Introduction The concept of the ‘voice of conscience’ is deeply rooted in ethical philosophy, moral reasoning, and individual integrity. It refers to an inner sense of right and wrong that guides individuals in making ethical decisions. This moral compass is shaped by personal values, cultural influences, and societal norms, helping individuals distinguish between just and…
Introduction Public institutions are established with the fundamental objective of safeguarding and promoting the rights of individuals in a democratic society. These institutions include legislative bodies, judiciary, law enforcement agencies, human rights commissions, and various government agencies responsible for social welfare. The effectiveness of public institutions in preserving rights is a subject of debate, as…
Introduction The field of public administration plays a crucial role in governance and societal well-being. It is often viewed as a technical and procedural function, but its core essence is deeply rooted in ethics and morality. The statement “Administration is a moral act and administrator is a moral agent” underscores the ethical responsibilities embedded in…
Introduction Impartiality is a fundamental principle in ethical, legal, and social justice frameworks. It refers to an unbiased and fair approach to decision-making, where no individual or group is favored over another. Impartiality is a core tenet in governance, judicial systems, and policy formulation, ensuring that justice and fairness are upheld for all, regardless of…
Public servants play a crucial role in governance and administration. Their attitudes significantly impact public service delivery, governance effectiveness, and citizen satisfaction. In this context, two distinct approaches shape the functioning of public servants: the democratic attitude and the bureaucratic attitude. While both are essential in different circumstances, understanding their differences is crucial for improving…
The statement “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and terrible” brings to light two vital qualities that are necessary for personal growth, effective leadership, and societal well-being: integrity and knowledge. While each of these qualities is valuable on its own, the balance between them is what shapes ethical…
Public life is the sphere in which individuals interact with society, government, and institutions, where they perform roles that impact the community and public welfare. The ethical principles that guide public life are paramount to ensuring the functioning of a just, fair, and equitable society. These principles provide a foundation for how public servants, policymakers,…
The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture, is part of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a philosophical dialogue between the prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. The Gita offers profound teachings on a wide range of ethical, moral, spiritual, and psychological issues. Its philosophical teachings have been interpreted…
The statement, “While formulating public policies a civil servant must safely focus on the public welfare and while implementing those policies he must have a foresight to infer possible unexpected consequences,” holds significant merit in the context of public administration. This statement emphasizes two critical aspects of a civil servant’s role: formulating policies that prioritize…
Ethical governance refers to the principles and practices of managing public affairs, policies, and public institutions in a manner that is fair, transparent, accountable, and responsible. It ensures that decisions made by public administrators, elected officials, and institutions align with societal values, legal standards, and moral principles. Ethical governance is not only concerned with adhering…