Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service

Define the following :

 1) Integrity:– An administrator would undertake an administrative action on the basis of honesty and not use his power, position and discretion to serve his personal interest and the illegitimate interests of other individuals or groups. Integrity is much more than financial honesty

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organizations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

2)Impartiality and non-partisanship:

 Impartiality means acting solely according to the merits of the case and serving governments of different political parties and the general public equally well and in the same spirit. In practice, impartiality often requires public servants to refrain from opinions, positions or actions that demonstrate a bias toward or against a particular cause or course of action, including the defence of government policies. Apolitically impartial public service supports the government of whichever political party the electorate chooses.

3) Objectivity:

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

4) Empathy:

Empathy is the understanding of others by being aware of their needs, perspectives, feelings, concerns. It is being sensitive to what, how and why people feel and think the way they do. Being empathetic is to be able to read the emotions of other people. Empathetic people care about others and show interest in and concern for them.

5) Tolerance and Intolerance :

Tolerance implies respect for others and their opinions and beliefs, which may differ from one’s own. It is appreciation of varying backgrounds of others without any hostilities or prejudices. Tolerance is the foundation for fundamental freedoms and universal human rights enjoyed by people. It is also a tool for fostering peace and recognising that harmony can exist despite dissimilarities amongst people

Intolerance is the unwillingness to accept views, beliefs or behaviour that is different from one’s own. It implies a disregard for the diversity and pluralism present in society. It can assume various forms, such as discrimination and marginalisation of minority groups, and stereotyping communities based on ethnic, sexual and cultural preferences

6) Compassion :

an administrator, without violating the prescribed laws and rules, would demonstrate compassion for the poor, the disabled and the weak while using his discretion in making decisions. At least, he would not grant any benefits to the stronger section of society only because they are strong and would not deny the due consideration to the weak, despite their weakness.

7) Neutrality: 

political neutrality is an essential ingredient of civil service in a democratic setup for integrity the efficiency of administration. It means that the civil service should give free and frank advice to the government impartially and without any political consideration. It also means the implementation of the decisions of the government by the civil service faithfully whether such decisions were in consonance with their advice or not.