Ethics is grounded in the notion of responsibility and accountability. In democracy, every holder of public office is accountable ultimately to the people. Such accountability is enforced through a system of laws and rules, which the elected representatives of the people enact in their legislatures. Ethics provides the basis for the creation of such laws and rules. It is the moral ideas of people that give rise to and shapes the character of laws and rules. Our legal system emanates from a shared vision of what is good and just.
The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all persons holding authority derive it from the people; in other words, all public functionaries are trustees of the people. With the expansion of the role of government, public functionaries exercise considerable influence over the lives of people. The trusteeship relationship between the public and the officials requires that the authority entrusted to the officials be exercised in the best interest of the people or in ‘public interest’.
The role of ethics in public life has many dimensions. At one end is the expression of high moral values and at the other, the specifics of action for which a public functionary can be held legally accountable. Any framework of ethical behaviour must include the following elements:
a) Codifying ethical norms and practices.
b) Disclosing personal interest to avoid conflict between public interest and personal gain.
c) Creating a mechanism for enforcing the relevant codes.
d) Providing norms for qualifying and disqualifying a public functionary from office.
A system of laws and rules, however elaborate, cannot provide for all situations. It is no doubt desirable, and perhaps possible, to govern the conduct of those who occupy positions in the lower echelons and exercise limited or no discretion. But the higher the echelon in public service, the greater is the ambit of discretion. And it is difficult to provide for a system of laws and rules that can comprehensively cover and regulate the exercise of discretion in high places.
One of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office came from the Committee on Standards in Public Life in the United Kingdom, popularly known as the Nolan Committee, which outlined the following seven principles of public life:
These principles of public life are of general applicability in every democracy. Arising out of such ethical principles a set of guidelines of public behaviour in the nature of a code of conduct becomes essential for public functionaries. Indeed, any person who is privileged to guide the destiny of the people must not only be ethical but must be seen to practice these ethical values. Although all citizens are subject to the laws of the land, in the case of public servants there must be standards of behaviour more stringent than those for an ordinary citizen. It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. A code of ethics would cover broad guiding principles of good behaviour and governance while a more specific code of conduct should, in a precise and unambiguous manner, stipulate a list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and action
Case 1. A MNC has recently started mining operations in India. The company is trying to make its name in the mining industry for which it is ready to offer a lucrative salary along with certain percentage of shares in the business. Your resume has been shortlisted for the interview. During the interview session with MNC’s Global CEO, you got a hint that of the company has a record of indulging into malign practices like bribery of government officials and violation labour laws. There are chances that you may be called upon to involve in unethical practices once you get into the job. You are in a dire need of a good job and the opportunity is huge for you and your family. Also, you cannot hold someone guilty on basis of just planning; a penultimate act is very much required in the planned direction.
a) What are the options available to you?
b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the most appropriate one? (250 words, 20 marks)
Solution
Here is a case of perceived corruption on the part of MNC. There would be dilemma in joining the company as the prevailing work culture may corrupt the individual in one way or the other and at the same time provide good opportunity for work and changing the work culture itself.
Following are some other issue and values involved in the case:
i) Corporate ethics - Respect for national rules and laws by MNC’s.
ii) The issue of bribe in government departments
iii) Any potential unethical practices in mining companies would have huge social and environmental implication.
iv) Confidence in one’s own integrity and value of courage if asked to indulge in corrupt practices.
v) Effectiveness of individuals in resolving ethical dilemma.
Options available
a) Don’t take the job.
b) Take the job but clarify beforehand to work strictly within the realm of law.
c) Take the job, observe if anything wrong goes on or is asked to be done form the management. If it is, then try various persuasion techniques to influence the work culture and management decision. If it does not work, then resign.
Merits of the option
Demerits of the option
b) Clarify beforehand to work strictly within the realm of law.
Merits of the option
Demerits of the option
c) Take the job, observe, persuade, and resign if nothing works.
Merits of the option
Demerits of the option
Conclusion
a) The most appropriate option is the third one i.e., take the job, observe, persuade, and resign if nothing works. It is easy to criticize the unethical and immoral actions, but it is difficult to mend them. It is the moral responsibility to attempt persuade people and protect the nation.
Case 2. Rajeshvar works in a private company where chances of promotion and career advancement are very limited. He has very good relations with his immediate boss and only because of this; Rajeshvar along with few other colleagues has been invited for a dinner by his boss. While having dinner, Rajeshvar saw that a girl of 9- 10 year age is working in the kitchen as a domestic help. Rajeshvar felt very bad and above this, his boss was not even behaving well with that girl. He yelled at her for every mistake she made during the party. Any action against the boss may ruin the chances of Rajeshvar to get promoted. What shall he do in such a situation?
The following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:
a) Rajeshvar shall ignore what he saw and must concentrate on his career.
b) Take stern action against the boss and file a police complaint after warning him.
c) Advice boss in a polite manner that employing such a young girl is against law and humanity
d) Rajeshvar shall consult his other colleagues who are present in the party and take action as per their advice.
Also please indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to advise, giving proper reasons. (300 words, 25 marks)
Solution
The case presents the sorry picture of child labour in our country. It also highlights our uncompassionate attitude towards domestic help. There is inconsistency in the behaviour with people we work with or are dependent on in one way or other and with others who are weak like domestic help. This shows lack of integrity and relationship dependent on need rather than inherent values.
a) Ignore and concentrate on career Merits of the option
Demerits of the option
b) File a police complaint after warning him.
Merits of the option
Demerits of the option
c) Advise the boss politely
Merits of the option
Demerits of the option
d) Consult other colleague for advice
Merits of the option
Demerits of the option
Advise for Rajeshwar
Aim of Rajeshvar must be to bring permanent attitudinal change in his boss and not to just deal with this articular case. Hence, he must adopt holistic and innovative approach which may involve
Conclusion
Finally, either the boss must treat the girl like his daughter proving her basic schooling etc or the girl must go back to her parents to not miss on her parental affection which is extremely important for emotional and overall development.
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1. What is ethics in public life? |
2. Why is ethics important in public life? |
3. How does ethics influence decision-making in public life? |
4. What are some examples of ethical challenges in public life? |
5. How can ethics in public life be promoted and upheld? |
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