Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

Ethical dilemmas are an inherent part of public administration. They arise when a civil servant is confronted with conflicting duties, competing values, or diverse stakeholder interests. While such dilemmas are inevitable, ethical decision-making remains non-negotiable as administrators are entrusted with public trust, accountability, and fairness.

Body :

Moral Reasoning in Administrative Decision-Making

• Moral reasoning is the process through which administrators evaluate ethical choices and anticipate consequences. It involves reflective thinking about what is right, just, and in the public interest.
• Key approaches include:
  • Deontological Approach: Decisions are guided by rules, duties, and legal mandates. For example, a police officer refusing to yield to political pressure while registering a complaint demonstrates adherence to duty.
  • Utilitarian Approach: Choices aim to maximize overall public good. During a flood, allocating relief to the most affected areas first reflects utilitarian reasoning.
  • Virtue Ethics: Decisions are informed by moral virtues like honesty, empathy, and fairness. For instance, a health officer ensuring equitable vaccine distribution to all sections, regardless of political influence, demonstrates virtue ethics.
• These frameworks help administrators navigate complex scenarios and justify their decisions ethically.

Conflict Resolution in Ethical Dilemmas

• Ethical dilemmas often involve conflicts among stakeholders, laws, and organisational goals.
• Effective conflict resolution is essential to maintain public trust:
  • Transparency: Open communication about decision-making processes reduces suspicion.
    • Example: Publishing allocation criteria for government subsidies enhances credibility.
  • Consultation and Deliberation: Engaging peers, experts, and ethics committees helps balance competing interests.
    • Example: During urban development projects, involving local representatives ensures that the project respects environmental and social concerns.
  • Prioritisation of Public Interest: Ethical decision-making requires placing societal welfare above personal or political gain.
    • Example: In handling sensitive health data, officials must balance privacy concerns with the need for public safety.

Conclusion :

Ethical dilemmas are inherent to administration, emerging from the interplay of political pressures, resource constraints, and societal diversity. Nevertheless, ethical decision-making is non-negotiable, as it ensures accountability, institutional legitimacy, and the integrity of democratic governance. By applying moral reasoning, principled deliberation, and structured conflict resolution, administrators can navigate competing pressures while upholding fairness, integrity, and public trust.