Ethics, integrity and aptitude

What constitutes an individual's attitude, and how do persuasion and social influence contribute to fostering a positive attitude?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. In what ways does attitude influence one's thoughts and behaviors?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Attitude

Most of the time, the bilateral conflicts become difficult to resolve due to mutual suspicion. How does the 'Panch Sheel' help in promoting ethical relations between countries?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Ethics in International Relations

Gandhiji equated cleanliness to godliness. Unfortunately in the land of Gandhi, we find urban areas to be unclean & dirty despite dedicated schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Competition is often blamed for instigating cheating and unethical behaviour. I do not think the blame is justified.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education

Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO), faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and after due diligence, failed to realize promised outcomes. There were other employees who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. The RTI Act has served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend. RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully. (a) Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation. (b) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Transparency and InformationAccountability and Ethical Governance

Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a) "The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail."- Nelson Mandela

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics

Bring out the relevance of the seven principles of public life stated by the Nolan Committee in the Indian context, with the help of examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

Civil Service ValuesProbity in Governance

A positive work culture is crucial for organizational success. What factors contribute to building such a culture in government institutions?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Work CultureCivil Service Values

A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affect a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Aptitude for Civil ServiceAttitude

Even strongest regulatory mechanism can't prevent leak completely

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

CorruptionProbity in Governance

If parents are not ready, then even if one forces them to have the child, they won't be able to give him/her the future it deserves

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018

Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics

What is the relationship between attitude and behaviour? Examine how deep-seated social attitudes can limit the effectiveness of ethical laws and institutional reforms.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

Discuss whether some restrictions on enjoyment of freedom are necessary in the interest of social harmony.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Dimensions of EthicsLaw and Morality

You are an IAS officer with 10 years of service. This is your 1st posting as a District Magistrate (DM) in a big city. Prior to this you have always held not so important junior designations in the remote parts of the state. You are happy that you got a lucrative posting and now your children can have good schooling in the city. As a DM, you are appointed as the Returning Officer (RO) for the 18th Lok Sabha elections in your district's parliamentary constituency. In the above capacity, you are responsible for overseeing the electoral process, ensuring conducting a free, fair and transparent election in the constituency as well as upholding the democratic ethos of the constitution and public at large. A powerful politician serving as a minister from the ruling party is contesting election from the constituency. You are well versed with the fact that the minister adopts malpractices during the election. The minister approached and promised you with key positions, career advancements and further promotions in future on the condition that you overlook his corrupt practices during this election. He also warns you of the consequences if his demands are not met. Since, for the past many years, you have been assigned to less significant posts in the state, you cannot simply let go of such postings in near future. 1. As a civil servant what are the ethical dilemmas involved in the above situation? 2. List the options available to you and justify which one you would choose.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

What is aptitude? Do you think that it is different from interest, skill and intelligence?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Aptitude for Civil Service

Discuss the importance of being a role model for achieving success as a leader. In this context, what do you think are the qualities that separate a leader from a manager?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

Human ValuesCivil Service Values

As the current generation is responsible for climate change, it should take moral ownership and be held responsible for solving the crisis.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

Environmental EthicsDimensions of Ethics

The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Human ValuesEthics in Private and Public Life

Mr. X is a renowned Architect. He receives a contract of Rs. 500 crores to design and lead a building project that would not only be an architectural landmark but also involves engineering challenges the solutions for which would change the industry. The building would house the headquarters of a successful company Fictitious Corp. Its chairman, Mr. Y is renowned for his acumen as well as temper. After spending time on the drawing board, Mr. X comes up with an innovative design which in itself is a masterpiece. His office had to lay out the plan and then coordinate with the engineering firms to execute it to perfection. The building is constructed in record time and is praised for its ingenuity and the experts also look at it as an engineering milestone. After six months of its construction, Ms. Z, a doctoral student of mathematics, visits the building for her work on structural engineering calculations. She has immense respect for Mr. X's work. However, she finds that her calculations do not satisfy the requirements of structural integrity for which the building has been widely hailed. She realizes that the building's structure has a deficiency based on the bolted beams used for structural support; this was inadequate if the impact of vertical winds on the building is taken into account. It not only created a threat for the building and its occupants but also the buildings and people nearby. Mr. X is informed of these calculations by the student and her supervisor. However, Mr. X, meticulous as he is, has confidence on his work and detailed design. He looks at the issue seriously and spends time on the design. He indeed finds no flaw in his design and also notes that his design entails the use of welded rather than bolted beams. At the time he is negotiating the construction of another building where the issue of welded versus bolted metal beams is a sticking point. Mr. X. prefers welded beams as they are twice as strong as the requirements are. However, the engineering firm responsible for actual construction job and procuring the steel beams points out that double bolted beams are strong enough to meet the requirement, are cost effective and also fulfill the building code requirements. After the meeting Mr. X visits the Fictitious Corp building, and to his horror he realizes that bolted rather than welded beams have been used in the construction of the building. He asks for the design that his office has used after final approval. He notices that indeed the final designs show the use of bolted beams. These beams are classified as trusses which meet the regulatory requirements but not the structural capacity as envisaged by Mr. X initially. He further enquires and is told that the engineering firm responsible for construction work had also given similar arguments about the sufficiency, cost effectiveness and regulatory [compliance].

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentIntegrity

Differentiate between the following: ii) Ethics in private relationships and ethics in public life.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life

All nations give first priority to their citizens for example they are given some constitutional rights which are not enjoyed by people of other countries. Doesn't it show giving preference to citizen over human? Is it ethically justifiable to divide people on the basis of citizenship, that is, territorial sovereignty? Illustrate and explain.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics

Anand Singh is a government bus conductor working with the Nav Pradesh Transport Corporation. Anand has completed 35 years of service and is due for retirement next year. Anand is happy because he is hopeful of getting his daughter, Madhvi, married from the money he will receive as his retirement benefits. However, Anand's wife pesters him to earn more money in one way or the other. Anand likes his job, and all the passengers in his route vouch for his good nature and helpful behaviour. One day, Suresh, Anand's boss, called Anand in his cabin. He told Anand that a complaint has been filed against him by a person for illegally taking the ticket money from him without issuing the receipt for the ticket. Suresh explained to Anand that this act amounted to misappropriation of government money. Suresh always saw Anand as a decent individual and he asked him as to why he indulged in such an act? Anand, visibly disturbed, told Suresh that as the conductor of a government bus he receives a meagre salary, grossly insufficient to meet the needs of his family. He told him that that his younger daughter, Sarita, suffers from chronic kidney ailment, and requires dialysis twice a week. A huge chunk of his paltry salary goes towards the cost of Sarita's treatment. Moreover, as a single bread-winner of the family, he has to cater to the needs of his elderly parents. Anand further tells Suresh that since last one year a substantial portion of his income goes towards repaying the loan that he took for his elder daughter's college education. Anand laments that even after working for 35 long years, he is unable to provide for his family beyond the bare basic necessities. He tells Suresh that he is aware of many incidents of large-scale corruption in the road transport department that go virtually unnoticed. Further, Anand justifies his act of taking money by highlighting that almost every colleague of his indulges in such practices, and in comparison, to them, what he took, just fifty rupees, is ignorable and paltry. Further, he brought to light the fact that at times they, the conductors, were expected to give their immediate superiors a bribe in the name of convenience fees for various official tasks. While listening to Anand, Suresh feels compassion for him. He decides to verify the veracity of Anand's claim with regard to the dire straits of his financial conditions. On enquiry, all the workers in the office attested to the fact that Anand is going through a very bad phase and that he frequently resorts to short term loans in order to meet his financial requirements. Moreover, the office employees requested Suresh to take a lenient view of Anand's case. They were of the view that if a strong action is taken over such a trivial incident, then it would be highly unjust and unfair towards Anand. On reaching his home, Suresh shared the whole occurrence and Anand's story with his wife. To his surprise, his wife too agreed with the employees of the office. They told him that such small incidents are a routine matter. Also, with rising inflation and increasing obligations, this is the only way for people like Anand to make their ends meet. She asks Suresh to not waste his time and energy over such a small matter. Suresh knows Anand as a hard-working individual who has many mouths to feed at home. Suresh shares genuine sympathy with him, however, he also understands that embezzlement of government money, irrespective of amount and circumstances, is wrong. Now he is in a state of dilemma over his course of action. a) Why are the incidents of petty corruption trivialized? According to you, is it justifiable to ignore small incidents of corruption? b) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

CorruptionEmpathy and Compassion

In general, the higher a position in an organization, the more emotional intelligence matters. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

Emotional Intelligence

"There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts."-Mahatma Gandhi

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

Sources of Ethical GuidanceIndian Thinkers