GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities." Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples.

Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of EthicsCivil Service Values

Syllabus: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

How toppers approached it

From all 6 answers · about 170 words.

Opening

  • A definition67%
  • A direct answer17%
  • A quotation17%

Body

  • Points100%

Close

  • A way forward67%
  • A summary33%

The toppers’ answers

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 139 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a direct answer

Public Administration dilemma are often case of legitimate obligation rather than moral ambiguity.

Body · points

Clash of Obligations

  1. Obligation towards objectivity vs obligation toward empathy → Providing midday meal to unregistered child

  2. Short term obligation vs long term obligation → choosing investing in schools vs investing in populism

  3. Obligation toward people vs obligation towards politicians → Partisan approach vs Value neutrality

  4. Obligation toward service rules vs obligation towards family → conflict of interest in awarding contract to family.

  5. Obligation towards state vs obligation towards conscience → Divya Mittal (IAS) → choosing to install pipeline in UP village against state advisory

  6. Obligation to own conscience vs obligation to senior → flagging misappropriation by senior or not

Close · a summary

Thus, solving this dilemmas require 4 cardinal values of : Justice, Temperance, prudence and fortitude among the civil servant.

More on Ethical Dilemmas in Government

Ethical concerns and dilemmas arising in government and private institutions, and how a conflict between two duties is resolved.

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