Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start your answer by giving a brief about the importance of value in public administration.
• Discuss the significance of four core values in public administration.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

The organisation, creation, and application of public policy for the benefit of the populace are all topics covered by the field of public administration. It works within a political framework to achieve the goals and objectives put forth by the political decision-makers. Hence, public administrators must conduct themselves in a manner that shows the public that they are trustworthy. This means adhering to core values for the safety and good of the public.

Body

Significance of Four core Values

• Professionalism
  • Because of the public spotlight, being a public administrator carries a certain status. Therefore, public officials must constantly conduct themselves professionally. They could lose their reputation for everything they do. This is the first core principle, which calls for acceptable attire and treating others decently. Characteristics like accountability, dependability, efficiency, competence, objectivity, and confidence are included in professional values.
• Ethics
  • Ethical principles come next, followed by professional values. To gain the public's trust, public officials must conduct themselves honestly in all of their dealings. Being a person of integrity involves constantly being truthful and just, whether dealing with coworkers, friends, or customers. The public has access to whatever a public administrator does and says. Many public officials have had their careers destroyed after being exposed as lying to the public or engaging in unethical behaviour. Government officials must always act honourably and be aware of the law. They must refrain from abusing their power. You have to be prepared to deal with the public's relentless scrutiny if you wish to work as a public administrator.
• Accountability
  • The public hires public officials, and they are responsible for their words and deeds. Accountability and dependability are democratic principles. In essence, this means acting with professionalism at all times and keeping your word. Public trust cannot be established in the absence of accountability. Additionally, public officials must be as transparent as possible to guarantee that the public has access to information. Public officials should serve the public, not conceal information from them. The public's best interests must always be considered in all choices.
• Objectivity
  • The final public administration basic principle is objectivity. Respect, equality, and justice are requirements. Whether someone is wealthy or not, they deserve to be treated decently. The goal of a public administrator is to ensure that the laws passed do not violate anyone's rights in the face of widespread discrimination. Respect and equality should be accorded to all people.
  • Any public official who disparages someone because of their political, cultural, or religious convictions is not functioning in a professional manner. Though opinions are acceptable, this fundamental principle of public administration states that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic standing, should be treated fairly.

Conclusion

Public service values are what shape a good public administrator. However, these core values are more than just beliefs and principles; they are motivations that incite actions. Public administrators must adhere to all the core values to earn public trust. You must learn them, too, if you want to be a public administrator.