APSC MAINS 2020 Paper-4 Archives

How are self-accountability and external accountability related to the achievement of ethical standards in public administration?

Points to Remember: Self-accountability: Individual responsibility for one’s actions and adherence to ethical standards. External accountability: Mechanisms and processes outside the individual that ensure ethical conduct (e.g., audits, oversight bodies). Ethical standards: Principles of conduct guiding public officials (e.g., integrity, impartiality, transparency). Interplay: Both self and external accountability are crucial, but neither is sufficient alone. … Read more

Is âethicsâ and âeffective leadershipâ a cause and effect relationship? Enlist some requirements of leaders which will help them to capitalize on their ability to influence ethical conduct.

Points to Remember: Ethics and effective leadership are intertwined but not strictly a cause-and-effect relationship. Ethical leadership fosters trust and improves organizational performance. Unethical leadership can severely damage an organization. Leaders require specific attributes to promote ethical conduct. Introduction: Subscribe on YouTube The question explores the relationship between ethics and effective leadership. While not a … Read more

Examine the extent to which corruption poses a challenge to the development of a proper work culture and acts as a hindrance to the delivery of public services.

Points to Remember: Corruption’s multifaceted impact on work culture. Corruption’s hindrance to public service delivery. Examples and case studies illustrating the negative effects. Policy recommendations for combating corruption and fostering a positive work culture. Introduction: Corruption, the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, is a pervasive global challenge significantly undermining development. It erodes public … Read more

What do you understand by âprobityâ in governance? Examine the ways in which probity and integrity in governance can check misuse of power and enhance the legitimacy of authority.

Points to Remember: Probity in governance refers to integrity, honesty, and uprightness in the conduct of public affairs. It encompasses transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical principles. Probity checks misuse of power by promoting ethical conduct and accountability. Integrity enhances the legitimacy of authority by fostering public trust and confidence. Introduction: Probity in governance is … Read more

âYou must be the change you want to see in the world,â Mahatma Gandhi once said. Discuss the role of administrators as initiators of positive change in society within the regulatory framework of administration, with oneâs conscience as a source of ethical guidance.

Points to Remember: Administrators’ role in societal change. Regulatory framework’s influence. Conscience as an ethical compass. Balancing individual ethics with organizational goals. Strategies for initiating positive change. Introduction: Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote, “You must be the change you want to see in the world,” encapsulates the essence of proactive leadership. This statement is particularly relevant … Read more

Civil services today work in an environment beset with numerous problems and challenges. What is the role of emotional intelligence in guiding administrators to handle these situations?

Points to Remember: Emotional intelligence (EQ) components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Challenges faced by civil servants: corruption, public pressure, political interference, resource constraints, ethical dilemmas. Benefits of EQ in handling challenges: improved decision-making, conflict resolution, team building, public relations, stress management. Limitations of EQ: potential for manipulation, subjective nature of assessment, need … Read more

Discuss the importance of the values of empathy, tolerance, and compassion for a bureaucrat in his/her attitude towards weaker sections of society. Do such values contradict the attitude of impartiality and non-partisanship expected from a civil servant?

Points to Remember: Empathy, tolerance, and compassion are crucial for effective public service. Impartiality and non-partisanship are fundamental principles of bureaucracy. Apparent conflict between empathy and impartiality can be resolved through ethical frameworks. Effective bureaucracy requires a balance between empathy and adherence to rules. Introduction: The Indian bureaucracy, a cornerstone of governance, is expected to … Read more

âFamily as an institution in inculcating values seems to have deteriorated in the recent past.â Do you agree? Justify your stand.

Points to Remember: Changing family structures and dynamics. Impact of technology and globalization. Role of education and societal influences. Importance of intergenerational transmission of values. Potential for strengthening family values. Introduction: Join Our Telegram Channel The family, the fundamental unit of society, traditionally plays a crucial role in transmitting values, beliefs, and cultural norms to … Read more

Law and Ethics are two tools for controlling human conduct. Explain with examples how the two differ in their approaches.

Points to Remember: Law and ethics are distinct but interconnected mechanisms for regulating human behavior. Law relies on codified rules and external enforcement, while ethics relies on internal moral principles and social norms. Differences exist in their scope, enforcement mechanisms, and consequences of violation. Introduction: Human conduct is governed by a complex interplay of formal … Read more