Essential Skills for Public Servants-3

Ethical Behaviour and Morality

Shahid Hussain Raja Independent Consultant-Public Policy

www.sanoconsultants.co.uk

Introduction

What is morality

What are ethics

Why need them

What they entail

Conclusion

Sequence

“Our government is now so huge and affects our lives so directly that we cannot be content with merely a moderately decent level of behavior on

the part of our public officials. For even a small percentage of misbehavior on the part of these officials can do a vast amount of harm”

Senator Paul Douglas- 1952

Ethics and morality are two interdependent but distinct concepts at conceptual as well as at practical levels

They are the basic foundations of any individual, an organization or a civilization for survival and growth.

Greek –character is destiny aptly describes this fundamental truth

If you cannot stand for something, you will fall for anything

Introduction

Personal norms and values about good and bad, your beliefs about fundamentals

Your own behaviour and the one you expect from others

Product of your life experience, knowledge and training

Can differ from person to person even in one social setup

However there are certain moral values which are universal

What is morality

Norms and values of an organization, normally formalised in the shape of codes

Expected conduct and behaviour of the members of that group

Can differ from personal moral values but not substantially from universal morality in case of ethical organizations

Up to a certain level, ethics and morality are the same-honesty, integrity, transparency, fair play are the universal norms

What are ethics

It is the highest value which distinguishes humans from animals, a basic denominator not the highest pedestal.

It is also a legal requirement -you signed an affidavit to remain honest throughout your career.

It is also a social obligation-society expects highest moral standards from its paid servants.

It is constitutional duty- you took an oath under a constitution and all the service framework is based on constitutional provisions, underpinning ethical behaviour

Why we need them

1.Ethical standards for public service should be clear

2.Ethical standards should be reflected in the legal framework

3.Ethical guidance should be available to public servants

4.Public servants should know their rights and obligations when exposing wrongdoing

5.Political commitment to ethics should reinforce the ethical conduct of public servants

6.Decision making process should be transparent and open to scrutiny

Ethical Principles for Public Service

7.There should be clear guidelines for interaction between the public and private sectors

8.Managers should demonstrate and promote ethical conduct

9.managemen policies,procedures and practices should promote ethical conduct

10.public service conditions and management of human resources should promote ethical conduct

11.adequate accountability mechanisms should be in place within the public service

12.approprite procedures and sanctions should exist to deal with misconduct

(OECD Guidelines for Public Service )

Ethical Principles for Public Service

Giving best of you

Ends do not justify means Conflict of Interest and roles

Confidentiality of state secrets

Application of merit principle

Transparent public dealing

Personal morality vs. organizational ethics

Financial prudence and integrity

Essential Ingredients

Public service is a trust; not putting in your best efforts is a breach of trust

Working according to job description is your duty, working beyond is ethics

Work is honour; salary is not its compensation

Life long learning is must to improve your competency and giving best of you

Giving Best of You

Yes, they don’t ! Never fall prey to shortcuts

Only self-alienated person mixes the both

Do not rationalise your procedural lapses by successful execution of a plan

Do go for positive interpretation of rules provided the spirit of the legislation is intact

Ends Don’t Justify Means

Do not deal with any case where your own, or your friends' or family’s interest are involved.

Do not accept any assignment which conflicts

with your job description

If you want to do business/consultancy, seek permission and take leave

Conflict of Interest and Roles

There may be certain moral values which you prefer but if they are in conflict with the organization, then you have to follow these. It is ethical behaviour

You are bound by the rules of the game not by your own moral values how high they may be

In case of conflict between your personal morality and organizational ethics, the latter will be your guiding principles not your own set of values

Organizational Ethics Are Supreme

You are bound by the law to keep state secrets to yourself

Access to Information Act is applicable to non-classified information only

Loose talk about cases you deal is unethical

Giving off-the-record information to press is also unethical and immoral

Settle your score by writing dissenting notes on files ,not through press leakage

Confidentiality of State Secrets

Always apply the merit principle-whether recruiting, posting or appointing a person

Or making any decision about a career, contract or award without any fear or favour

Non-discrimination-on the basis of gender, religion, caste, except where bound by law

Besides being right in itself, in these days of judicial activism, media exposure and civil society intrusion, your career and reputation depends on your being ethical

Application of Merit Principle

Transparency in public dealing is the essence of ethical behaviour

Withholding information with mala fide intentions is as criminal as taking bribe

There is a thick red line between transparency and confidentiality-the intention

Transparent Public Dealing

Acceptance of gifts by public for any reason is totally forbidden

Deposit them with the concerned ministry in case given by the foreigners

Elaborate rules exit for purchasing these gifts if you feel a fancy for any gift

Misusing public funds for personal gain or use-avoid it

Financial prudence and integrity

Ethical behaviour is contagious

Your example will be quoted and followed

Leave better examples to be followed

Conclusions

Thanks