UPSC CSE MAINS 2023 Ethics Key Points - Section A

 What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)

Moral Integrity - Individual's adherence to a set of ethical principles, values, and moral standards; it involves consistently doing what is right and just, regardless of external pressures or temptations.

Moral Integrity in Corporate Governance

·         Adherence to ethical principles, values, and moral standards in all business activities

·         Corporate leaders must be honest and transparent in their dealings.

·         They should provide accurate and complete information to shareholders, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Professional Efficiency - Professional efficiency pertains to an individual's ability to perform tasks, fulfill responsibilities, and achieve goals effectively and competently within a professional or work-related context. Possessing the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise required for a particular job or role.

Professional Efficiency in Corporate Governance:

·         Competence and effectiveness of corporate leaders and their ability to make sound decisions for the benefit of the organization and its stakeholders

·         Competent leaders possess the skills and knowledge necessary to run the business effectively.

·         They understand the industry, financial management, and strategic planning.

 

International aid is an accepted form of helping resource-challenged nations. Comment on ethics in contemporary international aid. Support your answer with suitable examples.

Ethical considerations in contemporary international aid

·         Respect the sovereignty and autonomy of the recipient country and its people.

·         Designed and implemented to maximize its positive impact on the well-being of the recipient population.

·         Donors and aid organizations should be transparent about how aid funds are used, and there should be mechanisms for accountability.

·         Designed with a focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term relief.

·         Culturally sensitive and respect the local customs, values, and traditions of the recipient community.

·         Aim to empower recipients rather than create dependency.

·         Consider the environmental impact of development projects and aim for sustainability.

·         Address gender disparities and ensure that marginalized groups are included and empowered.

 

“Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?

·         Incorporate ethics and values-based education in schools and universities. Teach students about the consequences of corruption and the importance of honesty and integrity.

·         Conduct public awareness campaigns that highlight the harmful effects of corruption on society and emphasize the benefits of ethical behavior.

·         Enforce strict anti-corruption laws and regulations that deter corrupt practices and hold wrongdoers accountable.

·         Implement robust whistleblower protection laws to encourage individuals to report corruption without fear of retaliation.

·         Promote transparency in government operations, budgets, and procurement processes. Make information accessible to the public.

·         Implement e-governance solutions to reduce the need for face-to-face interactions with government officials, minimizing opportunities for corruption.

·         Promote citizen participation in decision-making processes to ensure accountability.

·         Create incentives for individuals and organizations to engage in ethical behavior, such as tax incentives, awards, or recognition.

 

In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion and undue influence’ with suitable examples.

Coercion

·         Involves using force, threats, or intimidation to make someone do something against their will.

·         Example: A supervisor threatening to fire an employee if they don't work overtime, even when it's not contractually required.

Undue Influence

·         Refers to exerting unfair or improper pressure to influence someone's decision without their full consent.

·         Example: A coworker offering promotions or favors in exchange for confidential information, exploiting a colleague's vulnerability.

 

Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of the quotations convey to you is the present test?

“The simplest arts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”- Mahatma Gandhi

·         Gandhi emphasizes that practical acts of kindness hold greater power and significance than religious rituals done without genuine compassion.

·         It suggests that tangible help and empathy are more impactful than empty gestures.

·         Kindness fosters empathy, compassion, and a sense of community, which are crucial for social cohesion.

·         Simple acts of kindness can diffuse tensions and conflicts more effectively than formal rituals or displays of authority.

·         In public service, prioritizing acts of kindness can lead to better service delivery, enhanced public trust, and improved community relationships.

·         For example, a police officer showing understanding and empathy while addressing a community's concerns can be more effective in maintaining order than mere authority.

 

To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves”.- Jawaharlal Nehru

·         Nehru highlights the pivotal role of women in driving societal and national progress. When women are empowered, it positively impacts families, communities, and the entire nation.

·         Recognizes the importance of gender equality and the need to empower women to achieve social and economic development.

·         Acknowledges that the well-being and progress of families are closely tied to the status and participation of women.

·         In public service, recognizing the significance of women's empowerment can lead to policies and programs that address gender disparities and promote inclusivity. For instance, initiatives focused on women's health, education, and economic opportunities can have far-reaching social benefits.

“Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle- Swami Vivekananda

·         Vivekananda underscores the consequences of hatred and the transformative power of love. Hatred can harm the individual harboring it, while love can bring about positive change and inner peace.

·         It encourages individuals to cultivate emotions like love, forgiveness, and understanding, contributing to peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution.

·         Hatred can lead to stress, resentment, and personal suffering, while love and forgiveness promote emotional well-being.

·         In public service, embracing these values can lead to fair and just decision-making, improved community relations, and more effective conflict resolution. For example, government leaders who promote reconciliation and unity rather than division can lead to a more stable and harmonious society.

 

“What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills -your EQ- not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.” Do you agree with the view? Give reasons in support of your answer.

·         EQ includes empathy, communication, and interpersonal skills, which are vital in building relationships and collaborations, especially in public service.

·         Effective leadership in public service often requires emotional intelligence to inspire and motivate teams.

·         EQ aids in resolving conflicts, crucial in managing disputes and controversies in public service.

·         EQ helps individuals adapt to change, a critical skill in rapidly evolving public service environments.

·         High EQ fosters mental well-being, reducing stress and promoting resilience, important for maintaining ethical conduct in public service.

 

Differentiate ‘moral intuition” from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples.

Moral Intuition:

·         Involves immediate, instinctive moral judgments without extensive analysis.

·         Example: Feeling a strong sense of wrong when witnessing a helpless person being bullied.

·         It can guide quick decision-making in critical situations but may lack depth and reasoning.

Moral Reasoning:

·         Involves a deliberate, cognitive process where individuals use logic, ethical principles, and reflection to make moral judgments.

·         Example: Deliberating whether a company's cost-cutting measures that lead to layoffs are morally justifiable.

·         Provides a systematic, well-justified approach to ethical dilemmas in public service, helping ensure decisions align with ethical principles and policies.

Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making. Discuss

·         Conscience - Represents an individual's internal moral compass, influenced by personal values, principles, and beliefs.

·         Laws, Rules, and Regulations - External guidelines established by society, organizations, or governments to regulate behavior.

·         Conscience can provide a more immediate sense of right and wrong, but its reliability depends on an individual's moral development and subjective values.

·         Laws and regulations provide a standardized ethical framework but may not always encompass all moral considerations.

·         In public service, a balance is essential: Conscience should guide adherence to laws, rules, and regulations, ensuring ethical decision-making that aligns with broader societal values and legal requirements.

·         Ethical public servants should be prepared to challenge laws or regulations that contradict their deeply held moral convictions (through the legal channels), but this should be done thoughtfully and responsibly, considering potential consequences and alternatives.

 

Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development. Discuss

·         Probity, which refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, is vital for building trust among citizens and stakeholders in governance.

·         When the government and public officials demonstrate probity, people have confidence in the system, which fosters social cohesion and encourages investment and economic growth.

·         Probity acts as a safeguard against corruption and unethical behavior within the government and public institutions. Transparent, honest, and accountable governance reduces the scope for corrupt practices that divert resources away from socio-economic development.

·         In a system marked by probity, resources are allocated efficiently and judiciously, ensuring that public funds are used for the benefit of citizens. This leads to better infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other services that contribute to socio-economic development.

·         Countries known for probity in governance are often more attractive to foreign and domestic investors. Investors are more likely to commit capital where they perceive a low risk of corruption and a high likelihood of their investments being protected and generating returns.

·         It leads to stable institutions, reduced conflicts, and an environment conducive to sustainable development.

What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

Oneness of God

·         Guru Nanak emphasized monotheism and the belief in one universal God.

·         It promotes religious tolerance and understanding, fostering harmony in a diverse world.

Equality and Social Justice:

·         Guru Nanak advocated for equality among all humans, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender.

·         These teachings inspire contemporary efforts for social justice, gender equality, and inclusion.

Community Service:

·         Guru Nanak stressed the importance of selfless service to humanity.

·         It encourages volunteerism and philanthropy, addressing contemporary social challenges.

Rejecting Rituals and Formalities:

·         Guru Nanak discouraged empty rituals and emphasized a direct, personal connection with God.

·         It encourages spiritual introspection and a focus on inner values over external practices.

Interfaith Dialogue:

·         Guru Nanak engaged in dialogue with followers of different faiths.

·         It promotes interfaith harmony and understanding in a pluralistic world.

 

Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?

·         Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and trust that exist within a society or community. It encompasses social cohesion, cooperation, and shared norms and values.

·         High social capital leads to greater trust among citizens and between citizens and government officials, facilitating cooperation and compliance with laws and policies.

·         Social capital encourages individuals and communities to hold public officials accountable for their actions, reducing corruption and promoting transparency.

·         It promotes inclusivity and participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that diverse voices are heard in governance.

·         Communities with strong social capital are better equipped to resolve conflicts peacefully and collaboratively, reducing instability.

·         In a community with high social capital, residents may work together to maintain shared public spaces, reducing the burden on local government resources.

·         Trust and cooperation among different ethnic or religious groups can lead to more inclusive policies and greater social harmony.