GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.

Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Syllabus: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

How toppers approached it

From 5 of the 6 answers · about 170 words · 20% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition60%
  • A date or context20%
  • No separate opening20%

Body

  • Points and prose100%

Close

  • A way forward60%
  • No separate close20%
  • A summary20%

The toppers’ answers

Vishakha YadavAIR 6 · CSE 2019 · 162 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Max Weber a great scholar who gave the 'Ideal Type' model of a sound, impartial and efficient Bureaucracy.

Impersonal management simply corresponds to the impartial and neutral nature of the civil servant. Ex: The instances of giving preferance to public over private sphere, Organisation over personal gains.

It helps maintain the meritocracy and efficiency.

However, impersonal management should always be coupled with the application of conscience. In a country such as India we see the presence of 28% of population in multipoverty deprivation. (WB)

To meet the needs of the constitutionally mandated social justice strict (A.46) adherence and indifference isn't right. The classical case here would be the

Body · points and prose

  • Development vs Rehabilitation / Displacement debate
  • National Interest vs Public Interest

In such situations, it is important to use conscience, emotional intelligence and an impartial attitude rather than mere neutrality bringing the idea of "common good"

Nehru once remarked -

  • "Neutrality in civil services would bring about fossilisation of the administration"

Close · no separate close

None written.

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