Q1. What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? (150 words; 10 marks)
Answer
Values mean the principles or standards of behaviour and one’s judgement of what is important in life. It differentiates between good and bad. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that involves systematising, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct.
A civil servant is appointed to perform certain functions and produce results. For example, a police officer must know the rules and laws, must have the skill to investigate, must have good information network, and show courage and leadership to arrest and prosecute the criminals under his jurisdiction.
Ethics is necessary but not sufficient for the due performance of duties. If you are not professionally competent, your ethics may not be of much use to the organisation because despite the best intention, you would not be able to produce desirable results for the organisation. You may end up taking wrong decisions despite your best intentions and cause more harm than good. Therefore, it is required that a person must not only be ethical, but also professionally competent. (168 words)
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