Civil Services Prep

What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?

Model answer

  1. What does this quotation mean to you in present context "Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”—Abraham Lincoln. 10 marks
  2. What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions? 10 marks
  3. What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience? 10 marks
  4. What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? 1. Integrity 2. Perseverance 3. Spirit of service 4. Commitment 5. Courage of conviction 15 marks
  5. You are the Executive Director of an upcoming InfoTech Company that is making a name for itself in the market. Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing team. In a short period of one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as well as creating a high brand equity for the Company so much so that you are thinking of promoting him. However, you have been receiving information from many corners about his attitude towards the female colleagues; particularly his habit of making loose comments on women. In addition, he regularly sends indecent SMS to all the team members including his female colleagues. One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who is one of Mr. A’s team members, comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains about the continued misconduct of Mr. A, who has been making undesirable advances toward her and has even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She tenders her resignation and leaves your office. a) What are the options available to you? b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons. 20 marks
  6. A Public Information Officer has received an application under the RTI Act. Having gathered the information, the PIO discovers that the information pertains to some of the decisions taken by him, which were found to be not altogether right. There were other employees also who party to these decisions were. Disclosure of the information is likely to lead to disciplinary action with the possibility of punishment against him as well as some of his colleagues. Non-disclosure or part disclosure or camouflaged disclosure of information will result in lesser punishment or no punishment. The PIO is otherwise an honest and conscientious person but this particular decision, on which the RTI application has been filed, turned out to be wrong. He comes to you for advice. The following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: 1. The PIO could refer the matter to his superior officer seek his advice and act strictly in accordance with the advice, even though he is not completely in agreement with the advice of the superior. 2. The PIO could proceed on leave and leave the matter to be dealt with by his successor in office or request for transfer of the application to another PIO. 3. The PIO could weigh the consequences of disclosing the information truthfully, including the effect on his career, and reply in a manner that would not place him or his career in jeopardy, but at the same time, a little compromise can be made on the contents of the information. 4. The PIO could consult his other colleagues who are party to the decision 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. 20 marks