access information to.
nyaya ie law of fish which means
¾ Responsiveness: Institutions
the strong will prevail over the
weak. and processes should serve all
stakeholders in a reasonable
¾ Consensus-Oriented: Consensus-
period of time.
oriented decision-making ensures
that even if everyone does not STATUS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE IN
achieve what they want to the
INDIA
fullest, a common minimum can
be achieved by everyone which Initiatives of Good Governance
will not be detrimental to anyone. in India
It mediates differing interests to
meet the broad consensus on the 1. Right to Information
best interests of a community.
¾ As a party to the International
¾ Equity and Inclusiveness: Good
Covenant on Civil and Political
governance assures an equitable
Rights (ICCPR), India is under
society. People should have
an international obligation to
opportunities to improve or
effectively guarantee citizens the
maintain their well-being.
Right to Information as per Article
¾ Effectiveness and Efficiency: 19 of the ICCPR.
Processes and institutions should
¾ RTI Act, of 2005 marks a significant
be able to produce results that
shift in Indian democracy. It gives
meet the needs of their community.
greater access to the citizen to
Resources of the community
the information which in turn
should be used effectively for the
improves the responsiveness of
maximum output.
the government to community
¾ Accountability: Good governance needs.
aims towards the betterment
¾ The right to information promotes
of people, and this can not take
openness, transparency and
place without the government
accountability in administration
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 Ethics and Governance
by making the government more meant to improve the country’s
open to public scrutiny. business environment and
policy ecosystems (such as the
2. E-Governance Bankruptcy Code, the Goods and
Services Tax or GST, and the anti-
¾ The National e-Governance Plan
money-laundering law).
envisions making all government
services accessible to the ¾ The government has launched the
common man in his locality, 'Make in India' initiative.
through common service delivery
outlets and ensuring efficiency,
3. Good Governance Index
transparency & reliability of such ¾ The Good Governance Index Was
services at affordable costs. launched on the occasion of Good
¾ E-Governance effectively delivers Governance Day on 25 December
better programming and services 2019.
in the era of newly emerging ¾ The Good Governance Index is
information and communication a uniform tool across States to
technologies (ICTs), which herald assess the Status of Governance
new opportunities for rapid social and the impact of various
and economic transformation interventions taken up by the
worldwide. State Government and Union
¾ E-Governance has a direct impact Territories.
on its citizens who derive benefits ¾ The objectives of the Good
through direct transactions Governance Index are to provide
with the services offered by the quantifiable data to compare the
government. state of governance in all states
and Union Territories, enable
¾ Programs launched under
states and Union
e-Governance: Pro-Active
Governance and Timely ¾ Territories to formulate and
Implementation (PRAGATI), implement suitable strategies for
Digital India Program, MCA21 (to improving governance and shift
improve the speed and certainty to result-oriented approaches and
in the delivery of the services of administration.
Ministry of Company Affairs),
Challenges of Good Governance
Passport Seva Kendra (PSK),
online Income tax return, etc. 1. Criminalization of Politics
¾ Ease of Doing Business ¾ According to the Association
¾ Steps were taken by the of Democratic Reforms, 43% of
government to improve business Members of Parliaments of Lok
conditions including legislation Sabha 2019 are facing criminal
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 ETHICS

charges. It is a 26% increase as ¾ One way to assess the state

compared to 2014. of the nation is to study the
status of its women. As women
¾ The criminalisation of the political
comprise almost 50% of the
process and the unholy nexus
population it is unfair that they
between politicians, civil servants,
are not adequately represented
and business houses are having a
in government institutions and
baneful influence on public policy
other allied sectors.
formulation and governance.
¾ Therefore, to ensure good
¾ The political class as such is
governance it is essential to ensure
losing respect. Therefore, it is
the empowerment of women.
necessary to amend Section
8 of the Representation of the 4. Growing incidence of violence
People's Act 1951 to disqualify a
person against whom the criminal ¾ Resorting to illegal force is
charges that relate to grave and considered to be a law and order
heinous offences and corruption problem. But when one looks at
are pending. it from the point of view of the
principles of Good Governance,
2. Corruption it becomes clear that peace
and order is the first step to
¾ Corruption is a major obstacle
development.
to improving the quality of
governance. While human greed 5. Delay in Justice
is a driver of corruption, it is the
structural incentives and poor ¾ A citizen has the right to avail
enforcement system to punish the timely justice, but there are
corrupt that have contributed to several factors, and because of
the rising curve of graft in India. that a common man doesn't get
timely justice.
¾ According to the Corruption
Perception Index - 2019 (released 6. Centralisation of the Administrative
by Transparency International, System
India's ranking has slipped from
78 to 80. ¾ Governments at lower levels
can only function efficiently if
3. Gender Disparity they are empowered to do so.
¾ According to Swami Vivekananda, This is particularly relevant for
"It is impossible to think about the Panchayati Raj Institutions
the welfare of the world unless the (PRIs), which currently suffer from
condition of women is improved. inadequate devolution of funds
A bird can't fly on only one wing". as well as functionaries to carry

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 Ethics and Governance
out the functions constitutionally Kural, Shukra Niti, Kadambari,
assigned to them. Raja Tarangani, andHitopadesh.
Chinese philosophers such as
PROBITY IN GOVERNANCE Lao Tse, Confucius and Mencius
also contributed the theoretical
Definition dogmas on ethical governance.
¾ Probity means confirmed integrity. The perspective of various other
It is usually regarded as being
philosophers
incorruptible. It is the quality of
having strong moral principles Western Philosophy identifies 3
and strictly following them, eminent schools of ethics-
such as honesty, uprightness,
¾ First, inspired by Aristotle holds
transparency and incorruptibility.
virtues (such as justice, charity
¾ Probity in Governance is and generosity) are dispositions
concerned with the propriety and to act in ways that benefit the
character of various organs of the possessor of these virtues and the
government as to whether these society that he is a part of.
uphold procedural uprightness,
¾ The second by Immanuel Kant,
regardless of the individuals
makes the concept of duty central
manning these institutions.
to morality i.e. human beings are
¾ It involves adopting an ethical and bound, from knowledge of their
transparent approach, allowing duty as rational beings, to obey the
the process to withstand scrutiny. categorical imperative to respect
Probity goes further than the other rational beings with whom
avoidance of being dishonest they interact. Kant supposed that
because it is determined by a rigorous application of the same
intangibles like personal and methods of reasoning would yield
societal values. equal success in dealing with the
problems of moral philosophy.
PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS OF PROBITY
IN GOVERNANCE ¾ The third is the utilitarian
standpoint that proclaims
Historical perspective that the guiding principle of
conduct should be the greatest
¾ The ethical concerns of governance happiness (or benefit) of the
have been emphasized broadly greatest number. Utilitarianism
in Indian scriptures and other is a theory in normative ethics
treatises such as Ramayana, that maintains that the moral
Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, action is the one that maximizes
Buddha Charita, Arthashastra, utility. Utilitarianism is a form of
Panchatantra, Manusmriti,
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 ETHICS

consequentialism, which implies state will be for the welfare of the

that the “end justifies the means”. beneficiaries.

Objectives of Probity in Governance ¾ Trust building through ethical

outcomes: It leads to prudent
¾ To ensure accountability in and ethical outcomes and the
governance. building of trust over time.
¾ To maintain integrity in public ¾ Objectivity: It provides for an
services. objective and independent view of
¾ To ensure compliance with the fairness of the process.
processes. ¾ Checks and balances: It helps in
¾ To preserve public confidence in checking the abuse and misuse
Government processes. of power by various organs of
government such as magistracy,
¾ To avoid the potential for police and all other providers of
misconduct, fraud and corruption. public service e.g. PWD, health,
education, etc.
The 'constructs' of probity within
integrity ¾ Equitable and sustainable
development: It is an essential
¾ Probity principles to achieve requirement for an efficient and
integrity effective system of governance
¾ Fairness and impartiality and socio-economic development.

¾ Accountability & transparency of ¾ To serve the constitutional

the process cause: Probity in Governance
is required to serve the motto of
¾ Managing interest & influence the Constitution. i.e. to provide
¾ Security and confidentiality Social, Political and economic
justice to all. It enhances faith in
¾ Acting with fiduciary duty
governance.
NEED FOR PROBITY IN GOOD ¾ Reduced politicization of
GOVERNANCE bureaucracy: It helps address
nepotism, Favoritism, and
The need for probity in governance
Political partisanship. The public
can be understood as follows:
reposes more trust in governance
¾ Legitimacy of the system: and therefore it facilitates
Foremost, it helps build up the participatory governance. It leads
legitimacy of the system, i.e. to avoidance of sub-optimal
the state. It builds trust in the outcomes, corruption and poor
institutions of the state and a perception.
belief that the actions of the
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 Ethics and Governance

CHALLENGES OF PROBITY IN Venezuela, where the judiciary is

GOVERNANCE accused of being controlled by the
government and failing to hold
¾ Corruption: Corruption remains officials accountable for human
a significant challenge in many rights abuses.
countries, with government
officials engaging in bribery, ¾ Lack of Citizen Engagement:
embezzlement and other A lack of citizen engagement
forms of corrupt practices. For in the governance process can
example, the recent corruption make it difficult to hold officials
scandal involving the Brazilian accountable and ensure probity in
construction company Odebrecht, governance. For example, the low
which paid bribes to politicians in voter turnout in some elections
exchange for contracts in the United States raises
concerns about the lack of citizen
¾ Lack of Transparency: A lack engagement in the democratic
of transparency in government process.
actions and decisions can make
it difficult to ensure probity in THE NATIONAL COMMISSION TO
governance. For example, the REVIEW THE WORKING OF THE
Indian government's decision to CONSTITUTION
demonetize certain currency notes
in 2016, was criticized for its lack The National Commission to
of transparency and consultation. Review the Working of the Constitution
(NCRWC) was set up in India in 2000
¾ Political Interference: Political to examine the functioning of the
interference in government Constitution and to suggest changes to
decision-making can undermine improve its working. The commission
probity in governance. For submitted its report in 2002. The
example, the recent political crisis report made several recommendations
in Myanmar, where the military related to probity in governance, some
overthrew the democratically of which are:
elected government and arrested
its leaders, has raised concerns ¾ Ethics Committees: The report
about political interference in recommended that Ethics
government affairs. Committees be established in
Parliament and State Legislatures
¾ Weak Institutions: Weak to look into complaints against
institutions, including the members and to promote ethical
judiciary and law enforcement conduct among them.
agencies, can hinder efforts to
ensure probity in governance. ¾ Code of Ethics: The report
For example, the ongoing crisis in recommended that a Code of

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 ETHICS

Ethics be formulated for all Probity in Public Life

elected representatives, including
Ministers, to ensure that they Probity in public life is the
maintain high standards of ethical standard that society expects those
conduct. elected or appointed to public office to
observe and maintain in the conduct
¾ Whistleblower Protection: The of the public affairs to which they
report recommended that a have been entrusted. These standards
comprehensive law be enacted to safeguard the nation from corruption
protect whistle blowers who expose by politicians and public officials who
corruption and malpractices in have been given almost unrestricted
the government. access to public resources together
¾ Independent Anti-Corruption with the power to make decisions that
Agency: The report recommended impact the lives of everyone.
the establishment of an independent Probity in Corporate Life
anticorruption agency with sufficient
powers to investigate and prosecute Probity in corporate refers to
corruption cases. the ethical and moral integrity of
individuals and organizations within
¾ Strengthening of Investigative
the business sector. It encompasses
Agencies: The report recommended
honesty, transparency, and adherence
that investigative agencies like to high moral and ethical standards
the CBI, Income Tax Department, in all business dealings. Maintaining
and Enforcement Directorate be probity is essential for building trust,
strengthened and given more fostering good corporate governance,
autonomy to carry out their and ensuring the long-term success
functions effectively. and sustainability of a company.
¾ Transparency and Accountability: Some of the aspects of probity in the
The report stressed the need for corporate context are:
transparency and accountability in
1. Integrity and Honesty:
governance and recommended the
introduction of measures like the ¾ Individuals and organizations
Right to Information Act, Public should act with honesty
Interest Disclosure and Protection and integrity in all business
of Persons Making the Disclosures transactions. This involves
Bill, and the Lokpal and Lokayuktas avoiding deception, fraud, and
Bill (which are acts now). misrepresentation.
¾ Judicial Reforms: The report 2. Transparency:
recommended judicial reforms
to improve the efficiency and ¾ Transparent business practices
effectiveness of the judicial system involve providing clear and
in dealing with corruption cases. accessible information about the
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 Ethics and Governance
company's activities, financial 7. Ethical Decision-Making:
performance, and decision-
making processes. This helps ¾ Encouraging ethical decision-
build trust with stakeholders. making at all levels of the
organization is crucial. This
3 Fairness: involves considering the ethical
¾ Fairness is a core principle implications of business decisions
of probity. All stakeholders, and choosing courses of action
including employees, customers, that align with ethical standards.
suppliers, and investors, should
be treated equitably and without 8. Accountability:
discrimination. ¾ Individuals and organizations
4. Compliance with Laws and must be accountable for their
Regulations: actions. This involves taking
responsibility for mistakes,
¾ Adhering to all applicable laws addressing issues promptly, and
and regulations is crucial for
learning from experiences to
probity. Companies should
improve future conduct.
have robust systems in place
to ensure compliance with legal 9. Whistleblower Protection:
requirements in all areas of
operation. ¾ Establishing mechanisms to
protect whistleblowers who report
5. Conflicts of Interest:
unethical behaviour helps create
¾ Identifying and managing conflicts an environment where individuals
of interest is important for feel safe to expose wrongdoing.
maintaining probity. Employees
and leaders should disclose any 10. Board Oversight:
potential conflicts and take steps
¾ Boards of directors play a crucial
to mitigate them.
role in overseeing corporate
6. Corporate Social Responsibility probity. They should actively
(CSR): promote a culture of ethics
and integrity throughout the
¾ Engaging in socially responsible
organization.
practices, such as contributing
to the well-being of communities, 11. Training and Education:
minimizing environmental impact,
and promoting ethical supply ¾ Providing ongoing training and
chain practices, is part of education on ethical standards
corporate probity. and compliance is essential
for ensuring that employees
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 ETHICS

understand and adhere to the 4. Fairness and Equity:

principles of probity.
¾ Striving to be fair and just in
By prioritizing probity in corporate personal relationships and
practices, companies can enhance interactions. This involves
their reputation, build strong avoiding favouritism and treating
relationships with stakeholders, and people equitably.
contribute to a more sustainable and
ethical business environment. 5. Compassion and Empathy:

Probity in Personal Life ¾ Demonstrating empathy and

compassion towards others,
Probity in personal life refers to understanding their feelings, and
the adherence to high moral and offering support when needed.
ethical standards in one's conduct
and decision-making. It involves being 6. Self-Reflection:
honest, responsible, and fair in all ¾ Engaging in self-reflection to
aspects of life. Some of the elements understand personal values,
of probity in personal life are: beliefs, and behaviours. This self-
awareness contributes to personal
1. Honesty and Integrity:
growth and development.
¾ Being truthful and maintaining
7. Trustworthiness:
a high level of integrity in all
personal dealings. This includes ¾ Building and maintaining trust with
being honest in communication others by being reliable, keeping
and actions. promises, and demonstrating
consistency in behaviour.
2. Respect for Others:
8. Civic and Social Responsibility:
¾ Treat others with respect and dignity,
regardless of their background, ¾ Contributing positively to the
beliefs, or circumstances. This community and society. This may
involves being considerate and involve volunteering, participating
empathetic towards others. in charitable activities, or being
environmentally conscious.
3. Responsibility:
9. Conflict Resolution:
¾ Taking responsibility for one's
actions and decisions. This ¾ Resolving conflicts constructively
includes acknowledging mistakes and fairly. This involves effective
and working to rectify them, communication, active listening,
rather than shifting blame onto and a willingness to find mutually
others. acceptable solutions.

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 Ethics and Governance
10. Work-Life Balance: lifestyle, managing stress, and
¾ Balancing personal and professional seeking professional help when
life to ensure well-being and needed.
fulfilment in both areas. This Practising probity in personal life
includes setting boundaries and contributes to individual well-being,
prioritizing self-care. positive relationships, and a sense of
11. Continuous Learning: fulfilment. It also sets the foundation
for a strong moral compass that guides
¾ Embracing a mindset of continuous
learning and personal development. ethical decision-making in various life
This can involve acquiring new situations.
skills, staying informed about CONCLUSION
various subjects, and being open
to new perspectives. ¾ The effective functioning of
governance is the prime concern
12. Cultural Sensitivity:
of every citizen of the country.
¾ Being aware of and respectful The citizens are ready to pay the
towards different cultural price for good services offered by
backgrounds and perspectives. the state, but what is required is
This includes avoiding stereotypes a transparent, accountable and
and prejudices.
intelligible governance system
13. Financial Integrity: free from bias and prejudices.
¾ Managing personal finances ¾ There is a need to reformulate
responsibly and ethically. This our national strategy to accord
involves budgeting, avoiding primacy to the Gandhian principle
excessive debt, and making of ‘Antyodaya” to restore good
informed financial decisions.
governance in the country. India
14. Digital Ethics: should also focus on developing
¾ Exercising ethical behaviour probity in governance, which
in the digital realm, including will make the governance more
responsible use of social media, ethical.
respecting privacy, and avoiding ¾ The government should continue
online harassment. to work on the ideals of Sabka
15. Health and Wellness: Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka
Vishwas which will lead to inclusive
¾ Prioritizing physical and mental
well-being by adopting a healthy and sustainable development.

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 CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS 9
INTRODUCTION These are designed to prevent certain
types of behaviours like conflict of
CODE OF CONDUCT interest, self-dealing, bribery and
Definition inappropriate actions. The Code of
Conduct outlines specific behaviours
Code of Conduct is a document that that are required or prohibited as a
expresses the practices and behaviour condition of ongoing employment.
of a person, required or restricted as
a condition for becoming a member Example of code of conduct: E.g.
of the organisation or profession. code of conduct includes guidelines
The code sets out the actual rules, on acceptance of gifts by government
so it lays down the do's and don'ts servants and specific behaviour
of an employee. The members are regulating codes (class I officer shall
responsible for its adherence and held not permit son or daughter to take
accountable for its violation. employment with a company with
which she has official dealings' or
Every organisation has its code of 'acquiring immovable property with
conduct issued by the Board of Directors previous knowledge of prescribed
(BOD) that determines the social norms, authority' and so on).
regulations and responsibilities. It is in
the form of a written statement; that CODE OF ETHICS
contains rules for behaviour, which are
Code of Ethics is a document
supposed to be followed by the employees
issued by the top-level management,
of the company. The document directs
which consists of a set of principles,
and guides the employees in various
designed to guide the members of the
matters.
organisation to carry out business
Concept of Code of Conduct honestly and with integrity. It describes
the core values of the organisation
It is a set of rules, standards, that guide the decision-making. It
principles and values outlining the provides ethical standards which are
expected behaviour of the members to be followed by the members. It
of an organisation. These are legally sets out general guidelines to assist
enforceable which sets out the individuals to apply their judgment,
standards of behaviour expected of concerning a suitable behaviour in a
those working in the public service. given situation.
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 Code of Conduct and Ethics
A code of ethics helps members in ¾ Companies should discuss these
understanding what is right or wrong. rules with any potential new hires
The codes are disclosed publicly and before they accept the job offer.
hence addressed to the interested It may seem like this will take
parties to know the way the company more time, but it will save time
does business. Violation of the code down the road if there are no
of ethics by any member may result misunderstandings on either side.
in termination or dismissal from the
organisation. Limitation of Code of Ethics
Example of code of ethics: A code ¾ Codes of Ethics only work if all
of ethics is a collection of ethical members of an organization adhere
principles which regulate a particular to them, which is not always the
class of human activity. To provide an case. People do not often follow
example, it might be as simple as not their Code of Ethics; they may
harming medicine or more complex, even feel that some parts are
such as getting your customer’s wrong and shouldn’t be followed
consent before delivering the content Some people do not adhere to
they never requested or providing codes of ethics because they do
information they don’t want to receive. not understand the reasoning
behind why certain things should
Importance of Code of Ethics be a part of the code. People
may also misunderstand certain
¾ A Code of ethics is vital to a
passages in the code, leading
business because it ensures
them to unintentionally violate it.
that every employee and person
involved in the company is ¾ Codes of Ethics cannot stop
accountable for their actions. unethical behaviour before it
starts, nor can they correct every
¾ They govern what is morally and
instance where someone violates
ethically right or wrong, which
the code. Codes of Ethics cannot
means employees should always
punish those who fail to abide by
feel confident that they’re making
them or enforce compliance with
moral decisions as part of the
their principles
company’s management team or
as an individual contributor. If ¾ It is difficult for one person or
the code isn’t up-to-date, it can group to create a universal set of
lead to wrongful conduct. standards for every industry since
each industry has different needs
¾ The code also needs to be clear
and standards
enough so that anyone who
encounters it understands exactly ¾ Although most codes are designed
what is expected of them. to promote ethical behaviour,

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 ETHICS

they will never achieve this goal unethical actions (intentional or

100% of the time. The existence unintentional) make it impossible
of human error, misconduct, and for any code to work perfectly.

Difference Between Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics

CODE OF ETHICS CODE OF CONDUCT
Ethical standards generally are non- Conduct standards generally provide
specific and are designed to provide a a fairly clear set of expectations
set of values or decision-making. about which actions are required,
acceptable or prohibited.
It enables employees to make It enables employees to work in
independent judgments about the most compliance with rules and actions
appropriate course of action. are guided by the codes.
A particular rule in the Code of Ethics A Code of Conduct might list several
might state that all employees will obey specific laws relevant to specific
the law. areas of organisational operations,
that employees need to obey.
A particular rule in the Code of Ethics A Code of Conduct might list several
might state that all employees will obey specific laws relevant to specific
the law. areas of organisational operations,
that employees need to obey.
Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct directors containing core ethical
are the standards that a group must values, principles and ideals of the
adhere to, so as to remain a member organisation. Code of Conduct is a
of the organisation. These help the directional document containing
institutions in regulating the day-to- specific practices and behaviour,
day business efficiently. While a code that are followed or restricted
of conduct is something that states under the organisation.
organized values, a code of ethics is ¾ A Code of Ethics is general in
used to observe ethical norms and nature, whereas a code of conduct
gives a foundation for rules of conduct. is specific.
Key Differences Between Code of ¾ Code of Conduct originated from
Conduct and Ethics the code of ethics, and it converts
the rules into specific guidelines,
The major differences between the that must be followed by the
code of ethics and the code of conduct members of the organisation.
are described in the given below
points: ¾ Lengthwise, a code of ethics is a
shorter document than a code of
¾ Code of Ethics is an aspirational conduct.
document, issued by the board of
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 Code of Conduct and Ethics
¾ A code of Ethics regulates the ¾ Officers from the Indian Revenue
judgment of the organisation Service, Indian Information
while a code of conduct regulates Service, Indian Customs & Central
the actions. Excise Service, Indian Postal
Service, Indian Audit & Accounts
¾ Code of Ethics is publicly
Service, etc. are governed by the
available, i.e. anyone can access it.
Central Civil Service (Conduct)
Conversely, the Code of Conduct
Rules, 1964.
is addressed to employees only.
¾ Some services like the Indian
¾ Code of Ethics focuses on values
Railway Service have their own
or principles. On the other hand,
set of conduct rules, though
the Code of Conduct is focused on
Student Notes: effectively they are
compliance and rules.
all similar.
Existing Framework for Ethical
Some important and widely
Standards in India in Code of
used/misused rules are:
Conduct
¾ Rule 3(1), "Every member of the
¾ India inherited the colonial
service shall at all times maintain
bureaucratic structure and with
absolute integrity and devotion to
time functional and structural
duty and shall do nothing which
unethical behaviour started
is unbecoming of a member of the
to appear. Important ethical
service".
standards were therefore
created to improve the quality of ¾ The rule is elaborated in a sub-
administration. Some of the key section to say that every officer
Ethical standards in India are as must maintain the following –
follows: high ethical standards, integrity
and honesty, political neutrality,
1. Central Civil Services (Conduct) promoting of the principles of
Rules 1964 merit, fairness and impartiality
in the discharge of duties,
Conduct rules governing the
accountability and transparency,
conduct of India’s bureaucracy largely
responsiveness to the public,
ensure that officers do not divulge
particularly to the weaker
confidential information or criticise
sections, and courtesy and good
government policy, and remain
behaviour with the public.
politically neutral.
¾ According to Rule 7 of the AIS
¾ Officers from the administrative,
Conduct Rules, no member of the
police and forest services are
service can criticize any policy
governed by the All India Service
or action of the central or state
(Conduct) Rules, 1968.
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 ETHICS

government on a radio broadcast, ¾ Members should maintain high

communication over any public standards of morality, dignity,
media, in any document, in any decency and values in public life.
communication to the press, or
any public utterance. 2. Code of Conduct for Ministers
¾ Further, they are prohibited from The Ministers of both the Union
saying anything “which has the and State Governments have to follow
effect of an adverse criticism of ethical conduct based on the following
any current or recent policy or
action of the central government Before taking office
or a state government” or “which According to the Representation of
is capable of embarrassing the the People Act, 1951 a person before
relations between the central taking office as a Minister, shall:
government and any state
government”. ¾ disclose to the Prime Minister, or
the Chief Minister, as the case
1. Code of Conduct for Legislators may be, details of the assets and
liabilities, and business interests,
The Committee on Ethics of the of himself and members of his
Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha family.
have drafted some guidelines for
the legislators of both houses of the ¾ sever all connections, short
Parliament. Some of the common of divesting himself of the
principles include- ownership, with the conduct and
management of any business in
¾ Members must not do anything that which he was interested before he
brings disrepute to the Parliament was appointed Minister.
and affects their credibility.
¾ Members must utilize their position After taking office
as Members of Parliament to advance So long as he remains in office, the
the general well-being of the people. Minister shall:
¾ If Members are in possession of ¾ furnish annually by the 31st
confidential information owing to March to the Prime Minister, or
their being Members of Parliament the Chief Minister, as the case
or Members of Parliamentary may be, a declaration regarding
Committees, they should not his assets and liabilities;
disclose such information to
advance their personal interests. ¾ refrain from buying from or
selling to, the Government any
¾ Members must keep in mind the immovable property except where
fundamental duties listed in Part such property is compulsorily
IV of the Constitution.
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 Code of Conduct and Ethics
acquired by the Government in ¾ A Judge shall not enter into
the usual course; public debate or express his views
¾ refrain from starting, or joining, in public on political matters
any business; or on matters that are pending
or are likely to arise for judicial
¾ report the matter to the Prime determination.
Minister, or the Chief Minister as
the case may be, if any member of ¾ A Judge is expected to let his
his family sets up, or joins in the judgments speak for themselves.
conduct and management of, any He shall not give interviews to the
other business. media.

¾ Apart from this, a minister should ¾ A Judge shall not accept gifts or
not accept valuable gifts except hospitality except from his family,
from close relatives, and he or close relations and friends.
members of his family should not ¾ A Judge shall not hear and decide
accept any gifts at all from any a matter in which a company
person with whom he may have in which he holds shares is
official dealings. concerned unless he has disclosed
3. Code of Conduct for Judges his interest and no objection to his
hearing and deciding the matter
The Supreme Court of India in its is raised.
Full Court Meeting held on May 7,
¾ A Judge shall not speculate in
1997, unanimously adopted a charter
shares, stocks or the like.
called the ‘Restatement of Values of
Judicial Life’, generally known as the EXISTING FRAMEWORK FOR
Code of Conduct for judges. It includes ETHICAL STANDARDS IN INDIA IN
the following-
THE CODE OF ETHICS
¾ No member of his family, who
is a member of the Bar, shall be 1. First Initiative for Code of
permitted to use the residence in Ethics- May 1997
which the Judge actually resides
or other facilities for professional The Department of Administrative
work. Reforms of the Government of India
had prepared a Code of Ethics for
¾ A Judge should practice a degree public services, as part of an Action
of aloofness consistent with the Plan for an Effective and Responsive
dignity of his office. Government, which was presented
¾ A Judge shall not hear and decide in a conference of Chief Ministers
a matter in which a member of his presided over by the Prime Minister
family, a close relation or a friend held in May 1997. The objective of the
is concerned. Code was to prescribe standards of
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 ETHICS

integrity and conduct that are to apply which is illegal or against

to public services. The salient features prescribed rules and regulations,
of the code are as follows: he should decline to implement
¾ Assist the government: The the instructions. He will have
public services should assist the right to bring the facts to the
the government in formulating notice of superior authority.
and implementing policies and ¾ Conflict of Interest: Employees
administering public services in in public service should refrain
the most effective way. from decisions;
¾ To act with probity and integrity i) which are calculated to benefit
and in Public interest: Employees any particular person or party
in public services should uphold at the expense of the public
the rule of law respect for human interest;
rights and act solely in public
interest. They must maintain the ii) shall disclose any clash
highest standards of probity and of interest when there is
integrity. a conflict between public
interest and private interest.
¾ Building Public Trust: They
should conduct themselves in ¾ Independence, Dignity and
such a manner that the public Impartiality: They should
feels that the decisions taken, or maintain their independence
recommendations made by them and dignity and impartiality by
are objective and transparent not approaching politicians and
and are not calculated to promote outsiders with respect to service
improper gains for the political matters or private benefits, and
party in power, for themselves, or exercise peer pressure to dissuade
for any third party. those within their own cadre who do
¾ Cooperation with the so and to set in motion disciplinary
government: They should not proceedings against such persons.
seek to frustrate or undermine
the policies, decisions and actions Accountability to Citizens:
taken in the public interest by ¾ Employees in public services
the Government by declining or should be accessible to the people
abstaining from action. and practice accountability to
¾ When to approach the higher them in terms of quality of service,
authority: Where an employee timeliness, courtesy, people
in public service has reasonable orientation, and readiness to
grounds to believe that he or encourage participation and form
she is being required by superior partnerships with citizen groups
authority to act in a manner, for responsive government. They
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 Code of Conduct and Ethics
should be consistent, equitable to, should be defined and made
and honest in their treatment of applicable to all tiers of government
the members of the public. and parasternal organizations.
¾ They should accept the obligation ¾ Any transgression of these values
to recognize and enforce citizen's should be treated as misconduct,
right to speedy redressal of their inviting punishment”
grievance.
¾ In order to create a regime under
¾ Financial prudence: They should which quick disciplinary action
have concern for public assets can be taken against delinquent
and funds, avoid wastage and Government servants, the ARC
extravagance and ensure effective
has recommended the deletion of
and efficient use of public money
Article 311 of the Constitution,
within their control.
with a provison that legislation
¾ Non-abuse of official position: under Article 309 be made to
Employees in public services have protect public servants against
a responsibility to make decisions arbitrary action.
on merits, as they are in a position
of trust, they must not use their ¾ The Commission has also
official position to influence any suggested certain measures to
person to enter into financial or protect honest Civil Servants
other arrangements with them or against malicious complaints.
anyone else.
CONCLUSION
The code also deals with issues
such as public comment, release of The code of Conduct is actually
official information, integrative role extracted from the Code of Ethics.
of public services and continuous Therefore, the latter concept is
improvement through professionalism wider than the former. Moreover,
and teamwork. these codes are beneficial for
businesses of any size and nature
2. Second ARC Recommendations as the codes lay down directions
with respect to Code of which is helpful for employees, to
Conduct and Code of Ethics behave in a particular manner and
¾ Civil Service Values which all also make a public image of ethical
public servants should aspire behaviour.

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 ETHICS IN PUBLIC SERVICES 10
INTRODUCTION a spirit essential to the success
of modern democracy, an ideal
Public service is an instrument
of vocation in public officials who
of development and change. It has
devote their lives to the service of
become one of the most essential and
the community".
vital parts of the administrative system.
The role and functions of the public Types of Indian Public Services
services within the administrative
system constitute an important focus Currently, you will find three main
of study. public services in India, which are
named as follows.
Definition of Public Services
1. All India Service (AIS)
¾ 'Public Services' are generally 2. The Central Services
defined to mean the civil services
3. The State Services
constituted by the government
to translate all its plans and 1. All India Service(AIS)
programmes into implementable
action. In common usage, civil People are recruited for this type of
service means that branch of service by an exam known as UPSC. It
governmental machinery which falls under the category of both central
is concerned not with law-making and state. People selected under this
but with law enforcing functions. category are the best talents in India
In the executive branch of the and need to undergo a very tough
government, there are two parts, examination which is UPSC. They
the ministers and civil servants. are directly controlled by the central
The civil servants carry out the government of India. The top positions
orders of the ministers and advise of people who are selected under this
them in policy formulation. category are.
¾ According to E.N. Gladden, Types of All India Services
"Civil Service is the name of an 1. Indian Administrative Service
important government institution (IAS): These people are
comprising the staffs of the responsible for handling the
central administration of the rules and regulations of the state
state. It is more for it stands for and are solely responsible for
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 Ethics in Public Services
administrative work. They also ¾ Central Health Service
supervise different areas to ensure
¾ Central Information Service
that everyone is following the rules
strictly. It's also known as the ¾ Central Legal Service
Indian Civil Service. ¾ Central Secretariat Service
2. Indian Police Service (IPS): The ¾ Indian Audit and Accounts Service
main motto of IPS officers is to take
care of the proper implementation ¾ Indian Defence Accounts Service
of the laws. They are responsible ¾ Indian Economic Service
for ensuring peace and harmony
among the citizens. ¾ Indian Foreign Service

3. Indian Forest Service (IFS): ¾ Indian Meteorological Service

These are the people who fight to ¾ Indian Postal Service
protect the rights and interests of
our country. To maintain a nice ¾ Indian Revenue Service
bond with every country so that ¾ Indian Statistical Service
there’s a mutual transfer of goods
¾ Overseas Communication Service
and services. They are the ones
who dedicate everything for the ¾ Railway Personnel Service
sake of the nation and work day
and night. 3. State Services

2. Central Services As the name suggests, the state

servants work under the guidance
The people who work under this of the state government. There are
category work directly under the further bifurcations under state
umbrella of the Central government. The services, which are technical, general
people are assigned to various positions services, and functional services. The
under this category. When India was topmost position of public services
ruled by the British, the central services in India is AIS and state services fall
were divided into class A, class B, in the lowermost category. There are
inferior class, and subordinate class. various services of the state, but it also
After India got its independence in varies with respect to the state. Here,
1947, the central services were revised you will find the list of state services
as group-A, group-B, group-C, and that are common to all the states.
group-D. There are various positions
under group-A in central services. The Types of State Services
list of them is as follows.
¾ Civil Service
Types of Central Services
¾ Police Service
¾ Central Engineering Service ¾ Forest Service
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 ETHICS

¾ Agricultural Service ¾ Jail Service

¾ Medical Service ¾ Service of Engineers
¾ Veterinary Service ¾ All the above-mentioned services
are recognized as state services.
¾ Fisheries Service
They are mentioned as state
¾ Judicial Service services by adding the name of the
¾ Public Health Service state as the prefix. For example, if
you belong to Kerala and you are
¾ Educational Service working in jail service, then the
¾ Co-operative Service name of the state service would be
Kerala Jail Service. In the same
¾ Registration Service
way, it's valid in all other states
¾ Sales Tax Services of India.

PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Selflessness

Leadership Integrity

PRINCIPLES
OF CODE OF ETHICS Objectivity
BY NOLAN

Honesty
Accountability

openness

¾ Accountability ¾ Openness
¾ Objectivity ¾ Transparency
¾ Virtue ethics ¾ Altruism
¾ Impartiality ¾ Rule of law
¾ Leadership ¾ Courage

130 All Rights Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing.
 Ethics in Public Services
¾ Legitimacy have confidence in the integrity
¾ Neutrality of civil servants, it strengthens
the legitimacy of government
¾ Politics institutions.
¾ Respect for persons ¾ Ethical Decision-Making: Civil
¾ Integrity servants often face complex
and challenging situations
¾ Kantian theory on ethics
where ethical decision-making
¾ Responsiveness is required. Moral values guide
¾ Democratic individuals in making decisions
that prioritize the greater good and
¾ Efficient public interest over personal gain.
¾ Serving the public interest This is crucial for maintaining
the fairness and justice of public
¾ Commitment
policies and services.
¾ Empathy
¾ Role Modeling: Civil servants
¾ Fairness serve as role models for the
¾ Probity larger society. Their conduct and
adherence to moral values set
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF an example for others, including
PUBLIC SERVICE PROFESSIONALS fellow colleagues and citizens.
Demonstrating high moral
1. Importance of Moral in Public standards can inspire a culture
Services of ethics and integrity within the
civil service and the community at
The importance of moral values large.
in civil services cannot be overstated.
Moral values provide the foundation ¾ Preventing Corruption: Moral
for ethical behaviour, integrity, and values act as a deterrent to
responsible decision-making in public corruption. Civil servants who
service. Some of the reasons why moral adhere to principles such as
values are crucial in civil services are: honesty and integrity are less
likely to engage in corrupt
¾ Public Trust and Confidence:
practices. Upholding moral values
Civil servants are entrusted with
helps in creating a corruption-
the responsibility of serving the
free environment, which is vital
public interest. Moral values such
for the efficient functioning of
as honesty, transparency, and
government institutions.
accountability are essential for
building and maintaining trust ¾ Effective Governance: Moral
with the public. When citizens values contribute to effective and
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 ETHICS

responsible governance. Civil 2. Importance of Attitude in

servants who prioritize moral Public Services
principles are more likely to make
decisions that benefit the public A positive attitude refers to a mental
and promote the common good. and emotional state characterized
by optimism, constructive thinking,
This, in turn, leads to the efficient
and a hopeful outlook. It involves
delivery of public services and the
maintaining a favourable and hopeful
overall well-being of society.
perspective towards oneself, others,
¾ Stability and Social Cohesion: and life circumstances, even in the face
A civil service that operates of challenges, setbacks, or adversity.
with a strong moral foundation The importance of attitude is as follows:
contributes to social stability and ¾ Self-awareness and mindfulness:
cohesion. When citizens perceive Understanding one's own
that public institutions are emotions, values, and goals can
fair, and just, and operate with help a person develop a positive
integrity, it fosters a sense of unity outlook and cope with stress.
and trust within the community. Mindfulness practices, such as
¾ Long-Term Sustainable Development: meditation and yoga, can also
help promote a positive attitude.
Sustainable development requires
ethical governance that considers ¾ Resilience and adaptability:
the long-term consequences Having the ability to bounce back
of policies and decisions. Civil from setbacks and adapt to new
servants who adhere to moral situations can help a person
values are more likely to focus maintain a positive attitude in the
on sustainable and equitable face of challenges.
development, ensuring that the ¾ Social support and teamwork:
benefits of public policies are Having a supportive network of
distributed fairly across society. colleagues, mentors, and friends
can help a person stay positive
Therefore, the integration of moral
and motivated. Additionally,
values in civil services is essential
working collaboratively with
for the maintenance of public trust,
others towards a common goal
ethical decision-making, prevention of can be rewarding and contribute
corruption, and the overall well-being of to a positive attitude.
society. Civil servants, by upholding moral
principles, play a critical role in fostering ¾ Sense of purpose and fulfilment:
good governance and contributing to Having a clear sense of purpose
and feeling fulfilled in one's work
the development and stability of the
can contribute to a positive attitude
communities they serve.
and motivation to succeed.
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 Ethics in Public Services
Example: student groups. Yet many educators
stand by traditional pedagogy and
¾ Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former universal methodologies. Examples of
President of India, was known for contrasting interpretations of ethics
his positive attitude and resilience in public service practices exist across
in the face of adversity. the public sector.
¾ Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual Although people in public service
leader and philosopher, generally work to improve the lives of
emphasized the importance of the public, their behaviour in public
a positive attitude in achieving service is based on subjective morals
one's goals and living a fulfilling and belief systems as opposed to
life. universal, ethical principles. The
A positive attitude is essential for purpose of ethics is to bridge the
civil servants to effectively serve the gap between these varying moral
public and maintain a positive work systems, ensuring that public service
environment. Through self-awareness, represents all of the public.
resilience, social support, and a sense Importantly, trust in public
of purpose, individuals can develop services is forever being eroded by
and maintain a positive attitude even public officials and organizations
in the face of stress and adversity. acting unethically. This may take
3. Importance of Ethics in Public the form of an organization serving
Services differing populations inequitably, or
it may be a more overt betrayal, such
It may seem common sense that as an elected official misusing public
public service is based on ethical money.
conduct. The goal of public service Even if they're not they are
is to advance the public good, help elected, and public servants must be
people and their communities and held accountable to the public. When
better society, right? While ethics public servants violate the public
certainly underlie these essentials of trust, they violate the public's sense
public service, they can be viewed in of representation, undermining the
many ways. And the actions taken to very institutions that undergird our
accomplish public service goals reflect democracy. Thus unethical behavior
these varying interpretations. is antithetical to public service and
Politicians perpetually disagree on the principles of democracy.
what laws and regulations best serve the
public good. Some educational leaders Importance of Ethics in Public
believe progressive, differentiated Life:
educational methods most equitably ¾ Ethics in public life are the ends
(and therefore ethically) serve diverse to achieving any ethical principles

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 ETHICS

such as responsibility and y Providing norms for qualifying

accountability. and disqualifying a public
functionary from office.
¾ In a democracy, every holder of
public office is accountable to the y Accountability mechanism in
people. Such accountability is place.
enforced through a system of laws
A system of laws and rules,
and rules. Ethics in public life
however elaborate, cannot provide for
provides the basis for the creation
all situations. It is highly desirable,
of such laws and rules.
to govern the conduct of those
¾ It is the moral ideas of people who occupy positions in the lower
that give rise to and shape the hierarchy where they don't have any
character of laws and rules. discretion. But the higher officials in
public service, the greater the ambit
¾ It strengthens the trusteeship
of discretion. And it is difficult to
relationship between the public
provide for a system of laws and rules
and the officials.
that can comprehensively cover and
Dimensions of Ethics in Public regulate the exercise of discretion in
Life: high places.

¾ The role of ethics in public life 4. Importance of Public and

has many dimensions. At one end Private Life in Public Services
is the expression of high moral
values and at the other end, Ethics in Private Life
public functionary can be held
Private life integrated with family
legally accountable for his actions
members, life partner, friends,
while performing duty.
colleagues etc. These kinds of
y Any framework of ethical relationships are based on emotional
behaviour must include the attachments, and personal bonding
following elements: with them rather than simply a formal
mechanism. Our habits, our lifestyle,
y Codifying ethical norms and
and our behaviour in society all get
practices.
influenced by people we are personally
y Disclosing personal interest to attached to.
avoid conflict between public
Epics like Ramayana and
interest and personal gain.
Mahabharat a classic examples of
y Creating a mechanism for ethics in private relationships. Either
enforcing the relevant codes. they are good side or bad side they
y A suitable mechanism will reflect in our actions. Here Ethics
for incentivizing ethical in private life lays the foundation for
behaviour. ethics in public life.

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 Ethics in Public Services
Self-Morality - Ethics in private life Friends:
starts with self-morality. Just merely
having good values is not enough they The role of friends plays in
should put them into practice and moulding one's personality. One
before you preach. famous quote says "Our friend circle
tells our character "
Examples:
Examples:
¾ Once an old lady brought his
son to Gandhiji to preach to him Though Karna is individually
stop eating sugar. But didn't say Ethical and has greater war skills
anything at that moment and than Arjuna his decision to fight
asked that lady to come back along with Kauravas's side makes him
after one month. During this unpopular which leads to his death
gap, Gandhiji practiced stopping in Kurukshetra. It's just because he
eating sugar because he had the promised his friend Duryodhana to
same habit. After one month he help in the war.
said that the young boy does not
eat sugar. Public Life
¾ Satya Harischandra always Public life also refers to the
speaks the truth collection of a person's relationships,
interactions and dealings with the
Family: society at large. Every Individual's
Family is the first foundation interaction with his/her surrounding
where ethical values are seeded into environment. He should adhere to
one's own mind. Interaction with certain moral values while behaving
parents and the instruments adopted in society.
by them shape children's behaviour. If ¾ Though he has the freedom to
a family encourages and supports you roam and live anywhere on certain
in times of crisis then you can take conditions like health his freedom
any hard decision which is ethically of expression may be curtailed
correct.
¾ Social responsibility
A person's ethical orientation
towards others is determined to a ¾ Help others as a Good Samaritan
large extent by his/her spouse.
INFORMATION SHARING AND
Also, the parent is the first friend TRANSPARENCY IN PUBLIC SERVICE
and guide to a child. They teach him
not to be greedy, kind towards others, Information sharing is the
be empathetic. It will help in shaping voluntary act of making information
a child's intellectual ability and available to others controlled by one
cognitive skills. entity.
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 ETHICS

The interchange of data across Objectives of the Act:

multiple companies, individuals, and
technology is referred to as information ¾ To empower the citizens
sharing. ¾ To promote transparency and
Wide distributed networks, intranets, accountability
cross-platform compatibility, application ¾ To contain corruption
porting, and IP protocol standardization
¾ To enhance people's participation
have all enabled tremendous growth in
in the democratic process.
global information interchange.

MAINTAIN TRANSPARENCY IN Significance of the Transparency

PUBLIC SERVICE and Information Sharing
¾ The most important aspect of
¾ Transparency entails revealing
sustaining transparency and
information and operating in an
information sharing is removing
open and honest manner.
communication barriers.
¾ The availability of information is
¾ Transparency and information
a critical component in achieving
sharing are crucial for increasing
transparency.
quality of life.
¾ Transparency and effectiveness
¾ Citizens' support and participation
of information sharing are
in the management of public
dependent on the relevance,
services is vital to maintaining
transparency, accuracy and
openness and accountability.
timing of the information.
¾ Transparency in information
¾ Transparency in information sharing
sharing is required for effective
assures the accountability and
governance and the maintenance
responsibility of the government.
of governance efficacy.
¾ Innovation in information technology
is the basic requirement for MAINTENANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
maintaining transparency OF RECORDS
Right to Information Act Maintaining confidentiality
requires safeguarding the information
The Right to Information (RTI) that an individual has disclosed in
gained power when the Universal a relationship of trust and with the
Declaration of Human Rights was expectation that it will not be disclosed
adopted in 1948 providing everyone the to others without permission, except
right to seek and receive, information in ways that are consistent with the
and ideas through any media and original disclosure. Confidentiality
regardless of frontiers. in the context of human research

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 Ethics in Public Services
also refers to the investigator's breaches can occur when there are
agreement with participants, when inadequate security measures or
applicable (i.e., through participants' insufficient protocols for managing
informed consent), about how their confidential information.
identifiable private information will be
handled, managed, and disseminated. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
Individuals may only be willing Disclosure of information in
to share information for research public services refers to the sharing
purposes with an understanding that of information by government or
the information will remain protected public entities with the public or other
from disclosure outside of the research stakeholders. This process is governed
setting or to unauthorized persons. by laws, policies, and regulations to
Importance of Confidentiality ensure transparency, accountability,
and protection of privacy.
The importance of confidentiality
is extremely high in most businesses, Aspects in Disclosure of Information
workplaces and careers. Being able to 1. Transparency: Public services are
handle personal details, data and other expected to operate transparently,
private information ethically is vital for providing information about
companies to operate, retain the public's their activities, decisions, and
trust and meet specific compliance performance. This transparency
laws and regulations. While the exact fosters trust and accountability.
nature of confidentiality may change, its
fundamentals remain the same. 2. Freedom of Information (FOI):
Many countries have laws or
Breaches of Confidentiality regulations that grant citizens
the right to access information
Breaches of confidentiality can be
held by public authorities. These
accidental, intentional or have systemic
laws, often referred to as Freedom
causes. Accidental breaches may occur
of Information (FOI) acts, outline
from technical malfunctions, human
the procedures for requesting and
error, inadequate training or lack of
obtaining information.
awareness about the importance of
confidentiality. Intentional breaches 3. Data Protection and Privacy:
are acts performed by individuals While transparency is important,
seeking personal gain. They can be there are also legal and ethical
committed by insiders, hackers or considerations regarding the
unauthorised individuals. Insiders protection of individuals' privacy.
can be motivated by personal reasons Public services must adhere to
or financial gain, while outsiders may data protection laws and ensure
be driven by political reasons, financial that sensitive information is
gain or other factors. Finally, systemic handled responsibly.

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 ETHICS

4. Open Data Initiatives: Some 11. Communication Strategies:

governments actively promote Public services often develop
the release of public data in open communication strategies to
formats. Open data initiatives effectively convey information to
aim to make government data the public. This includes using
more accessible, usable, and various channels such as websites,
transparent, allowing the public press releases, social media, and
to analyze and use the information public meetings.
for various purposes.
11. Accountability: Disclosure of
5. Public Records: Certain information information is closely linked to
held by public services is accountability. Public services are
considered public records and accountable to the public, and
may be accessible to the public. providing information about their
Public records laws define what activities and decisions allows for
information is subject to disclosure scrutiny and oversight.
and the procedures for obtaining
it. 11. In India, the RTI act alone deals
with the disclosure of information
7. Public Consultation: Public in the public sphere and laws
services may engage in public while the Official Secrets Act
consultation processes to and Evidence Act prevent the
gather input and feedback from disclosure of information by civil
the community. This involves and other government servants.
sharing relevant information with
the public to ensure informed It's important to note that the
decision-making. specific rules and practices regarding
the disclosure of information in public
9. Security Considerations: While services can vary between countries
transparency is important, and regions. These practices are often
public services also need to shaped by legal frameworks, cultural
consider national security, law
norms, and the overall governance
enforcement, and other sensitive
structure of a particular jurisdiction.
issues. Certain information may
be exempt from disclosure to ETHICS OF PUBLIC POLICY
protect these interests. DETERMINATION
10. Proactive Disclosure: Some public
entities voluntarily disclose Public Policy
information without waiting for
Public policy determination
specific requests. This proactive
refers to the process of identifying,
approach to disclosure can
formulating, and implementing
enhance transparency and
policies by governments or other
responsiveness.
authoritative bodies to address societal
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 Ethics in Public Services
issues or challenges. It involves of individuals, businesses, or
making decisions about the allocation organizations.
of resources, regulations, and actions
aimed at achieving specific goals or 4. Criminal Justice Policy:
outcomes for the greater good of the ¾ Focuses on laws, regulations,
public. and initiatives related to crime
TYPES OF PUBLIC POLICY DETER- prevention, law enforcement, and
the criminal justice system.
MINATION
5. Social Policy:
1. Substantive Policy vs. Procedural
Policy: ¾ Addresses issues related to social
welfare, including healthcare,
¾ Substantive Policy: Focuses on education, poverty alleviation,
addressing specific issues or and social services.
problems, such as healthcare,
education, or environmental 6. Foreign Policy:
protection.
¾ Governs a country's relations
¾ Procedural Policy: Defines the with other nations, encompassing
rules, processes, and methods diplomacy, trade, defense, and
by which decisions are made and international cooperation.
policies are implemented.
7. Environmental Policy:
2. Distributive Policy vs. Redis-
tributive Policy: ¾ Addresses concerns related
to environmental protection,
¾ Distributive Policy: Involves the conservation, and sustainable
allocation of resources or benefits development.
to a specific group or community,
often without taking away from 8. Health Policy:
others.
¾ Deals with issues related to
¾ Redistributive Policy: Seeks healthcare systems, public
to reduce economic or social health, and the delivery of medical
disparities by redistributing services.
resources from one group to
another. 9. Educational Policy:
3. Regulatory Policy: ¾ Involves decisions and measures
related to the education
¾ Involves the establishment system, including curriculum
and enforcement of rules and development, school funding, and
regulations to govern the behavior access to education.
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 ETHICS

10. Economic Policy: 6. Evaluation: Assessing the

effectiveness and impact of the
¾ Focuses on managing the implemented policy to determine
economy, including monetary whether it has achieved its
and fiscal policies, taxation, and intended objectives.
financial regulation.
ESSENTIAL ETHICS REQUIRED IN
11. Defense and Security Policy: PUBLIC POLICY DETERMINATION
¾ Deals with national defense,
The ethics of public policy
military strategy, and homeland
determination involves considering
security.
the moral principles and values that
[Link] and Innovation guide the decision-making process
Policy: in formulating, implementing,
and evaluating policies. Ethical
¾ Addresses issues related to considerations play a crucial role in
technology development, research, ensuring that policies are just, fair,
and innovation. and in the best interest of the public.
STEPS IN PUBLIC POLICY DETER- Some of the ethics required during
MINATION public policy determination are:

1. Problem Identification: Recognizing 1. Justice and Fairness: Policies

and defining issues or challenges should be designed and
that require government intervention. implemented in a way that is fair
and just. This involves ensuring
2. Agenda Setting: Prioritizing issues that the benefits and burdens of
to determine which ones will be
policies are distributed equitably
addressed and in what order.
among different individuals and
3. Policy Formulation: Developing groups within society.
and crafting potential solutions or
2. Transparency and Accountability:
strategies to address the identified
Ethical policy determination
problems.
requires transparency in the
4. Decision-Making: Choosing a decision-making process. The
specific policy option from the public should have access to
alternatives presented during the information about how policies
formulation stage. are formulated and implemented.
5. Implementation: Putting the Additionally, policymakers should
chosen policy into action through be accountable for their decisions
the allocation of resources, and actions.
establishment of regulations, and 3. Inclusivity and Participation:
execution of specific programs or Ethical policies involve inclusive
initiatives. decision-making processes that
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 Ethics in Public Services
take into account the perspectives 8. Sustainability and Future Gene-
and needs of diverse stakeholders. rations: Ethical policies consider
Public participation ensures that the long-term impact of decisions
those affected by policies have on the environment, economy,
a voice in the decision-making and society. Sustainable policies
process. aim to meet current needs without
4. Human Rights: Policies should compromising the ability of future
respect and protect fundamental generations to meet their own
human rights. Ethical considerations needs.
involve ensuring that policies do 9. Cultural Sensitivity: Policymakers
not infringe upon basic rights and should be culturally sensitive and
liberties guaranteed to individuals. consider the diversity of values,
5. Beneficence and Non-Maleficence: beliefs, and practices within a
Policies should aim to do good society. Policies should respect
(beneficence) and avoid harm and accommodate cultural
(non-maleficence). Ethical decision- differences.
making involves considering the 10. Public Trust: Ethical policy deter-
potential positive and negative mination fosters public trust.
consequences of policies on When the public believes that
individuals and society as a whole. policymakers are acting ethically
6. Accounting for Vulnerable and in the best interest of the
Populations: Ethical policies community, it enhances the
take into account the needs and legitimacy and effectiveness of the
vulnerabilities of marginalized policies.
or disadvantaged populations. Ethical considerations in public
Special attention is given to policy determination require a
ensuring that policies do not thoughtful and reflective approach
disproportionately impact already to decision-making. Policymakers
vulnerable groups. must weigh competing values and
7. Integrity and Honesty: Policymakers principles to arrive at policies that not
should act with integrity and only address societal challenges but
honesty. This includes providing also uphold ethical standards. Public
accurate information, avoiding discourse, scrutiny, and engagement
conflicts of interest, and acting are essential elements in ensuring that
in the best interest of the public policies align with ethical principles
rather than personal gain. and serve the common good.

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 CHALLENGES IN ETHICAL
ADMINISTRATION
11
PROFESSIONAL AND NON PROFESSIONAL involves being mindful of others'
INTERACTIONS opinions, listening actively, and
refraining from disrespectful or
Professional Interactions offensive behaviour.
Professional interaction refers to 3. Professional Etiquette: Adhering
the way individuals communicate to professional etiquette involves
and engage with each other in a following established norms and
work or business setting. It involves protocols in the workplace. This
the use of appropriate and respectful may include punctuality, dressing
communication skills, behaviour, appropriately, and using proper
and etiquette to achieve effective and language and tone.
positive outcomes in a professional
environment. Professional interactions 4. Collaboration: Many professional
can occur in various contexts, such interactions involve collaboration
as meetings, emails, phone calls, with others. Being able to work
presentations, networking events, and effectively in a team, share ideas,
collaborative projects. and contribute to group goals is
a valuable skill in a professional
Features Of Professional Interaction setting.
1. Communication Skills: Effective 5. Conflict Resolution: Disagreements
communication is crucial in and conflicts can arise in any
professional interactions. This workplace. Being able to address
includes verbal communication, conflicts professionally and find
written communication, and mutually agreeable solutions
non-verbal cues. Clear and is important for maintaining a
concise communication helps in positive work environment.
conveying ideas, understanding
expectations, and fostering a 6. Networking: Building and maintaining
positive work environment. professional relationships is a key
aspect of professional interaction.
2. Respect and Courtesy: Treating Networking helps individuals establish
colleagues, clients, and superiors connections, share information,
with respect and courtesy is and create opportunities for career
essential in maintaining a advancement.
professional atmosphere. This
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 Challenges in Ethical Administration
7. Adaptability: Being adaptable in effective coordination and
different professional situations is cooperation among various entities
crucial. This includes being open to to achieve common goals.
new ideas, learning from feedback,
3. Public Engagement: Civil servants
and adjusting communication
frequently interact with the public.
styles based on the context and
This interaction requires effective
audience.
communication skills, empathy,
Ultimately, professional interaction and the ability to address public
contributes to a positive and productive concerns. Public engagement
work environment, fostering helps in understanding the needs
collaboration, innovation, and overall of the community and gaining
success in the professional realm. It is public support for policies and
an integral part of career development initiatives.
and success in the workplace.
4. Ethical Conduct: Professional
PROFESSIONAL INTERACTION interaction in civil services
IN PUBLIC SERVICES requires adherence to high ethical
standards. Civil servants must
Professional interaction in civil act with integrity, honesty, and
services is of utmost importance due impartiality in their interactions
to the nature of the work and the to maintain public trust and
significant impact it has on society. confidence.
Civil services encompass a range of
government positions responsible for 5. Policy Advocacy: Civil servants
implementing and overseeing public may be involved in advocating
policies and programs. The essentials for specific policies or initiatives.
required by a public servant for public This requires the ability to
servants are: present a compelling case,
engage stakeholders, and address
1. Effective Communication: concerns professionally.
Civil servants need strong
communication skills to convey 6. Conflict Resolution: In the
policies, decisions, and information course of their work, civil servants
to the public, government officials, may encounter conflicts, whether
and other stakeholders. Clear and within the organization or with
transparent communication helps external stakeholders. The ability
build trust and understanding. to resolve conflicts professionally
and find solutions that align with
2. Interagency Collaboration: Civil
the public interest is crucial.
services often involve collaboration
across different government 7. Decision-Making and Accountability:
agencies and departments. Civil servants often play a role
Professional interaction includes in decision-making processes.
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 ETHICS

Professional interaction involves and delivering essential services,

making decisions based on facts making professional interactions
and analysis, taking responsibility vital for the success of government
for those decisions, and being initiatives and the well-being of the
accountable to the public and community.
policymakers.
NON PROFESSIONAL INTERACTIONS
8. Political Neutrality: Civil
servants are expected to be Non-professional interaction refers
politically neutral and serve to communication and engagement
the government of the day, that occur in informal or personal
regardless of political affiliations. settings, as opposed to formal or
Professional interaction requires professional environments. In these
navigating political environments interactions, individuals may not
while maintaining impartiality and adhere to the same level of formality,
focusing on the public interest. structure, or professional etiquette as
9. Continuous Learning: Civil they would in a workplace or business
servants should engage in context. Non-professional interactions
continuous learning and can take place among friends, family
professional development to stay members, acquaintances, or in casual
updated on evolving policies, social situations.
technologies, and best practices.
This contributes to informed
Features of Professional Interaction
decision-making and enhances 1. Informality: Non-professional inter-
professional competence. actions are typically characterized by
10. Crisis Management: In times a lack of formality. People may
of crisis or emergencies, civil use informal language, gestures,
servants must interact with and behaviours that are more
various stakeholders, including relaxed and personal compared to
the public, media, and other professional settings.
government agencies. Professional 2. Personal Relationships: These
interaction during crises involves interactions often occur within
effective communication, quick personal relationships, such as
decision-making, and coordinated friendships, family relationships,
response efforts. or social acquaintanceships. The
Therefore, professional interaction level of intimacy and familiarity
in civil services involves effective is generally higher compared to
communication, collaboration, ethical professional relationships.
conduct, and a commitment to serving 3. Casual Settings: Non-professional
the public interest. Civil servants play interactions can take place in casual
a critical role in shaping public policies settings, such as social gatherings,
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 Challenges in Ethical Administration
parties, or leisure activities. The often a hierarchical structure that
atmosphere is generally more defines roles and responsibilities.
relaxed, and individuals may Non-professional interactions are
engage in conversations without more egalitarian, with individuals
the constraints of professional engaging on a more equal footing,
roles. regardless of formal positions or
titles.
4. Expression of Emotions: People
may express a wider range of Features of Professional Interaction
emotions in non-professional in Indian Context
interactions. Laughter, humour,
sharing personal anecdotes, and In the Indian context, non-
discussing emotions are more professional interactions refer to
common in informal settings. informal and casual communication
5. Flexible Communication Styles: that occurs outside the structured
Unlike professional interactions settings of the workplace or formal
that often have specific business environments. These
communication norms, non- interactions can take place in various
professional interactions allow for social, cultural, and personal settings,
more flexibility in communication involving friends, family members,
styles. Individuals may use slang, acquaintances, or within the
informal language, or colloquial community. Here are some aspects
expressions. of non-professional interaction in the
Indian context:
6. Shared Interests: Non-
professional interactions often 1. Social Gatherings and Festivals:
revolve around shared interests, Non-professional interactions often
hobbies, or common experiences. occur during social gatherings,
The focus is on building festivals, and celebrations. These
connections and enjoying social events provide opportunities for
interactions rather than achieving people to come together, share
specific professional goals. experiences, and engage in informal
conversations.
7. Spontaneity: Non-professional
interactions are often spontaneous 2. Family Functions: Family plays a
and unplanned. People may engage significant role in Indian culture,
in conversations and activities on and non-professional interactions
the spur of the moment, without the are commonly observed during
structure and planning associated family functions, weddings, and
with professional settings. other celebrations. These settings
foster a relaxed atmosphere for
8. Less Hierarchical Structure: personal conversations.
In professional settings, there is
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 ETHICS

3. Neighbourhood and Community 8. Ceremonies and Rituals: Traditional

Interactions: Informal interactions ceremonies and rituals, such as
take place within neighbourhoods religious ceremonies, weddings,
and communities, where people and family rituals, provide settings
engage in friendly conversations, for non-professional interactions.
exchange pleasantries, and build These occasions are often marked
social connections. by personal conversations and
expressions of joy and warmth.
4. Religious and Cultural Events:
India is known for its diverse 9. Cultural Practices: India's rich
religious and cultural practices. cultural diversity is reflected in
Non-professional interactions various art forms, dance, music,
often occur during religious and theatre. Non-professional
ceremonies, cultural events, and interactions may involve
community gatherings where discussions and appreciation of
individuals share common cultural practices.
interests and values.
10. Personal Celebrations: Birthdays,
5. Casual Socializing: Everyday anniversaries, and personal
activities like going to local achievements are occasions for
markets, parks, or coffee shops non-professional interactions,
provide opportunities for non- where friends and family members
professional interactions. Friends come together to celebrate and
and acquaintances may meet express good wishes.
casually to catch up, share stories,
While these non-professional
and enjoy each other's company.
interactions are generally
6. Language and Humor: Non- characterized by a more relaxed
professional interactions in the and informal atmosphere, cultural
Indian context often involve the use norms, values, and traditions play
of regional languages, colloquial a significant role in shaping the
expressions, and humour. People dynamics of social communication in
may feel more comfortable using the Indian context. Respect, warmth,
informal language to convey their and hospitality are often emphasized
thoughts and emotions. in these interactions, contributing
to the strong social fabric of Indian
7. Food and Hospitality: Sharing
society and ethics.
meals is an integral part of non-
professional interactions in India. POTENTIALLY BENEFICIAL INTERACTION
Inviting friends or neighbours for
meals and engaging in discussions Potentially beneficial interactions
over food is a common way of refer to activities or engagements that
strengthening social bonds. have the potential to produce positive

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 Challenges in Ethical Administration
outcomes for individuals, groups, or 5. Conflict Resolution: Addressing
society. These interactions can span conflicts in a constructive manner
various domains, including personal can lead to improved relationships,
relationships, professional settings, increased understanding, and a
community engagement, and more. more harmonious environment.

Instances of Potentially Beneficial 6. Volunteerism and Community

Interactions Service: Contributing time and
effort to community service
Potentially beneficial interactions initiatives can have positive
are characterized by their positive impacts on both individuals and
potential and alignment with values the community.
such as empathy, cooperation, and 7. Educational Initiatives:
social responsibility. While the actual Sharing knowledge and providing
impact of an interaction can depend on educational opportunities
various factors, engaging in potentially can empower individuals and
beneficial interactions can contribute contribute to personal and societal
to the well-being and flourishing of growth.
individuals and communities.
8. Empathy and Emotional
1. Mentorship and Guidance: Establishing Support: Offering empathy and
mentor-mentee relationships can emotional support to others during
provide valuable guidance and challenging times can strengthen
support for personal and professional relationships and improve well-
development. being.
2. Collaboration and Teamwork: 9. Diversity and Inclusion
Working collaboratively with Initiatives: Promoting diversity
others can lead to innovative and inclusion in various settings
solutions, increased productivity, fosters a sense of belonging,
and a positive work environment. equity, and mutual respect.
3. Networking: Building and maintaining 10. Environmental Conservation:
professional networks can create Engaging in activities that promote
opportunities for career advancement, environmental sustainability,
knowledge sharing, and collaboration. such as recycling and conservation
4. Effective Communication: Clear efforts, contributes to a healthier
and open communication fosters planet.
understanding, prevents mis- 11. Random Acts of Kindness: Small
understandings, and enhances acts of kindness, such as helping a
relationships in both personal and neighbour or expressing gratitude,
professional contexts. can create a positive ripple effect
in communities.
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 ETHICS

12. Sharing Resources: Sharing Definition of Law and Ethics

resources, whether it be knowledge,
skills, or tangible assets, can lead Laws, by definition, are a system
to mutual benefits and strengthen of rules enacted and enforced by a
social bonds. governmental or societal authority.
They serve as an official framework
13. Promotion of Health and within which the members of a society
Wellness: Encouraging healthy are expected to operate. Laws are
habits, such as exercise and typically formal, codified norms that
proper nutrition, can positively are enforceable through sanctions,
impact individual well-being and penalties, and, in some cases, punitive
reduce healthcare burdens. measures.
14. Crisis Response: Providing In contrast to laws, ethics refer
assistance and support during to the moral principles that govern
times of crisis, whether personal an individual's behaviour or conduct.
or community-wide, can mitigate These principles are often subjective
the impact of challenges and and vary greatly across different
contribute to recovery. cultures, religions, and individuals.
15. Philanthropy and Charitable Unlike laws, ethics are not enforceable
Giving: Donating resources to by an external authority but rely on an
charitable causes or participating individual's conscience and personal
in philanthropic initiatives can judgment.
address societal needs and Understanding the difference
improve the lives of others. between law and ethics also
necessitates acknowledging how these
ETHICS VS LAW/RULES
two domains intersect and diverge. Law
Unravelling the intricacies and ethics often align; for instance,
between different aspects of societal laws against stealing are in accordance
conduct can often be quite perplexing. with the ethical principle of respecting
However, understanding the difference others' property. However, they may
between law and ethics is fundamental also diverge; a legal action may not
to appreciating how society operates always be ethical, and an ethical
and how individuals are expected to action may not always be legal. Hence,
behave within it. Law and ethics – this intricate dance between law and
these two terms, though regularly ethics plays a vital role in sculpting
used interchangeably, have distinct our societal canvas, dictating the
meanings and implications that drive ebb and flow of human conduct, and
societal dynamics, dictate human harmonizing the symphony of social
conduct, and shape our worldviews. order.

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 Challenges in Ethical Administration
Differences Between Law and Ethics
Law Ethics
Formal rules established by authority Informal, subjective principles
Enforced by governmental/societal Governed by individual or societal
authority conscience
Non-adherence leads to sanctions or Non-adherence leads to moral guilt or
penalties shame
Universal within a jurisdiction Varies among individuals, cultures, religions
Rigidity in application Flexible and adaptable
Mostly tangible and explicit Mostly intangible and implicit
Meant to control and regulate behaviour Meant to guide and inspire behaviour
Reactive (penalties after breach) Proactive (prevents moral wrongs)
Codified and documented Often unwritten and unspoken
Doesn't necessarily include ethical Can include legal considerations
considerations
In professional environments, the interplay between law and ethics becomes
especially prominent. Businesses and organizations must comply with relevant
laws while also adhering to ethical codes of conduct. Here's a comparison of how
law and ethics influence professional settings:
Aspects Law Ethics
Purpose Ensures compliance Ensures adherence to moral
with legal regulations values and principles
Breach Consequences Legal penalties, fines, Damage to reputation, loss
loss of licenses of customer trust, employee
dissatisfaction
Compliance Mandatory Voluntary but highly encouraged
Application Uniform for all businesses May vary depending on the company’s
in a jurisdiction values, industry standards

The advent of digital technology has brought new challenges and considerations in un-
derstanding the difference between law and ethics. Here's a comparison of how law and
ethics differ in the present digital era:

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 ETHICS

Digital Aspect Law Ethics

Data Privacy Legal regulations around Respect for personal information,
data collection, storage, consent, and individual privacy
and usage online
Cybersecurity Laws against hacking, Responsibility for maintaining
data breaches, and secure systems, ethical hacking
other cybercrimes
Intellectual Laws for protecting Respect for others' work,
Property digital content, avoiding plagiarism, fair use
patent, and copyright
regulations

Role of Ethics in Law uphold justice, maintain client

confidentiality, and avoid conflicts
While understanding the
of interest.
difference between law and ethics, it's
also essential to comprehend the role IMPLICATIONS OF LAWS AND
ethics play within the legal framework. ETHICS ON THE SOCIETY
Despite their distinct nature, ethics do
influence the creation, interpretation, The difference between law and
and application of laws. ethics also impacts society at large.
¾ Law Creation: Legislators often These impacts span across areas
imbibe ethical considerations into such as social behaviour, societal
the laws they create. For instance, expectations, and the pursuit of
laws protecting the environment justice.
may be derived from the ethical ¾ Social Behavior: Laws provide
principle of stewardship for a rigid framework for acceptable
nature. behaviour, enforcing order
¾ Law Interpretation: Judges often and predictability, while ethics
use ethical principles to interpret encourage individuals to go
and apply laws. While the written beyond the minimum legal
law provides a base, ethical requirements and act responsibly.
considerations can help interpret ¾ Societal Expectations: While
its spirit and intention. laws set a clear, enforceable
¾ Law Practice: Legal practitioners, standard for all members of
such as lawyers and attorneys, society, ethics shape societal
are bound by a code of ethics. expectations on a more nuanced,
They have a moral duty to personal level.

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 Challenges in Ethical Administration
¾ Justice: Laws offer a tangible DIFFICULTIES IN UPHOLDING
path to justice, with established ETHICS IN PUBLIC SERVICES
procedures and consequences.
Ethics, however, bring an Civil service is the steel frame
additional layer of moral justice, on which the edifice of public
administration is based. If this steel
addressing areas law may not
frame is corroded through corruption
cover or may not consider as
and low moral standards, the state
wrongdoings.
machinery implementing policies and
THE EVOLUTION OF LAW AND welfare measures and addressing
ETHICS grievances will collapse.

In observing the difference between CHALLENGES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

law and ethics, it's essential to note IN MAINTAINING HIGH ETHICAL
that both aren't static i.e. they evolve, STANDARDS
reflecting changes in societal values,
¾ Balancing Individual obligations and
cultural shifts, and advancements in
organisations’ obligations: Conflict
knowledge. between an individual's privately
¾ Law: Laws change as societies held convictions and obligations
progress. Changes in laws are as determined by her organisation.
often influenced by shifts in ¾ Dealing with conflict of opinions: It
societal norms, technological is challenging when a public
advancements, and changes in servant to resolve stark conflicts
political landscapes. For instance, between what he/she is required
the advent of the internet brought (by her senior officials) to do and
about new laws related to online what he/she really thinks is right.
privacy and cybercrime. ¾ Dilemmas in Information sharing:
¾ Ethics: Ethical norms and Dealing with situations when a public
values also evolve as societies servant has to decide whether to
and cultures progress. Changes keep information secret that might
in ethics are often driven by be embarrassing to the government
increased understanding, shifts of the day or reveal it in the public
in societal or cultural values, interest.
and scientific advancements. ¾ Balancing service obligation and
For example, the ethical accountability towards the public:
considerations around issues like It’s challenging when a public
environmental conservation have servant finds certain indications of
evolved significantly over recent deliberate inefficiency, protection
years. of incompetence, extravagant
and unreasonable use of public
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 ETHICS

funds, deployment of government adhere to in their professional or

equipment and machinery for personal conduct. These boundaries
personal use, subjective criteria are designed to ensure that ethical
used in recruitment or in the principles are maintained, and
award of government grants or individuals operate within the scope
licenses. of their expertise and qualifications.
¾ Resolving conflict in conscience ASPECTS OF BOUNDARIES OF
and prevailing political
COMPETENCE IN ETHICS
ideology: It is challenging to
decide to what extent should 1. Knowledge and Expertise: Individuals
a public servant support the are expected to operate within
political ideology practised by the the limits of their knowledge
current government. and expertise. This involves
recognizing when a situation
¾ Balancing private life and public
requires specialized knowledge
life: When a person accepts
and seeking advice or collaboration
public service employment, it's
when necessary.
challenging to determine how
much should he/she subordinate 2. Continuous Learning: Professionals
or abdicate his/her claims to in ethics should engage in
private life, property and values. continuous learning to stay
informed about evolving ethical
BOUNDARIES OF COMPETENCE standards, theories, and best
practices. This commitment to
The term "boundaries of
ongoing education helps maintain
competence" refers to the limits
competence in the field.
and extent of an individual's or
organization's capabilities, skills, 3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
knowledge, and qualifications within Ethical practitioners adhere to
a specific domain or field. It is the applicable laws and regulations
understanding and acknowledgment governing their field. This includes
of what one is qualified and equipped understanding and complying
to do effectively and ethically. This with legal standards that impact
concept is applicable across various their work.
professions and contexts, including 4. Cultural Competence: Recognizing
public services, healthcare, education, and respecting diverse cultural
and other professional settings. values and perspectives is crucial
In ethics, boundaries of competence in ethical practice. Professionals
refer to the ethical standards and should be culturally competent
limitations that individuals or and sensitive to the differences
organizations should recognize and that may influence ethical
decision-making.

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 Challenges in Ethical Administration
5. Client Autonomy: Ethical limitations. This awareness is
practitioners respect the crucial for maintaining objectivity
autonomy of clients or individuals and making ethical decisions.
involved in ethical decision- 11. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
making processes. This involves Ethical issues often involve
providing information, ensuring complex factors. Practitioners
informed consent, and involving should be open to collaboration
clients in decisions that affect with professionals from other
them. disciplines when addressing
6. Confidentiality: Maintaining ethical challenges that require
confidentiality is a fundamental diverse perspectives.
ethical principle. Practitioners 12. Reflective Practice: Ethical
must protect sensitive information practitioners engage in reflective
and only disclose it with proper practice, critically examining
authorization or when required their own decisions and actions to
by law. continually improve their ethical
7. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: competence.
Ethical practitioners are expected 13. Balancing Competing Values:
to avoid situations where their Ethical decision-making often
personal interests or relationships involves weighing competing
could compromise their objectivity values and considerations.
or professional judgment. Practitioners should navigate
8. Informed Consent: In situations these complexities while
where individuals are involved upholding ethical principles.
in research or other activities, Understanding and respecting
obtaining informed consent is boundaries of competence in ethics
essential. Individuals must be is essential for promoting trust,
fully informed about the nature, maintaining the integrity of ethical
purpose, and potential risks of practice, and safeguarding the well-
their involvement. being of individuals and communities.
9. Integrity and Honesty: Ethical Ethical practitioners strive to create
practitioners uphold principles ethical cultures and environments that
of integrity and honesty in prioritize the principles of fairness,
their interactions. They provide justice, and respect for human dignity.
accurate information and are
transparent about potential FEATURES OF BOUNDARIES OF
conflicts or limitations. COMPETENCE IN INDIA
10. Self-awareness: Practitioners In India, boundaries of competence are
should be self-aware and recognize applicable across various professions
their own biases, values, and and sectors. The principles that
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 ETHICS

define these boundaries aim to ensure 4. Continuous Professional

that individuals and organizations Development: Many professional
operate within the legal, ethical, and bodies in India emphasize
professional frameworks governing the importance of continuous
their specific [Link] aspects professional development.
related to boundaries of competence Professionals are encouraged to
in India are: engage in ongoing learning to stay
updated with advancements in
1. Regulatory Bodies: Various
their respective fields.
professions in India are regulated
by specific statutory bodies or 5. Legal Compliance: Professionals
councils that establish standards must adhere to the laws and
for education, training, and regulations applicable to their
practice. For example, the Medical practice. Violating legal standards
Council of India (MCI) regulates may result in disciplinary actions.
medical professionals, the Bar 6. Cultural Competence: India is
Council of India oversees legal a diverse country with various
practitioners, and the All India cultures, languages, and
Council for Technical Education traditions. Professionals need
(AICTE) governs engineering and to be culturally competent,
technical education. understanding and respecting the
2. Professional Codes of Ethics: diversity of the population they
Different professions have their serve.
own codes of ethics that outline the 7. Confidentiality: Maintaining
ethical principles and standards confidentiality is a key aspect
professionals are expected to across professions. Professionals
follow. Adhering to these codes are expected to protect the privacy
helps in maintaining boundaries and confidentiality of their clients
of competence. For example, the or patients.
Indian Medical Association (IMA)
8. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
has a code of ethics for medical
Collaboration among professionals
practitioners.
from different disciplines is
3. Scope of Practice: Professionals encouraged when needed. This
are expected to work within the ensures that individuals receive
defined scope of their practice. comprehensive and well-rounded
For instance, a doctor is expected care.
to provide medical services within
9. Educational Qualifications:
their area of specialization, and
Individuals entering various
a lawyer is expected to practice
professions need to meet specific
within the boundaries of the law.
educational qualifications. The
qualifications are often set by
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 Challenges in Ethical Administration
regulatory bodies to ensure a out to experts, committees, or entities
baseline level of competence. that possess specialized knowledge in
10. Ethical Practice: Adhering to ethics or related domains.
ethical standards is fundamental. This collaborative process
Professionals are expected to uphold enables individuals to explore
principles such as integrity, honesty, ethical dimensions, analyze potential
and transparency in their interactions consequences, and arrive at well-
with clients, colleagues, and the informed decisions.
public.
For instance, in healthcare,
It's important to note that the practitioners may consult with
specifics of boundaries of competence ethics committees to deliberate on
may vary across professions and issues such as patient autonomy,
sectors. Professionals are generally end-of-life care, or medical research
expected to be aware of and adhere to ethics. Similarly, legal professionals
the regulations and guidelines set by might seek consultations from legal
their respective regulatory bodies and ethics committees to address ethical
professional associations. Continuous concerns within the legal profession.
learning, ethical conduct, and legal
compliance are central to maintaining The goal of such consultations is
and respecting boundaries of to ensure that decisions and actions
competence in India. are not only legally compliant but also
ethically sound, promoting integrity,
CONSULTATION ON ETHICAL transparency, and responsible
OBLIGATIONS conduct in various professional and
institutional settings.
Consultations on ethical
obligations refer to the process This proactive approach to seeking
wherein individuals, professionals, or ethical guidance reflects a commitment
organizations seek advice, guidance, to upholding the highest standards
or insights regarding ethical dilemmas, of conduct and fostering a culture of
considerations, or decisions within ethical awareness and responsibility.
their respective fields. CONSULTATIONS ON ETHICAL
These consultations aim to OBLIGATIONS IN INDIA
navigate complex ethical challenges,
ensuring that actions align with In India, consultations on ethical
established ethical principles, codes obligations can occur in various
of conduct, and legal frameworks. professional and institutional contexts.
Here are some examples of where
In the context of diverse and how individuals or organizations
professions and sectors, consultations might seek consultations on ethical
on ethical obligations involve reaching obligations:
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 ETHICS

1. Medical Ethics Consultations integrity, or ethical conduct in the

educational setting.
Healthcare professionals in India
might seek consultations on ethical 5. Corporate Ethics Committees
issues related to patient care, informed
consent, end-of-life decisions, or Businesses and corporations
conflicts of interest. This could involve may establish ethics committees
discussions with hospital ethics to address ethical concerns within
committees or seeking guidance from the organization. Employees might
organizations like the Indian Medical seek consultations on issues such
Association (IMA). as conflicts of interest, fair business
practices, or whistleblowing policies.
2. Research Ethics Boards
6. NGOs and Public Interest
Researchers planning studies
Organizations
involving human subjects may
seek ethical consultations from Non-governmental organizations
institutional review boards (IRBs) or (NGOs) working in areas like human
ethics committees. These bodies review rights, environmental conservation,
research protocols to ensure they or social justice may provide
meet ethical standards. Institutions
consultations on ethical matters
such as the Indian Council of Medical
related to their specific focus areas.
Research (ICMR) provide ethical
guidelines. This could include discussions on
responsible advocacy, community
3. Legal Consultations engagement, and transparency.

Lawyers and legal professionals 7. Government Regulatory Bodies

may seek consultations on ethical
considerations within the legal Professionals in regulated
profession. This could involve industries, such as finance or
discussions with legal ethics telecommunications, might seek
committees or seeking guidance consultations from government
from professional bodies like the Bar regulatory bodies. For instance, the
Council of India. Telecom Regulatory Authority of
4. Educational Institutions India (TRAI) may provide guidance
on ethical considerations in the
Academic institutions in India telecommunications sector.
often have ethics committees that
address ethical concerns in research 8. Ethics Helplines
and academia. Researchers and
Some organizations, especially
educators might seek consultations on
larger corporations, may establish
issues related to plagiarism, academic
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 Challenges in Ethical Administration
ethics helplines where employees 10. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
can seek anonymous consultations
on ethical concerns. This provides a Professionals dealing with complex
confidential avenue for reporting and ethical dilemmas, such as those involving
addressing ethical issues. technology and privacy, might engage in
interdisciplinary collaboration. This could
9. Professional Associations involve consultations with experts from
various fields, including technology, law,
Members of professional associations, and ethics.
such as the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India (ICAI) or the It's essential to note that the availability
Institute of Company Secretaries of and structure of consultations on ethical
India (ICSI), might seek consultations obligations can vary across different
on ethical matters specific to their professions and sectors in India. In each
professions, including issues related case, individuals should be aware of the
to financial integrity and corporate relevant regulatory bodies, professional
governance. codes of conduct, and guidelines specific
to their field.

hhhhh

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CHALLENGES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF ETHICS
12
INTRODUCTION preoccupied with correctness and
propriety, in practice he may be
Public service is the backbone of
committing endless irregularities
any democratic society, and ethical
and improprieties.
conduct is crucial for the effectiveness
and integrity of public service ¾ One-size-fits-all approach: An
delivery. Ethical standards ensure that apparent pursuit of the uniform
public officials act in the best interest application of absolute justice
of the public, with transparency, may contain glaring anomalies.
accountability, and integrity. Ethical It is a curious reflection on their
governance means governance based attitudes and thinking that Indian
on a certain value premise, which is bureaucrats are willing to tolerate
also "good". For example, probity, such contradictions between
integrity, compassion, empathy, theory and practice.
responsibility, social justice etc.
without which ethical issues can't be ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN INDIA
upheld.
Ethical Issues in Indian Administration
However, upholding ethical
standards in public service is a ¾ Misuse of discretionary powers:
daunting task, especially in developing Discretionary powers are misused
countries such as India, where for personal gains and extend
corruption and political interference favouritism in the administration
are rampant. and public welfare is largely
disregarded.
The Indian civil services suffer
from strange paradoxes: ¾ Undue importance to rules
and regulations: The Indian
¾ Poor self-actualization: Rigid
administration gives undue
adherence to procedure combines
importance to compliance with
with a ready susceptibility
rules and regulations, which
to personal pressure and
leads to excessive red-tapism and
intervention. While a bureaucrat
disregard of justice, fairness etc.
may give the appearance of being

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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics
and more focus on accountability officials to Regulatory and other
rather than responsibility in the bodies are largely done based on
administration. political patronage.
¾ Poor reward and punishment ¾ Excessive Security: Article
mechanism: Reward and 311 of the Constitution provides
punishment are determined excessive security to public
by favoritism and political servants and this reduces the
nexus disregarding merit in the enforcement of accountability.
administration.
¾ Ill-conceived goals: When
¾ Lack of communication: Indian incentives are given for the
administration is characterized by achievement of any goal but they
closed communication and limited promote negative behaviour.
public contact. Rigid hierarchy Example: The Bank Manager of
within the organisations further Utkala Grameen Bank in Odisha
hinders communication. insisted on physical verification of
a 100-year-old lady for withdrawal
¾ Corruption: Bribery and
of money from Jan Dhan's
corruption are seen as rewards
Account.
for the performance of obligatory
work and are considered necessary ¾ Overvaluing outcomes: It is
evils greasing the wheels of about giving more importance to
government departments. the result and not to the process.
Example: India has been ranked Example: Certifying a drug
86th in the Corruption Perception developed by a drug company,
Index, 2020. even if it has used unethical
means.
¾ Evasive tendency: There is a
lack of initiative on the part of ¾ Lobbying: Various pressure
administrators facing a difficult groups convey huge political
situation and the problem is capital and they lobby for their
evaded by passing the task from interest. Sometimes these
one department to another. demands may not be beneficial
in the long term but due to
¾ Patronage: Political patronage plays
political pressure government/
an important role in the appointment
administrators have to fulfil their
of administrators, especially at
demands. Example: Various
the higher levels. Example: Post-
political parties have given into
retirement assignments to senior
the demands of loan waivers.
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 ETHICS

Problem of Ethics in Indian ¾ Information leaks: Sometimes

Administration officials have not been able to
hold on to sensitive information
¾ Lack of ethical literacy: It refers such as pending tax increases,
to the inability to understand the cost-cutting of staff etc. and this
ethical issues that are involved in information is leaked into the
any situation and the decision is public domain.
entirely based on the rule books.
¾ Lack of whistleblower protection:
This limits the understanding Although the Whistle blower
of the situation where cultural, Protection Act, of 2014 is present
social, environmental etc. factors there is the victimisation of
play major roles. whistleblowers and no penalty
¾ Secrecy: Despite the RTI Act, of against any public servant
2005, there is greater secrecy in victimizing the complainant.
the Indian administration and ¾ Lack of knowledge of rights:
even the information sought There is also a lack of knowledge
under the RTI Act is denied in the of rights among the public,
context of official secrecy. mainly due to the complexity of
¾ Societal pressures: Irrational administration and also due to
and unreasonable demands are the insular attitude of officials.
made upon the officers by families, Ethical Dilemmas in Indian
relatives, peers and other close Administration
ones.
Public servants find themselves in
¾ Political superiority: dilemmas that include conflict between:
Bureaucrats are accountable to
their political masters and they ¾ Between different values of public
have to abide by their decisions, administration – such as efficiency
even if they are not economically v/s accountability.
sound but based on the political ¾ Aspects of the code of conduct-
exigencies and short-term goals. accepting rewards or gifts for
¾ Lack of grievance redressal performance of duty.
mechanism: There is a lack of ¾ Personal values v/s those of senior
organisation of public opinion or a governmental directive.
regarding administrative ¾ Professional ethics v/s following
deficiencies, which is compounded an unjustified order by a
by a lack of awareness among supervisor/authority.
people about their rights and
entitlements and grievance ¾ Blurred or competing accountabilities
redressal mechanism against - such as towards department or
officials. society.

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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics

The set of fundamental principles Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas

or criteria that integrate the process in Private/Business Institutions
of dealing with ethical dilemmas in
public administration are: Business ethics is the predominant
source of guidance in Private/
¾ Democratic accountability of business institutions. The philosophy
administration may vary from organization to
¾ The rule of law and the principle organization; however, fundamentals
of legality remain the same. Individuals often
find themselves in a situation of
¾ Professional integrity
conflicting desires. Sometimes they
¾ Responsiveness to civil society. have to choose between two rights or
This can be described as the ALIR wrongs. For example, whether to leak
(Accountability, Legality, Integrity, information which is harmful to the
and Responsiveness) model of public interest but serves the interest
imperatives of ethical reasoning in of the private corporation? Likewise,
public administration. other general are discussed below:

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 ETHICS

Ethical Issues in Private Sector These cartels manipulate the

market due to their hefty share.
Ethical Issues of Private Sector in Price manipulation is one big
General are: impact of the same.
¾ Favouritism, Nepotism and ¾ Lobbying with the government
partisanship: Conflict of interest for favourable policies: Lobbying
in appointments- especially in some countries is ethical.
in family-run companies- to In India, there is no law which
positions such as the board of defines Lobbying. Defence
directors. contracts are often heated topics
¾ The integrity of the audit for the lobbying angles involved in
process: Companies have been the same. Lobbying in a regulated
found to fudge their balance manner is often recommended by
sheets. It is the job of auditors to experts.
conduct proper audits and flag ¾ Oligopoly or Monopoly: For
any violations, which they have example, the Communication
failed to do in many instances. sector is suffering from
For example DHFL case. AT times the monopoly of a few big
even third-party auditors failed conglomerates. The price wars
to highlight incongruence in the have displaced many players
balance sheet. from the market. Burning
¾ Insider trading and money to replace competitors
manipulation of share prices: is an unethical practice and the
Excessive competition in the Competition Commission in India
market often forces people into regulates it.
unethical practices. It is also
when personal interests take Ethical Issues of Employers
precedence over the organizational ¾ Favouritism: This means that the
and the shareholder's interests. employer may favour a particular
Companies poach such employees person about promotions and
for insider information. This may bonuses and neglect other eligible
have debilitating results. employees. This conduct is
¾ Cartelisation and manipulation considered highly unethical on
of markets: Big conglomerates the part of the employer.
often displace the new entrants ¾ Sexual harassment at the
from cartels having a monopoly workplace: is not legal/ethical/
over the market. Such cartels moral whether in the workplace
have been seen in drugs, or outside of it. Harassing an
communication, cement etc. employee sexually, or refraining

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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics
from taking action against those Some organisations hire fewer
who are involved in such offences, women due to maternity leaves
is strictly forbidden. Despite and other gender-associated
having laws, most of the companies prejudices. Various studies have
do not have internal committees found that despite having better
to address the complaints. leadership skills women face glass
ceilings within the organization.
¾ Hire and Fire culture: Terminating
Women are considered to be less
an employee without any notice.
productive.
In some cases, for reasons like
budget management, companies ¾ Accessibility: Organizational
opt for mass retrenchment to infrastructure should be
reduce the number of employees. accessible to all, including the
Such steps should be undertaken disabled.
after prior indications and notice
of at least a month or two so that Ethical Issues of Employees
the person can find another job. The employees in an organization
¾ Gender neutrality: To develop may fall prey to many unethical
gender-neutral architecture in practices, knowingly and unknowingly.
organizations is another ethical Some of the important ethical issues
issue. Organizations are often that employees may face are as follows:
found to be insensitive and partial.

Ethical Issues Explanation

Work Ethics ¾ Any and every organization has some work culture and
employees there follow some work ethics
¾ Some of the important values of which are; Punctuality,
proactive communication, Documentation, Upholding
the dignity of fellow employees and regularity. Any
breach of these values is an ethical concern.
¾ E.g. taking excessive leave beyond the allowed number
is a breach of the ethical code. It not only leads to losses
for the company but also brings the employee a bad
name.
Breach of rules ¾ Accepting terms and conditions is usually done as a
and regulations part of the joining procedure.
of the company ¾ Violating any of these rules may lead to undesirable
issues between the company and the employee.
¾ E.g. Failing to maintain the privacy policy of the company
is a sort of breaking of rules

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 ETHICS

Misuse of ¾ The utilisation of organizational resources to fulfill

resources personal needs is unethical.
¾ E.g. Making unnecessary phone calls at the company’s
cost.
¾ For some employees pocket tools and stationery such as
staplers, pins, papers etc. to use at home

Using office ¾ Because employees tend to spend so much of their

hours for private weekday hours on the job, they often are tempted to
work conduct personal business on company time.
¾ E.g. This can include setting up doctor's appointments
on company phone lines etc.

Working ¾ Companies usually prohibit employees from working in

for multiple more than one organization, especially in a competing
organizations company where confidential information may be used.
¾ This also questions the loyalty one has to the employer.

Taking ¾ Taking the credit for success and disowning the blame
Credit for for failure is a common unethical practice that leaders
Others' do.
Work ¾ E.g. Prof. Satish Dhawan (then chairman of ISRO)
demonstrated this quality while accepting failure for the
first Satellite Launch Vehicle mission by a team led by
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. However, such ethical traits have
been found missing in many organisations.

Harassing ¾ Employees often don't know what to do if they see one

Behaviour of their co-workers harassing another employee either
mentally, sexually or physically.
¾ Employees may worry about their jobs if they attempt
to report a superior for harassment. They may fret
that they'll be labelled a troublemaker if they report
coworkers who display inappropriate behaviour toward
other employees.

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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics

ETHICS AND DISCRIMINATION membership, which can lead to

unfair treatment.
¾ Discrimination is a widespread 3. Bias: Bias refers to favouring or
issue that has existed for a long disfavoring individuals based on
time, causing unfair treatment to personal preferences or opinions,
individuals or groups based on resulting in unfair treatment.
certain characteristics.
4. Power Dynamics: Discrimination
¾ Discrimination occurs when frequently occurs when people in
people are treated unfairly positions of power exercise control
because of specific things about over marginalized groups.
them. It affects various aspects
of society, such as education, TYPES OF DISCRIMINATION
employment, housing, and Discrimination can appear in
healthcare. Discrimination can be various forms. Here are some common
direct or hidden, and it negatively types:
impacts individuals emotionally,
socially, and economically. ¾ Racial Discrimination: Unfair
treatment based on race or
¾ Discrimination means treating ethnicity, leading to systemic
people unfairly or differently disadvantages and inequalities.
based on certain characteristics
they possess, without considering ¾ Gender Discrimination: Unequal
their individual qualities. treatment based on gender,
Discrimination can be intentional resulting in disparities in
or unintentional and is influenced employment, wages, and
by stereotypes, biases, and opportunities.
prejudices. ¾ Age Discrimination: Denial of
rights or opportunities based
CONCEPTS UNDER DISCRIMINATION on age, affecting both the young
To understand discrimination and elderly in areas such as
better, it is important to grasp some employment and healthcare.
key concepts related to it: ¾ Religious Discrimination:
1. Prejudice: Discrimination stems Targeting individuals due to their
from prejudice, which involves religious beliefs or practices,
having preconceived opinions or resulting in exclusion and
attitudes towards certain groups prejudice.
due to stereotypes or biases. ¾ Disability Discrimination: Unequal
2. Stereotyping: Stereotypes are treatment of individuals with
widely held beliefs or assumptions disabilities, hindering their access
about people based on their group to education, employment, and
public services.
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 ETHICS

¾ Sexual Orientation Discrimination: that everyone has an equal

Discrimination based on an opportunity to succeed.
individual's sexual orientation,
resulting in marginalization and
CHALLENGES OF DISCRIMINATION
denial of rights. Addressing discrimination poses
several challenges. Some of these
Why is Discrimination Wrong? include:
Discrimination is fundamentally ¾ Identifying and overcoming
wrong for several reasons: unconscious biases deeply
¾ People should be treated equally, ingrained in societal structures.
regardless of their race, gender, ¾ Challenging cultural and
religion, sexual orientation, or societal norms that perpetuate
any other personal characteristic. discriminatory practices.
Discrimination is unfair because
¾ Establishing strong legal
it treats people differently based
frameworks to protect against
on factors that are beyond their
discrimination and provide
control.
avenues for justice.
¾ Discrimination can have a
¾ Promoting inclusive education
negative impact on both the
and awareness campaigns to
individual and society as a whole.
challenge stereotypes and biases.
For the individual, discrimination
can lead to feelings of anger, ¾ Encouraging collective action and
resentment, and isolation. It can allyship to combat discrimination
also make it difficult to get a at individual and systemic levels.
job, housing, or education. For
society, discrimination can lead to PREJUDICE
social division and conflict. Prejudice is an unjustified or
¾ When someone is discriminated incorrect attitude (usually negative)
against, they are being treated as towards an individual based solely
less than human. This can be very on the individual's membership in a
damaging to their self-esteem and social group.
sense of worth. It can also make Features of Prejudice
it difficult for them to participate
fully in society. ¾ It involves prejudgments that are
usually negative about members
¾ In many countries, some laws
of a group.
prohibit discrimination. These
laws are in place to protect the ¾ It is a baseless and often negative
rights of all people and to ensure attitude towards members of a

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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics
group. It has a strong influence the group as the same. It often
on how people behave. translates into discrimination.

¾ People holding prejudicial ¾ Examples: Prejudice that women

attitudes paint every member of can't drive, Dalits don't have
merit, tribals are unhygienic etc.

Differences Between Prejudice and Discrimination

Basis Prejudice Discrimination
Definition Prejudice is an unjust, often Discrimination is the negative
negative attitude towards behaviour or actions against
an individual based on that an individual or group of
individual's membership in a people based on their social
social group identity
Act/attitude Prejudice is an attitude. Discrimination involves action
and behaviour.
Cause Prejudice can be caused by Discrimination can be a result
lack of knowledge, ignorance of prejudice.
and stereotyping
Legal action Legal action cannot be taken Legal action can be taken
against prejudice against discrimination
Components Prejudice includes all three Discrimination just involves
components of an attitude behaviour.
(affective, behavioural and
cognitive)

Ways to Escape Prejudice and then belonging to a particular

state or region.
¾ The cause and source of the
prejudice should be found out. ¾ The tendency towards negative
behaviour among the victims of
¾ Opportunities for learning prejudice should be discouraged.
prejudices should be minimized.
¾ Increasing inter-group contact to
¾ Emphasize considering broader remove mistrust. For, community
social identity than narrow gatherings are held to instil
social identity. For eg, we should fraternity among different groups.
consider ourselves first an Indian

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 ETHICS

¾ Education and information same stereotypes. Stereotypes

dissemination. are usually acquired in early
childhood under the influence of
Also, the four main explanations of
parents, teachers, peers, and the
prejudice and discrimination are in the
media. E.g. A child who sees his
following theories (more theoretical,
friend smoking and being branded
hence not explained in detail):
as cool by others would associate
¾ Authoritarian Personality smoking with coolness and would
¾ Realistic Conflict Theory - Robbers develop stereotypes for the same,
Cave ultimately smoking.

¾ Stereotyping ¾ Societal Environment:

Stereotypes are the result of
¾ Social identity Theory a common environment that
stimulates people to react in
STEREOTYPES IN INDIAN CONTEXT
the same way. People are highly
Stereotyping is a situation when similar to each other in how
one judges an individual or a group they describe different racial
of people based on his/her own and and national groups, although
others' opinions and experiences. those people have no personal
Stereotypes are characteristics experience with the groups they
imposed upon groups of people are describing. E.g. Muslims are
because of their race, nationality, and commonly branded as terrorists
sexual orientation. Stereotypes are not without any discrimination.
always accurate and even if positive,
¾ Patriarchal mindset: Prejudice
can be harmful.
and bias about women as weak
Causes of Stereotyping in Indian have led to the development of
Society stereotypes in human minds,
which are deeply ingrained.
¾ Illiteracy: Lack of education and Although women have come
awareness has led to a stereotyped forward to break shackles, still
mindset about a particular group discriminatory behaviour has kept
or sect. E.g. many people think stereotypes alive. Many women
that rain is caused by Gods. Thus today prefer to become housewives
for good rains, they do puja and despite having good educational
havan. They don't know that rain qualifications because they think
is monsoonal and depends upon they are made for housework.
its variation. They end up wasting
¾ Alienation: Alienation of the
money and time on havan.
particular subsection leads to the
¾ Socialisation and upbringing: development of stereotypes against
People are socialised to adopt the the government or the whole

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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics
Individuals who are discriminated ¾ Boys should engage in sports
against might develop a feeling and refrain from more creative
of stereotyping that a particular pursuits;
sect or government is against
¾ Boys and men are expected to use
them. E.g. Dalits often see upper
violence and aggression to prove
caste as oppressors and develop
their manliness;
stereotypes against them.
¾ Women don't need equal pay
¾ Social division: Division based
because they are supported by
on religion, region, race, ethnicity
their husbands
etc. has deeply affected the psyche
of individuals and developed Cultural Stereotyping
stereotypes against certain sects.
E.g. Muslims are commonly ¾ Asians: extremely intelligent, bad
branded as terrorists without any drivers (woman)
discrimination. ¾ Blacks: Drug dealers/users, gang
members, abusive
Types of Stereotyping
¾ Whites: Rich, preps, smart
Groups are often stereotyped
based on sex, gender identity, race Social Stereotyping
and ethnicity, nationality, age,
socioeconomic status, language, and ¾ People belonging to backward
so forth. Communities are poor.
¾ Women are weak as compared to
Gender Stereotyping men.
¾ Girls should play with dolls and
boys should play with trucks.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PREJUDICE AND STEREOTYPE

Stereotype Prejudice

It is a thought about a person or group It is attitude and feelings about a

of people. person or group.

It is both positive and negative. It is only negative

Example- Stereotype about the Indian Example- Prejudice against the black
community in America that they are community in America that they are a
intelligent and good in maths. drug addict

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 ETHICS

RED TAPISM AND CRONYISM level of corruption. Bureaucracy

Red Tapism invariably breeds corruption and
lowers growth by complicating the
Red Tapism refers to excessive normal flow of businesses. Paying
regulation or rigid conformity to formal a bribe to speed up the handling
rules that is considered redundant and of the procedure is a typical
bureaucratic and hinders action or example of Red Tapism-associated
decision-making. In other words, these corruption.
are burdensome rules, providing no 4. Increased cost of doing
added value. It includes unnecessary business: Red tape is costly, not
paperwork, obtaining licenses, having just in time and money spent
multiple people or committees approve filling out forms but also in
a decision and various low-level rules terms of reduced productivity
that make conducting one's affairs and innovation in business. This
slower, and more difficult. is particularly burdensome to
Consequences of Red Tapism smaller businesses and may even
discourage people from starting
1. Citizen satisfaction: Red tape up a new business.
indeed negatively affects citizen
5. Governance: Due to Red Tapism
satisfaction. Citizens remain
variable enforcement of contracts
dissatisfied due to delayed
and delayed administration lead
government processing and the
to delayed justice, especially
cost associated with it. Most of
for the poor. The burden of red
the time citizen's problems remain
tape requirements prevents
unresolved due to red Tapism,
many from enjoying their rights
leading to a sense of loss of trust
due to delayed governance and
in the government’s process.
delayed distribution of welfare
2. Scheme implementation: Every measures. For example, delayed
new governmental scheme wage payments under MGNREGA
gets roadblocks in terms of red impact timely benefits to the poor.
Tapism that eventually kills the
larger objective by which it was Measures to Reduce Red-Tapism
launched. Delayed release of 1. Reforming laws: Reducing
funds, lack of proper monitoring administrative burdens should
etc. are common associated issues be a part of making good laws.
attached to Red Tapism that make This objective also contributes
policies ineffective. to making administrative
3. Corruption: A World Bank cultures more responsible and
study found that the higher the service-oriented. For example,
level of red tape, the higher the the Insolvency and Bankruptcy

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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics
Code has helped in reducing Red 3. Skill development: There are
Tapism regarding the insolvency of officials who are not skilled enough
a business unit, enhancing overall to make government processing
business sentiments. Further faster. It is important to train
many redundant laws have been them properly on the subjects and
scrapped, making India achieve appoint skilled people.
a 63rd spot in the World Bank's 4. Incentives: A lot of government
Ease of Doing Business. employees at the lower level (Group
1. Involving states: Governments C and Group D) are underpaid.
also need to consider ways in which They find no incentive to work
sub-national levels of government efficiently. Efforts must be made
can be incorporated into the to honour workers for their good
administrative simplification work and punish them for not
and regulatory quality process. achieving timely efficiency.
Administrative simplification With a bottom-up approach of
programmes have focused primarily planning through separate urban-
on regulations emanating from rural level socio-economic databases,
the central government. However, there is a need for a holistic and
lower levels of government can Integrated approach from government
be responsible for imposing ministries that includes identifying,
significant administrative burdens evaluating, formulating, implementing
and requirements on businesses and redressing data-driven policies to
and citizens. meet the needs of the population at
2. Reduce the paperwork: Computers the earliest.
have already made many of the E-Governance needs to transform
government services faster. It all levels of Government, but the focus
is a way forward to decrease the should be on local governments since
red tape. Capacity building in IT local governments are the closest to
and communications is required citizens, and constitute for many, the
at all levels of the government, main interface with government. Special
from top to bottom. For example, attention should be given to improving
the government has launched the digital infrastructure, especially in
National Investment Promotion rural areas along with better internet
and Facilitation Agency known as connectivity. E-Governance through
Invest India which helps investors regional languages is appreciable for
looking for investment, to reduce nations like India where people from
red Tapism. Another such initiative several linguistic backgrounds are the
is paperless green clearance which participants.
will reduce paperwork and is Red Tapism hinders good governance
environmentally friendly. and the country's economic progress.
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 ETHICS

It leads to a culture of corruption and businesses an unfair advantage.

inefficiency. Efforts must be made to Smaller or newer companies that
make rules and regulations simple lack political connections may
with an emphasis on reducing delays find it difficult to compete with
in government work culture. well-connected, established firms.

CRONYISM ¾ Rent-Seeking Behavior: Businesses

in crony capitalist systems often
Crony capitalism is a term used to engage in rent-seeking, which
describe a capitalist economic system involves seeking economic gain
in which individuals or businesses through political means rather
with close ties to political leaders than through productive activities.
and government officials use their This can result in inefficiencies
political connections to gain an unfair and misallocation of resources.
advantage in the marketplace. ¾ Corruption: Crony capitalism is
In the Crony Capitalism Index often associated with corruption,
2021 published by The Economist; as it frequently involves bribes,
India was ranked at 7th position where kickbacks, and other illicit
crony sector wealth accounted for 8% practices to secure favourable
of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of treatment from the government.
the country. This erodes public trust and
undermines the rule of law.
Issues Associated With Crony ¾ Income Inequality: Crony
Capitalism capitalism can exacerbate income
Crony capitalism is widely blamed inequality because the benefits
for a range of social and economic woes. of government favouritism and
economic privileges primarily
¾ Collusion between Business and accrue to a small, politically
Government: In a crony capitalist connected elite. This can lead
system, businesses seek to to social unrest and economic
influence government policies disparities.
and decisions in their favour. This
¾ Economic Instability: The
can involve lobbying, campaign
concentration of economic power
contributions, and other forms
in the hands of a few politically
of political engagement to gain
connected entities can make an
advantages such as regulatory
economy more susceptible to
exemptions, subsidies, or access
financial crises and economic
to government contracts.
instability.
¾ Unfair Competition: Crony
¾ Undermining Institutions: Crony
capitalism can distort free-market
capitalism can erode the
competition by giving certain
credibility and effectiveness of
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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics
public institutions, as they may be in the hands of a few individuals
perceived as serving the interests or corporations.
of a select few rather than the
¾ Towards Corporate Ethical
broader public.
Responsibility: India can promote
¾ Diminished Innovation: In a responsible business practices by
system where success depends implementing measures to ensure
more on political connections that businesses act ethically and
than innovation, there may be less sustainably, in line with corporate
incentive for businesses to invest social responsibility and
in research and development, sustainability initiatives. This
potentially hindering technological can increase public trust in the
progress. economic system and encourage
¾ Lack of Accountability: Crony businesses to act in the best
capitalist systems can lack interests of society as a whole.
transparency and accountability, ¾ Encouraging Responsible
making it difficult to identify and Political Behaviour: India
address corrupt practices. can encourage responsible
Steps to be Taken in India political behaviour by increasing
the transparency of political
¾ Improving Transparency donations and lobbying activities.
and Accountability: India This can reduce the potential for
can improve transparency and corruption and ensure that elected
accountability in its political officials are held accountable for
and economic systems by their actions.
implementing measures such
as open data initiatives, increasing CORRUPTION
the independence of regulatory
Corruption is dishonest behaviour
agencies, and improving the
by those in positions of power. It starts
transparency of government
with the tendency to use public office
contracts and subsidies.
for some personal benefit.
¾ Encouraging Competition: India
can encourage competition Moreover, it is unfortunate that
by reducing barriers to corruption has, for many, become
entry for smaller businesses a matter of habit. It is so deeply
and entrepreneurs, such entrenched that corruption is now
as reducing red tape and considered a social norm. Hence,
streamlining regulations. This can corruption implies the failure of ethics.
make it easier for new entrants Causes of Corruption
to compete with established
businesses and reduce the ¾ Lack of Transparency: A lack
concentration of wealth and power of transparency in government
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 ETHICS

processes, decision-making, and bypass obstacles. India's complex

public administration provides economic environment, which
fertile ground for corrupt involves various licences, permits,
practices. When actions and and approvals, can create
decisions are shielded from public opportunities for corruption.
scrutiny, officials may engage in Businesses may resort to bribery
corrupt activities with reduced to navigate this environment.
fear of exposure.
¾ Political Interference: Political
¾ Weak Institutions and Ineffective interference in administrative
Legal Frameworks: Many of matters can compromise the
India's institutions responsible autonomy of government
for enforcing laws and regulations institutions. Political leaders may
are either weak or compromised. pressure officials to engage in
This includes law enforcement corrupt activities for personal or
agencies, the judiciary, and party gain.
oversight bodies. Weak institutions
can fail to hold corrupt individuals ¾ Cultural Factors: There can
accountable and may even be a cultural acceptance of
facilitate corruption. A perception corrupt behaviour in certain
of impunity due to the inadequate contexts, which perpetuates
punishment of corrupt individuals corruption. The notion that
can encourage further corruption. "everyone does it" can lead
When individuals believe they can individuals to engage in
get away with corrupt practices, corruption without feeling morally
they are more likely to engage in compromised.
them.
¾ Lack of Whistleblower Protection:
¾ Low Salaries and Incentives: Public Inadequate protection for whistle
officials, especially those in lower- blowers can deter individuals
ranking positions, are sometimes from reporting corruption. The
paid low salaries. This can make fear of retaliation can silence
them more susceptible to bribery potential whistleblowers and
and other corrupt practices, allow corruption to thrive.
as they may see corruption as
a means to supplement their ¾ Social Inequality: Social and
income. economic disparities can
contribute to corruption, as
¾ Bureaucratic Red Tape: Lengthy individuals with wealth and power
and convoluted bureaucratic may use their influence to secure
procedures and excessive preferential treatment and engage
regulations can drive individuals in corrupt practices without
and businesses to engage in corrupt repercussions.
practices to expedite processes or
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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics
Reasons for Sustenance of no quality of service. To demand
Corruption quality, one might need to pay
for it. This is seen in many areas
¾ Politicisation of Civil like municipalities, electricity,
Services: When civil service distribution of relief funds, etc.
positions are used as rewards
for political support or swapped ¾ Lack of Proper Justice: Corruption
for bribes, the opportunities for in the judiciary leads to improper
high levels of corruption increase justice and the victims have to
significantly. bear the brunt of it ultimately.
A crime may be proved as a
¾ Lower Wages: Lowering wages for benefit of the doubt due to a lack
civil servants compared to those of evidence or even the evidence
in the private sector. Certain erased.
employees may resort to taking
bribes to compensate for the ¾ Poor Health and Hygiene: In
difference in wages. countries with more corruption, one
can notice more health
¾ Administrative Delays: Delays problems among people. There
in the clearance of files are the will be no fresh drinking water,
root cause of corruption as proper roads, quality food grains
common citizens are coerced to supply, milk adulteration, etc.
grease the palms of erring officials These low-quality services are
and authorities for expedited all done to save money by the
clearance of the files. contractors and the officials who
¾ Colonial Legacy of Unchallenged are involved.
Authority: In a society which ¾ Failure of Genuine Research:
worships power, it is easy for Research by individuals needs
public officials to deviate from government funding and some of
ethical conduct. the funding agencies have corrupt
¾ Weak Enforcement of officers. These people sanction
Law: Various laws have been the funds for research to those
made to curb the evil of corruption investigators who are ready to
but their weak enforcement has bribe them.
acted as a hindrance in curbing
1. On Society:
corruption.
¾ Disregard for Officials: People
IMPACTS OF CORRUPTION start disregarding the officials
On People and Public Life: involved in corruption and also
the administrative setup which
¾ Lack of Quality in Services: In
creates distrust in the system.
a system with corruption, there is
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 ETHICS

¾ Lack of Respect for Government: led to many foreign investments

Top brass leaders of the nation like going back from developing
the President or Prime Ministers countries.
lose respect among the public. ¾ Delay in Growth: An official
Respect is the main criterion in who needs to pass clearances for
social life. projects or industries delays the
¾ Lack of Faith and Trust in process to make money and other
Governments: People vote for a unlawful benefits. This leads to
leader based on their faith in him/ delays in investments, the starting
her, but if leaders are found to of industries, and also growth.
be involved in corruption, people ¾ Lack of Development: Funds
lose faith in them and may not allocated for infrastructure
vote next time. projects often get syphoned off
¾ Aversion for Joining the Posts due to bureaucratic lethargy and
Linked to Corruption: Sincere, administrative inefficiency, which
honest, and hardworking people acts as a ditherer for the investors
develop an aversion for the such that the profit-to-investment
particular posts deemed corrupt. ratio is minimised significantly.
Due to the lack of proper roads,
On Economy water, and electricity, the
companies do not wish to start up
¾ A Decrease in Foreign Investment: there, which hinders the economic
Corruption in government bodies has progress of that region.

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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics
Importance of Ethics in Preventing the best interest of society rather
Corruption than pursuing personal gain at the
expense of others. Civic virtue is a
¾ Establishing Moral Boundaries: powerful deterrent to corruption.
Ethical principles provide a
¾ Supporting Rule of Law: Ethical
framework for defining what is
behaviour upholds the rule
right and wrong. In the context
of law and respect for legal
of corruption, ethics set clear
and regulatory frameworks.
boundaries that distinguish
Corrupt practices often involve
acceptable behaviour from
circumventing or violating the
unethical or corrupt conduct.
law, and adherence to ethics
¾ Promoting Accountability: Ethics reinforces respect for legal norms.
demand that individuals take
¾ Whistle-blower Protection: Ethical
responsibility for their actions
organisations and governments
and decisions. When people are
prioritise protecting whistle-blowers
guided by ethical principles, they who report corruption. Ethical
are more likely to be transparent values encourage reporting unethical
and accountable for their actions, behaviour, which is vital for uncovering
reducing the likelihood of engaging and addressing corruption.
in corrupt behaviour that could
harm others. ¾ Global Reputation: On an international
scale, ethical behaviour is
¾ Fostering Transparency: Transparency essential for a nation's reputation.
is a core ethical principle. Ethical Countries known for ethical
organisations and individuals governance and low corruption
are more likely to operate openly levels are more attractive to foreign
and honestly, making it difficult investment and collaboration.
for corruption to thrive in an
environment where actions and ¾ Long-Term Sustainability: Corrupt
decisions are subject to scrutiny. practices often provide short-
term gains but can lead to long-
¾ Building Trust: Trust is a corner term harm. Ethical behaviour
stone of ethical behaviour. When is essential for the sustainable
individuals and institutions are development and prosperity of
perceived as trustworthy, they are societies.
less likely to engage in or tolerate
corruption. A high level of trust in Way Forward In Removing Challenges
society reduces the temptation for In The Implementation Of Ethics
corruption.
CITIZEN CHARTER
¾ Encouraging Civic Virtue: Ethical
values promote civic virtue, which Citizen's Charter is a document
encourages individuals to act in which represents a systematic effort
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 ETHICS

to focus on the commitment of the of services to users wherever

Organisation towards its Citizens practicable. There should
with respect to Standard of Services, be regular and systematic
Information, Choice and Consultation, consultation with the users of the
Non-discrimination and Accessibility, service to fix service standards
Grievance Redress, Courtesy and and to ascertain the quality of
Value for Money. This also includes service delivery.
expectations of the Organisation
¾ Courtesy and helpfulness: The
from the Citizen for fulfilling the
Charter can help embed a culture
commitment of the Organisation.
of courteous and helpful service
ASPECTS OF CITIZEN CHARTER from public servants.

The salient features of a Citizen’s ¾ Grievance redressal and

Charter are: complaints handling: by
facilitating and responding
1. Agreed and published standards to complaints, the causes of
for service delivery; complaints can be reduced.
2. Openness and information about Secondly, by identifying 'trends'
service delivery; in complaints, the service
provider can resolve systemic and
3. ‘Choice’ and Consultation with
recurring problems.
users;
4. Courtesy and helpfulness in Implementation of Citizen Charter
service delivery; and In India
5. Provision of redressal of grievances. ¾ In India, the concept of citizen’s
¾ Standards: The Charter should charter was first adopted at
lay out explicit standards of service a ‘Conference of Chief Ministers
delivery so that users understand of various States and Union
what they can reasonably expect Territories’ held in May 1997 in
from service providers. These the national capital.
standards should be time‐bound, ¾ A major outcome of the conference
relevant, accurate, measurable was a decision to formulate
and specific. Citizen’s Charters by the central
¾ Information and openness: A and state governments, beginning
key attribute of good service is the with sectors with a large public
availability of relevant and concise interface such as the railways,
information to the users at the telecom, posts, PDS, etc.
right time and the right place. ¾ The Indian model of citizen's
¾ Choice and consultation: The charter is an adaptation of the UK
Charter should provide a choice model. One additional component

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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics
of the charter in the Indian version in the CC since effective efforts
is the inclusion of the point's of communicating and educating
expectation from clients. the public about the standards
¾ The Right of Citizens for Time of delivery promise have not been
Bound Delivery of Goods and undertaken.
Services and Redressal of their
¾ Stakeholders not consulted:
Grievances Bill, 2011 (Citizens
Charter) was introduced in End-users, Civil society organizations
the Lok Sabha in December 2011. and NGOs are not consulted
It was referred to a Standing when CCs are drafted. Since a
Committee which submitted its CC’s primary purpose is to make
report in 2012. The bill, however, public service delivery more
lapsed due to the dissolution of citizen-centric, consultation with
the Lok Sabha in 2014. stakeholders is a must.
PROBLEMS IN CITIZEN’S CHARTER ¾ Measurable standards of delivery
are rarely defined: making it
¾ One size fits all: Tendency to
difficult to assess whether the
have a uniform CC for all offices
under the parent organization. desired level of service has been
CC has still not been adopted by achieved or not.
all Ministries/Departments. This ¾ Poor adherence: little interest
overlooks local issues. is shown by the organizations in
¾ Silo operations: Devoid of adhering to their CC since there
participative mechanisms in a is no citizen-friendly mechanism
majority of cases, not formulated to compensate the citizen if the
through a consultative process organization defaults.
with cutting-edge staff who will
finally implement it. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BETTER
¾ Non-Dynamic: Charters are IMPLEMENTATION
rarely updated making it a one- 1. Second Arc Recommendations
time exercise, frozen in time.
¾ Wide consultation process: CC
¾ Poor design and content: lack
(citizen’s charter) be formulated
of meaningful and succinct CC,
absence of critical information after extensive consultations
that end-users need to hold within the organization followed
agencies accountable. by a meaningful dialogue with
civil society.
¾ Lack of public awareness: only a
small percentage of end-users are ¾ Participatory process: Include
aware of the commitments made Civil Society in the process: to
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 ETHICS

assist in the improvement of the INSTITUTIONAL EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN

contents of the Charter, and its ETHICAL IMPLEMENTATION IN INDIA
adherence as well as educating
Indian Initiatives to Strengthen
the citizens about the importance
its Ethical Framework
of this vital mechanism.
¾ Firm commitments to be made:
1. Accountability to Parliament
CC must be precise and make ¾ Administrators in India are
firm commitments of service responsible to political executives.
delivery standards to the citizens/
consumers in quantifiable terms ¾ Political executives are answerable
wherever possible. to Parliament.

¾ Redressal mechanism in case of ¾ Financial accountability: The

default: lay down the relief which executive needs authorization
the organization is bound to from the legislature to spend
provide if it has defaulted on the money.
promised standards of delivery.
2. Code of Conduct for Ministers
¾ One size does not fit all:
formulation of CC should be a ¾ The Government of India
decentralized activity with the prescribed a Code of Conduct for
head office providing only broad Ministers.
guidelines. ¾ Steps needed to prescribe the
¾ Periodic updation of CC: preferably code of ethics recommended by
through an external agency. the 2nd Committee on Ethics of
the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
¾ Fix responsibility: Hold officers
accountable for results and ¾ Committees on Ethics oversee
fix specific responsibilities in the moral and ethical conduct of
cases where there is a default in Members.
adhering to the CC.
3. Disclosure of Interest
Citizen's Charter plays a
prominent part in ensuring “minimum ¾ Members with a personal
government & maximum governance”, pecuniary or direct interest in a
changing the nature of charters matter must declare the nature of
from non-justiciable to justiciable interest.
& adopting penalty measures that
¾ Disclosure of interest provided in
will make it more efficient & citizen-
both Houses of Parliament.
friendly.

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 Challenges in the Implementation of Ethics
4. Code of Conduct for Civil Servants 8. Whistle-blowers Protection Act,
2014
¾ Prescribed code of conduct for civil
servants to increase confidence in ¾ Enacted to protect whistle-
government. blowers after the rise in attacks
following the RTI Act.
¾ Aims to prevent private power
and interest from subverting ¾ Establishes a mechanism to
government decisions. receive complaints and prevent
victimization of complainants.
5. Legal Mechanism to Check
Corruption OTHER INITIATIVES TO STRENGTHEN
ITS ETHICAL FRAMEWORK
¾ Prevention of Corruption Act,
1988 applicable to all categories 1. Vigilance and Investigative
of "public duty". Mechanisms
¾ Other enactments to check ¾ Central Vigilance Commission:
corruption include the Benami apex vigilance institution
Transactions (Prohibition) Act, of monitoring all vigilance activity
1988, the Prevention of Money under the Central Government,
Laundering Act, of 2002, Foreign empowered to receive written
Exchange Management Act, of complaints on allegations
1999. of corruption, and conduct
preliminary inquiries.
6. Right to Information Act, 2005
¾ Central Bureau of Investigation:
¾ Based on the principle that all premier investigating police
government information is the agency in India, involved in the
property of people. collection of criminal intelligence
in anti-corruption, economic
¾ Ensures participatory governance crimes, and special crimes.
at the grassroots level.
¾ National Investigative Agency:
7. Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 national-level investigative agency
to investigate and prosecute
¾ Aims to prevent and control offences affecting the sovereignty,
corruption by setting up security and integrity of India,
independent and empowered created after the Mumbai terror
bodies at the central level attack in 2008.
¾ Each state must pass a law ¾ Right to Public Service Delivery
within a year to set up a body of Legislations: states have enacted
Lokayuktas at the state level. the Public Services Guarantee Act

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 ETHICS

which guarantees the "right to ¾ National Commission on

public services," which are to be Integrity and Transparency
provided within a stipulated time in Governance: assess the
frame. effectiveness of the code of
conduct for civil servants, and
RADICAL INITIATIVES TO promote ethical values among
STRENGTHEN MORALITY IN public servants.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
¾ Transparency in Delivery
¾ Political Commitment to Ethics of Public Services: establish
and Moral Values: political leaders public trust by ensuring citizens'
responsible for maintaining high complaints are heard and
standards of propriety, should redressed.
focus on probity, integrity, and ¾ Use of Innovative Technological
value-based governance. Tools: reduce avenues of
¾ The message of Zero Tolerance corruption and narrow down the
to Corruption and Unethical scope of discretion.
Action: sent by PM Modi to ¾ Abuse of Discretionary Powers:
promote ethical governance. tighten procedures, restrict
¾ Political Will to Hold Public discretion, and assign decision-
Services Accountable: need to making to a committee rather
weed out non-performers. than individuals.
¾ Making Directive Principles ¾ Protection and Incentives
of State Policy Justiciable: to Honest Public Servants:
examine the possibility of making transfers and postings based on
DPSPs a justiciable right. merit and performance.

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 CASE STUDY 13
INTRODUCTION access to resources in a community
has affected the collective mental
A case study is an in-depth study
well-being of those living there.
of one person, group, or event. In a
case study, nearly every aspect of a 2. Descriptive case studies: These
person’s life and history is analyzed to involve starting with a descriptive
seek patterns and causes of behaviour. theory. The subjects are then
Case studies can be used in various observed, and the information
fields, including psychology, medicine, gathered is compared to the pre-
education, anthropology, political existing theory.
science, and social work. 3. Explanatory case studies:
The purpose of a case study is These are often used to do causal
to learn as much as possible about investigations. In other words,
an individual or group so that the researchers are interested in
information can be generalized to looking at factors that may have
many others. Unfortunately, case caused certain things to occur.
studies tend to be highly subjective, 4. Exploratory case studies: These
and it is sometimes difficult to are sometimes used as a prelude
generalize results to a larger to further, more in-depth research.
population. While case studies focus This allows researchers to gather
on a single individual or group, they more information before developing
follow a format similar to other types their research questions and
of psychology writing. hypotheses.
TYPES OF CASE STUDY 5. Instrumental case studies: These
occur when the individual or group
1. Collective case studies: These
allows researchers to understand
involve studying a group of
more than what is initially obvious
individuals. Researchers might
to observers.
study a group of people in a
certain setting or look at an entire 6. Intrinsic case studies: This type of
community. For example, ethical case study is when the researcher
researchers might explore how has a personal interest in the
case. Jean Piaget's observations
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 ETHICS

of his children are good examples the researchers develop additional

of how an intrinsic cast study can ideas and study questions that might
contribute to the development of a be explored in future studies.
theory.
However, it is important to
PROS AND CONS OF CASE STUDY remember that the insights gained
from case studies cannot be used
PROS to determine cause-and-effect
relationships between variables.
One of the greatest advantages of a However, case studies may be used to
case study is that it allows researchers develop hypotheses that can then be
to investigate things that are often addressed in experimental research.
difficult to impossible to replicate
in an empirical study or a research WHY CASE STUDY IS IMPORTANT
centre. Some other benefits of a case TO CIVIL SERVICE
study are
The case study would test the
¾ Allows researchers to collect a candidates' attitudes and approach
great deal of information to issues relating to integrity, probity
¾ Give researchers the chance to in public life and problem-solving
collect information on rare or approach to various issues and
unusual cases conflicts faced by him/her in dealing
with society.
¾ Permits researchers to develop
hypotheses that can be explored Case studies check your ability
in experimental research to interpret things. It measures your
ability to look beyond what you see.
CONS Case study helps to ensure the
accurate judgment of the personality of
On the negative side, a case study: the candidate for the suitability of the
¾ Cannot necessarily be generalized administrative job. In short, it helps in
to the larger population judging the following attributes:
¾ Cannot demonstrate cause and ¾ A case study provides an additional
effect avenue apart from the regular
question-answer format to judge
¾ May not be scientifically rigorous
the attitude of the candidates
¾ Can lead to bias towards different problems.
Researchers may choose to perform For example, attitudes towards
a case study if they are interested different castes and classes of
in exploring a unique or recently Indian society and stereotypes
discovered phenomenon. The insights and prejudice associated with
gained from such research can help them.

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 Case Study
¾ Understanding of the situation Thus, TNPSC or any other
and presence of mind to seek examination commission; through the
the right solution to the scenario case study method can initiate and
presented. maintain an active way to interpret
the psychology of the candidate and
¾ Checks the creativity and
see whether they are suited for the
innovativeness of the candidates
administrative job or not.
with regard to different life
experiences. 2023
¾ Creativeness is the focal point of
1. A Landslide occurred in the middle
the study in these case studies
i.e., how one sees the ray of hope of the night on 20th July 2023
in difficult situations, how the in a remote mountain hamlet,
processes need to be handled etc. approximately 60 kilometres from
Uttarkashi. The landslide was
¾ Emotional intelligence: A caused by torrential rains and has
candidate needs to balance resulted in large-scale destruction
emotions with reason while
of property and life. You, as District
making decisions.
Magistrate of that area, have
¾ Depth of understanding and rushed to the spot with a team of
perception: from how many doctors, NGOs, media and police
perspectives or dimensions, a along with numerous support staff
candidate can analyse a problem. to oversee the rescue operations. A
¾ Leadership skills: whether the man came running to you with a
candidate is ready to take the request for urgent medical help for
responsibility or just pass it to his pregnant wife who is in labour
someone else. and is losing blood. You directed
¾ Awareness of social issues and your medical team to examine his
problems as most case studies wife. They return and convey to
are based on real-life situations you that this woman needs a blood
or some deficiencies of Indian transfusion immediately. Upon
society. enquiry, you come to know that a
few blood collection bags and blood
¾ Decision-making skills of the
group test kits are available in the
candidates, especially in tricky
ambulance accompanying your
scenarios.
team. A few people in your team
¾ Ability to resolve ethical and have already volunteered to donate
moral dilemmas by balancing the blood. Being a physician who has
needs and rights of all concerned graduated from AIIMS, you know
stakeholders. that blood for transfusion needs

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 ETHICS

to be procured only through a ¾ Medical Ethics: Medical

recognized blood bank. Your professionals within the team are
team members are divided on this torn between their commitment to
issue; some favour transfusion, saving lives and the need to adhere
while others oppose it. The doctors to medical ethics and standards.
in the team are ready to facilitate ¾ Legal and Regulatory
the delivery provided they are Compliance: The situation
not penalized for transfusion. raises questions about legal and
Now you are in a dilemma. Your regulatory compliance regarding
professional training emphasizes blood transfusions.
on prioritising service to humanity
and saving the lives of individuals. (b) Options Available
(a) What are the ethical issues ¾ Seek Blood from a Recognized
involved in this case? Blood Bank: The District
(b) Evaluate the options available to Magistrate should prioritize
you, being District Magistrate of patient safety and adhere to
medical ethics by arranging for
the area.
blood from a recognized blood
ANSWER bank.
¾ Local Blood Collection with
(a) Ethical Issues Screening: If feasible, conduct a
¾ Patient Welfare: The paramount rapid blood group test on potential
ethical concern is the life- donors from the team.
threatening condition of the ¾ Expert Consultation: Reach out
pregnant woman and her unborn to medical experts for guidance
child, necessitating immediate and advice on the best course of
medical intervention due to severe action given the circumstances.
bleeding.
The decision should prioritize
¾ Blood Safety: The use of blood for patient safety and adhere to ethical,
transfusion that is not sourced medical, and legal standards. While
from a recognized blood bank the urgency of the situation is critical,
raises serious safety concerns. compromising on blood safety can
have severe consequences. Clear
¾ Informed Consent: It is essential
communication with the medical
to consider whether the patient
team, seeking expert advice if needed,
or her family has been informed
and making an informed decision that
about the risks and benefits of the
best balances the ethical, medical, and
blood transfusion if it is not from
regulatory considerations are crucial
a recognized source. in this challenging situation.

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 Case Study

2022 There was another dimension

which was causing him deep
1. Prabhat was working as Vice mental torture and agony. This
President (Marketing) at pertained to his precarious
Sterling Electric Ltd., a reputed financial health. He was a single
multinational company. But earner in the family with two
presently the company was school-college-going children and
passing through difficult times his old ailing mother. The heavy
as the sales were continuously expenditure on education and
showing a downward trend in the medical was causing a big strain
last two quarters. His division, on his monthly pay packet. Regular
which hitherto had been a EMI for housing loans taken from
major revenue contributor to the the bank was unavoidable and any
company's financial health, was default would render him liable for
now desperately trying to procure severe legal action.
some big government order for In the above backdrop, he was
them. But their best efforts did hoping for some miracle to
not yield any positive success or happen. There was a sudden turn
breakthrough of events. His secretary informed
His was a professional company him that a gentleman - Subhash
and his local bosses were under Verma wanted to see him as he
pressure from their London- was interested in the position of
based HO to show some positive Manager which was to be filled by
results. In the last performance him in the company. He further
review meeting taken by the brought to his notice that his CV
has been received through the
Executive Director (India Head),
office of the Minister of Defence.
he was reprimanded for his poor
performance. He assured them During the interview of the
that his division is working on a candidate - Subhash Verma, he
special contract for the Ministry found him technically sound,
of Defence for a secret installation resourceful and experienced
near Gwalior and the tender is marketeer. He seemed to be
being submitted shortly. well-conversant with tendering
procedures and had a knack
He was under extreme pressure
for follow-up and liaising in this
and he was deeply perturbed. What regard. Prabhat felt that he was a
aggravated the situation further better choice than the rest of the
was a warning from the top that if candidates who were interviewed
the deal is not clinched in favour by him in the last few days.
of the company, his division might
have to be closed and he may have Subhash Verma also indicated that
to quit his lucrative job. he had copies of the bid documents
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 ETHICS

that Unique Electronics Ltd. ANSWER:

would be submitting the next day
to the Defence Ministry for their Prabhat is in a tricky situation
tender. He offered to hand over in this case as he has to balance
those documents subject to his many things while making a decision.
employment in the company on Personal well-being and the company's
suitable terms and conditions. He profitability need to be ensured along
made it clear that in the process, with adherence to the values of
Sterling Electric Ltd. could outbid professionalism, truth and balanced
their rival company and get the decision-making.
bid and hefty Defence Ministry
order. He indicated that it would (a) Ethical Issues Involved
be a win-win situation for both
him and the company. 1. Ethics vs Profitability: Taking the
quotation of Unique Electronics
Prabhat was stunned. It was a Ltd. from Subhash will be against
mixed feeling of shock and thrill. He
Kant's values of professionalism,
was uncomfortable and perspiring.
truth and integrity and may
If accepted, all his problems
would vanish instantly and he negatively impact well-being.
may be rewarded for securing Removal from categorical
the much-awaited tender and imperative and Confucius's Golden
thereby boosting the company's Rule. We should do to others what
sales and financial health. He was we want others to do to us.
in a fix as to the future course
of action. He was wonder-struck STAKEHOLDERS
at the guts of Subhash Verma in ¾ Prabhat and his family
having surreptitiously removed
his company papers and offered ¾ Subhash Varma
to the rival company for a job. ¾ Defense Ministry
Being an experienced person, he
was examining the pros and cons ¾ Unique Electronics Ltd.
of the proposal/situation and he ¾ Sterling Electric Ltd.
asked him to come the next day.
¾ Society in general
(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved
in the case. 2. Commitment towards the goal
(b) Critically examine the options of the organization: Getting the
available to Prabhat in the above tender for the company is a short-
situation. term goal and unfair means can
help to achieve sustainability of
(c) Which of the above would be the the company.
most appropriate for Prabhat and
why? 3. Professional integrity vs personal
well-being: Adhering to post may
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 Case Study
lead to financial strain which in the later part of his stint with
already is an issue. the company and might lead to
corruption and administrative
4. Means vs. Ends: Unfair means
inefficiency.
for a company's financial goals
depict failure of the deontological 6. Public interest: The company deals
principle. with confidential government projects.
Having a person like Subhash in
5. Cheating is addictive: Subhash
the team can jeopardize national
Verma's habit of cheating and
interest in the future.
discarding loyalty will continue
b) Examining the options available to Prabhat

1. Compromising integrity and hiring Subash Verma to win the bid

for the tender.
Merits Demerits
1. Ensuring financial stability and 1. Against the virtues of integrity,
family well-being for self. professionalism, and dedication.
2. Providing a dignified life to a family 2. Might bring punishment in future
is one of the major needs according as Subhash's loyalty towards
to Maslow's Theory Prabhat's organization will always
remain a contested topic because
of his dishonesty towards the
previous organization
3. The financial stability of the 3. Chances of harm to the company's
company is secured by winning the reputation in future.
tender.
4. May also bring promotion as 4. May go against the national interest
a result of winning the tender in the long term.
along with increased belief in the
organization
2. Informing superiors about Subhash's proposal and accepting their
decision.

Merits Demerits
1. Experience in senior management 1. Shows escapist tendencies and
will come in handy. lack of intellectual courage on
the part of Prabhat.
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 ETHICS

2. This will avoid any potential 2. Staying neutral is sometimes a

unethical action on my part bigger sin than doing a wrong.
and remove all uncertainty and 3. Instead of changing the system,
inner dissonance. Prabhat might become part of
the corrupt system.

3. Not hiring Subash for the post and informing the organization about the offer and
its negative consequences that the company might face in future.
Merits Demerits
1. Prabhat will be an example in 1. Chances of not getting tender and
the company and will command financial uncertainty remain.
respect
2. Adhering to values of integrity and 2. The family may not get the required
working strictly within the realm of support if Prabhat gets fired from
law. the job.
3. Lesson to Subhash, as selling 3. The company might cut Prabhat
loyalty does not always get a job from the crucial decision-making
done. process impacting future growth.

c) Most appropriate option another organization because of his

experience and skill set. Also, he has
The third option seems to be best something rare in today's world of
and sustainable in this situation. running blindly after money, Loyalty
Prabhat shall take responsibility to and Ethical Capitalism, which is
stop unethical practices and maintain treasured by many. This option also
a healthy work culture. It is also an shows Prabhat's emotional intelligence
expression of the value of courage and and will have a demonstration effect
fortitude. in future.
Also, informing the company
will show that Prabhat is working to CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENTS FOR
resolve the company's crisis. Adhering PRACTICE
to the principles of business is a must 1. You are posted as the District
to achieve success, and the same Development Commissioner (DDC)
should be done to win the tender, in a region which has high rates
i.e., through transparency and a level
of child malnourishment. For the
playing field.
last few months, you have been
If the company decides to replace receiving complaints regarding
him, he can easily get a decent job in
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 Case Study
the poor quality of food given But slums deface the beauty of
under the Mid-day Meal Scheme. the cities and spread lots of dirt
Responding to the complaints, and squalor in the vicinity. They
you found that most of the meals are also breeding grounds and
served failed the calorie test as per hideouts for criminals.
the criterion under the scheme.
A PIL was filed against these
Some vendors supply poor quality
unauthorized slums and the court
deliberately as it is more profitable,
has ordered the destruction of all
but many others don't have the
illegal encroachments on public
right knowledge of which food
land. However, it's winter season
contains what nutrients. Calorie
in the area and it's also raining for
knowledge is also less among
quite some time.
children and teachers.
A strong case is also made by the
Special instruments are required
government authorities to remove
for exact calorie counts which
these slums and their dwellers
are not available in abundance.
by force, even when the situation
Also, limited suppliers are there
is not congenial. You are the
and blacklisting them would
enforcing officer. The following are
completely stall the process.
some suggested options. Please
Analyze the problem and explain evaluate the merits and demerits
various repercussions of it. Also, of each of the options:
explain what steps you can take
(a) You would vacate the slum by
in order to effectively resolve this
using police force without any
problem.
consideration for the inclement
2. You are the Zonal Head of an weather and the contribution
important urban area in northern which the slum dweller makes.
India. Being the administrative
(b) You will request your senior officer
head, you have the duty to
to wait till the weather becomes
implement all the directives
normal and an alternative place
given by your superiors and the
for the settlement of the slum
court of law. The area under
dwellers is designated with basic
your jurisdiction has seen a huge
amenities.
growth of illegal slums in recent
times. These slums are providing (c) You will suggest to your senior
low-paid workers as well as cheap officers to make it compulsory
vendors of essential commodities for all the apartment builders to
like vegetables and eggs to have the provision of very low-
middle-class urban households. cost shelters for such shanty but
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 ETHICS

important workers along with the Project and then initiating an

every apartment and allot it with action.
the help of administration to
(d) Initiating an action against Mr.
identify workers based on some
X as the act done by him should
objective criteria.
have zero tolerance. What will be
Also please indicate (without your stand in the above-mentioned
necessarily restricting to the above scenario?
options) what you would like to do,
4. You have been recently appointed
giving proper reasons.
as the Superintendent of Police
3. You are a Senior Manager in one (SP) of a socio-economically diverse
of the MNCs in India. One day, you district. Soon you realise that Mob
receive a harassment complaint violence is emerging as a serious
from one of your female employees law and order problem in your
against Mr. X, a star performer in area of jurisdiction. Many small
the software development unit. groups have emerged that instigate
Mr. X is leading a major project people to take the law into their
of the company after which own hands-on petty issues like
the company will be eligible to the eating habits of others, caste,
bag government contracts. On dressing style, etc. In most cases,
preliminary investigation, you police are not able to take action
find that Mr X is liable for the due to public pressure. It is also
offence. At this juncture, serving true that many of these groups
a suspension notice to him or enjoy political patronage and
setting up a departmental inquiry people fear complaining against
will have serious repercussions on the culprits. In this context:
the project in particular and the
image of the company in general. a) Analyze the causes and consequences
of such violence.
You have the following options.
(b) What steps can you take to
(a) Ignoring the issue by giving a neutralize this threat?
warning or initiating an enquiry
5. You are a District Education
will have repercussions on the
Officer in a Tribal District of India.
company's image.
On the survey of the district, you
(b) Giving a warning to Mr. X. found a need for setting up of
(c) Assuring the female employee for schools in several Panchayats as
a stringent action so that she may they have only private schools run
remain quiet till the completion of by Zila Panchayat members. When

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 Case Study
you proposed the setting up of village land seems a tough job, as
new schools to the Zila Panchayat, many members of Gram Sabhas
the members denied the proposal are affiliated with Zila Panchayat.
citing land acquisition concerns,
(a) What options do you have? Explore
as it is a tribal district. But the
each option vis-à-vis constraints.
real motive is that they have their
own schools, and their business (b) What will be your course of
will be hampered. Convincing action?
the Gram Sabhas for acquiring a

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 ETHICS
FOR NOTES

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