What is Ethics? Core Principles of Ethics ?What is ethical dilemma?Encounter some of the ethical dilemma faced by Public servant?

 Ethics could be said to be “MORAL PRINCIPLES” and Values , that governs the behaviours of a person or a Group, with respect to what is right or wrong ?Ethics sets standards , as to what is GOOD or BAD in CONDUCT and DECISION MAKING.

Ethics, to be a prescribed and commonly shared ‘values and standards , relating to’:- 

• Trustworthiness-(in the form of) honesty, integrity, reliability and loyalty;

 • Responsibility-( in the form of ) Accountability, pursuit of excellence, and self Restraint; 

• Fairness(in the form of )- open and un-biased process, impartiality and equity ; 

• Respect(in the form of )-civility, courtesy, decency , tolerance and compassion ; and 

• Rules of Conduct- especially those regarding financial gains, use of public –resources, Transparency, accountability and fair process.

What is ethical dilemma?

An ETHICAL DILEMMA is a complex situation, that often involves an apparent conflict between moral imperatives, in which to obey one would result in transgressing the other. Ethical Dilemma arises because Ethical Standards are not codified, and disagreements and dilemmas about proper behaviour often occur. An Ethical Dilemma arises in a situation when each alternative ‘choice’ or behaviour, is undesirable, because of potentially harmful consequences. 

Encounter some of the ethical dilemma faced by Public servant?

• Personal Cost Ethical Dilemmas, arising from situations in which compliance with ethical conduct results in a significant personal cost(e.g jeopardising held position, injuring valued relationship) to the Public Servant, or the decision maker.

Right –versus Right Ethical Dilemmas, arising from situations of two or more conflicting sets of bona fide ethical values( public servants responsibility of being open and accountable to Citizens versus that of adhering to oath od secrecy/confidentiality etc); and

Conjoint Ethical Dilemmas, arising from situations in which a conscientious public servant –decision-maker is exposed to a combination of the already mentioned ethical dilemmas for the “right –thing –to-do”. 

How to solve ethical dilemma?

process of dealing with Ethical Dilemmas in Public Administration :- 

• Democratic ACCOUNTABILITY of Administration; 

• The Rule of Law and principle of’ LEGALITY; 

• Professional INTEGRITY; and 

• RESPONSIVENESS to Civil Society