Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The statement "Attitude shapes behavior, while aptitude determines capability" is a nuanced exploration of the interplay between personal qualities and professional performance.

• While aptitude refers to the inherent abilities or talents that equip individuals for certain tasks, attitude encompasses their mindset, values, and beliefs.

Body

Attitude Shaping Behavior:

• Attitude as a Driver of Ethical Conduct: A positive attitude towards public service can lead to more ethical behavior.
  • Example: IAS officer Armstrong Pame, known as the "Miracle Man," demonstrated exceptional dedication by personally funding and overseeing the construction of a 100 km road in Manipur, connecting remote villages.
• Attitude's role in Fostering Innovation: A positive attitude can inspire creative solutions to ethical challenges in governance.
  • IAS officer Hari Chandana Dasari initiated the "Feed the Need" program in Hyderabad, installing community refrigerators where people could donate excess food for the needy.
  • Her innovative attitude shaped a behavior that addressed both food waste and hunger issues.
• Attitude's Influence on Team Morale: A leader's positive attitude can inspire many throughout the organization. IAS officer Suhas L.Y., clinched a silver medal in badminton at Paris 2024 Paralympics.
  • A positive attitude can motivate individuals to go beyond their comfort zones and strive for excellence.
    • For instance, IAS officer Himanshu Nagpal's commitment to helping lost children was driven by a deep sense of compassion and empathy, motivating him to spearhead Mission Muskaan.
• Attitude's Impact on Transparency: A positive attitude towards openness can lead to more transparent governance practices.
  • IAS officer Smita Sabharwal, known as the "People's Officer," initiated an open-door policy.
  • Her attitude of accessibility shaped her behavior, enhancing transparency and public trust.

Aptitude Determining Capability:

• Aptitude as a Foundation for Competent Governance: While attitude drives behavior, aptitude provides the necessary skills to implement ethical decisions effectively.
  • Example: IAS officer Rajendra Bhatt utilized his aptitude in technology and governance to develop the "Bhilwara Model" during the Covid-19 pandemic.
    • His capability in crisis management and data analysis helped contain the spread of the virus effectively in the district.
• Aptitude's Role in Ethical Decision-making: Strong cognitive abilities are essential for navigating complex ethical dilemmas.
  • IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan demonstrated his aptitude for ethical decision-making when he resigned from his post to protest the restrictions imposed in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Aptitude's Importance in Resource Management: Strong technical skills are crucial for managing public resources ethically and efficiently.
  • IAS officer C. Sridhar used his aptitude in financial management to implement a transparent e-tendering system in Tamil Nadu, significantly reducing corruption in public procurement.

Conclusion

The ideal scenario for ethical governance is when officers possess both a positive, service-oriented attitude and the requisite aptitude to implement their ethical vision effectively. This combination can lead to innovative, transparent, and citizen-centric governance that truly serves the public interest.