Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start your answer with the definition of the ethical dilemmas.
• Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by public servants with examples.
• Conclude accordingly.

Introduction

An ethical dilemma is a situation where a person is faced with a difficult decision, and both options have moral implications that conflict with one another. Public servants have a critical role to play in shaping society and ensuring that public resources are utilized in the best possible manner. However, they often face ethical dilemmas in their line of duty, which are complex and challenging.

Body

Ethical Dilemmas faced by public servants

• Conflicts of Interest:
  • Public servants may face conflicts of interest, where their personal interests clash with their official duties.
  • For example, a government official may have a financial stake in a project that they are responsible for approving.
  • To avoid such situations, it is important to establish clear codes of conduct and disclosure requirements.
• Bribery and Corruption:
  • Corruption remains a major challenge in many countries, and public servants are often the main perpetrators.
  • Accepting bribes or kickbacks can lead to a loss of public trust and undermine the integrity of the public service.
  • To combat this, anti-corruption measures such as whistleblowing protections and transparency in procurement can be implemented.
• Privacy and Surveillance:
  • With the increasing use of technology, public servants may face ethical dilemmas related to privacy and surveillance.
  • For example, should government agencies be allowed to collect data on citizens without their consent? It is important to balance the need for security and public safety with individual privacy rights.
• Conflicting Values:
  • Public servants may face dilemmas when their personal values conflict with the official policy or organizational culture.
  • For example, a government employee may be asked to carry out an action that goes against their moral principles.
  • It is important to establish a culture of ethical leadership, where public servants are encouraged to speak up and raise concerns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, public servants face a range of complex ethical dilemmas in their line of duty. To address these challenges, it is important to establish clear codes of conduct and ethics, provide training and support, and create a culture of ethical leadership. By doing so, we can ensure that public servants uphold the highest standards of integrity and serve the best interests of the public.