1
Ethics
Full Length Test
By : [Link]
Q1.
● (a) "Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and
what is right to do." — Potter Stewart. Explain the relevance of this quote for
public servants.
● (b) Discuss the importance of transparency in public administration. How does it
contribute to good governance?
Q2.
● (a) Define integrity and explain its importance in the context of public life.
● (b) How can a public servant maintain integrity while dealing with pressures from
political and social interests?
Q3.
● (a) "Ethical leadership is not about making the easy choice but about making the
right choice." Discuss the role of ethical leadership in civil services.
● (b) How can emotional intelligence contribute to resolving ethical dilemmas in
administration?
Q4.
● (a) What is conflict of interest? Explain with examples how it can undermine
public trust in governance.
● (b) Suggest measures that can be adopted by civil servants to avoid conflicts of
interest in their professional roles.
Q5.
● (a) "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a
rock." — Thomas Jefferson. Discuss the relevance of this statement for public
officials.
● (b) How do ethical principles guide public decision-making, especially in
situations of moral ambiguity?
Ethics Full Length Test by [Link]
2
Q6.
● (a) What do you understand by probity in governance? Why is it crucial for
maintaining public trust in government institutions?
● (b) How can public institutions promote probity and accountability in their
functioning?
Q7.
● (a) Differentiate between empathy and sympathy in the context of public service.
Why is empathy considered a key attribute for civil servants?
● (b) How can a civil servant balance empathy with the need for impartiality in their
official duties?
Q8.
● (a) Define ethical neutrality in public administration. Should civil servants always
practice it?
● (b) How can civil servants resolve ethical dilemmas arising from a conflict
between personal values and professional responsibilities?
Q9.
● (a) "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing." — Edmund Burke. Analyze this statement in the context of ethical
behavior in public service.
● (b) How can civil servants develop moral courage to take ethical decisions in
challenging situations?
Case Studies
Q10.
Case Study:
You are a District Collector in a region facing severe drought. The government has launched a
relief scheme to provide water and essential supplies to the affected population. However,
reports of favoritism and corruption in the distribution of supplies have surfaced. The local media
and civil society groups are raising serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the
relief operations. You have been tasked with ensuring that relief is distributed fairly and
efficiently, but there are significant political pressures to favor certain groups over others.
Additionally, some contractors involved in relief efforts have powerful political connections, and
any action against them could create political backlash.
Questions:
Ethics Full Length Test by [Link]
3
● (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas in this scenario.
● (b) What steps will you take to ensure transparency and fairness in the
distribution of relief supplies?
● (c) How will you handle the political pressures without compromising your ethical
principles?
● (d) Suggest measures to prevent such situations in future disaster relief efforts.
Q11.
Case Study:
As the Superintendent of Police in a metropolitan city, you are responsible for maintaining law
and order during a high-profile protest. The protestors are demanding the repeal of a new law,
which they believe infringes on their rights. While the protest began peacefully, some fringe
elements have started engaging in acts of violence, damaging public property and clashing with
the police. The situation is escalating, and there are calls from higher authorities to use force to
disperse the crowd. However, you are aware that excessive force may lead to human rights
violations and damage the public's trust in law enforcement. At the same time, allowing the
violence to continue may cause further harm to public property and lives.
Questions:
● (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
● (b) How will you balance maintaining law and order with respecting the democratic
right to protest?
● (c) What steps will you take to de-escalate the situation without resorting to
excessive force?
● (d) How can law enforcement agencies ensure that their actions are both lawful
and ethical in such situations?
Q12.
Case Study:
You are the CEO of a public-sector company responsible for constructing a major infrastructure
project. During an internal audit, it was discovered that the project contractors have been using
substandard materials, putting the safety of the project at risk. Stopping the project at this stage
would result in significant delays and cost overruns, which may affect your career and the
reputation of the company. However, proceeding with the project as it is could lead to long-term
safety risks and potential harm to the public. You are aware that the contractors are politically
connected, and exposing the issue could lead to political repercussions. You are also under
pressure to complete the project on time due to an upcoming election.
Questions:
Ethics Full Length Test by [Link]
4
● (a) What are the ethical dilemmas you face in this situation?
● (b) How will you ensure that the safety standards are upheld without succumbing
to political or financial pressures?
● (c) What long-term steps can be taken to improve transparency and accountability
in public-sector projects?
● (d) How should you handle the contractors who have used substandard
materials?
Q13.
Case Study:
You are the head of a public hospital that has been facing complaints about the quality of care
provided to patients. Recently, a media report highlighted that some doctors and staff were
neglecting their duties and showing a lack of compassion towards patients, particularly those
from marginalized communities. The report has sparked public outrage, and the health
department is pressuring you to take immediate corrective action. However, the hospital is
already understaffed and overburdened, and any disciplinary action against the staff may
worsen the situation. Additionally, some of the accused staff members belong to powerful unions
that could resist any action against them.
Questions:
● (a) Identify the ethical issues in this scenario.
● (b) How will you address the concerns raised by the media report while ensuring
that hospital services are not disrupted?
● (c) What steps can you take to foster a culture of compassion and accountability
among hospital staff?
● (d) How will you manage the pressures from the health department and the staff
unions in this situation?
Q14.
Case Study:
As a senior civil servant, you are in charge of implementing a new government policy aimed at
promoting sustainable development in a backward region. The policy involves restricting
industrial activities that are harmful to the environment. However, many industries in the region
provide jobs to a significant portion of the population, and imposing restrictions could lead to
large-scale unemployment and unrest. Environmental activists are pressuring you to strictly
enforce the regulations, while industrial lobbyists and local politicians are pushing for
exemptions to save jobs. The situation is tense, and any decision you make could have
far-reaching social, economic, and environmental consequences.
Questions:
Ethics Full Length Test by [Link]
5
● (a) What are the competing ethical values in this case?
● (b) How would you balance the need for environmental sustainability with the
economic and social welfare of the population?
● (c) What steps can you take to engage the various stakeholders in a constructive
dialogue and arrive at a consensus?
● (d) How can you ensure that the policy is implemented fairly and transparently?
All the Best
Do well !
[Link]
Ethics Full Length Test by [Link]
