A topper · GS4 · 57 pages

Archana P P: GS4 answer copy

13 answers by Archana P P, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.10 marks
  2. Q1(b), "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?10 marks
  3. Q2(a)The recent decision by the government to ban use of red beacons is only a symbolic gesture and a lot more needs to be done to end the VIP culture in India. Critically discuss.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.10 marks
  5. Q3(a)At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.10 marks
  6. Q3(b)Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.10 marks
  7. Q4(a)Why did Gunnar Myrdal use the term 'soft state' in the context of South Asia? Do you think such a characterisation is still relevant in the case of India today?10 marks
  8. Q4(b)Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.10 marks
  9. Q5Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a "rightful" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.10 marks
  10. Q6What are the factors which draw people to public service? Suggest measures to keep public servants motivated.10 marks
  11. Q8Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?10 marks
  12. Q9You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?20 marks
  13. Q9(e)A framework of standard operating procedure to meet dual

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 106 words written

The more remotely power is exercised from the people, the greater is the distance between authority and accountability. Discuss.

Opening

More is the centralisation of power, farther is the power exercise from accountability.

Body · continuous prose

Centralisation pushes the exercise of power away from the people on whom it is exercised. It reduces access of people towards the authority. It reduces the instances where people can question the authority and demand answers. Enforcing answerability

becomes a challenge in such a case.

In contrast, greater decentralisation reduces distance between power centre and people. This not only makes access to authority easier, but also makes people empowered about their right to seek answers.

Close

Enforcing accountability in grass roots authority is easier and simpler than an authority that sit far from people.