Ethical dilemmas in government and private institutes

The reputation and success of governance depends upon the conduct of public functionaries and what the public believe about their conduct. It is therefore of fundamental importance that public functionaries act justly and fairly to all, not only paying lip service to ethical conduct but also ensuring that these are manifestly and undoubtedly seen to be done. It is imperative that all public functionaries upon accepting government EMPLOYMENT recognize that they have a special duty to be open, fair and impartial in their dealings with Society. Personal self-interest should be subordinate to the public good in all circumstances, especially if circumstances arise where the possibility of a conflict of interest may become an ethical dilemma.

Viewing ethics in this Light indicates that people are faced with choices requiring them to make decisions enabling them to lead an ethical life within the context of their relationships with others. This suggests that people can be placed in ethical dilemmas. An ethical dilemma arises from a situation that necessitates a choice between competing sets of principles. Thus an ethical dilemma can be described as a circumstance that requires a choice between competing sets of principles in a given, usually undesirable or perplexing, situation. Conflicts of interest are possibly the most obvious example that could place public sector leaders in an ethical dilemma. Other types of ethical dilemmas in which public servants may find themselves include conflict between: the values of Public Administration; justifications for the institutions; aspects of the Code Of Conduct; personal values and supervisor or governmental directive; professional ethics and supervisor or governmental directive; personal values and professional ethics versus governmental directive; blurred or competing accountabilities; and the dimensions of ethical conduct.

Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Public Servants

Some of the most common ethical dilemmas with which public servants are confronted, revolve around aspects such as:

administrative discretion
Corruption
Nepotism
administrative secrecy
information leaks
public accountability
policy dilemma

Administrative Discretion

Public officials are not merely executors of public policy. They make decisions pertaining to the lives of people, for example, about taxes, survival and the dismissal of people. In doing so they exercise discretion. The question is then how decisions are to be made to avoid ethical dilemmas.

It is true that within the rules and regulations laid down by legislation and within the prescribed procedures, there is ample opportunity for the public official to use his discretion. When faced with alternatives the choice of the public official poses an ethical problem: the choice may be acceptable to only a small section of society. The problem is that the selection of one path of action from among several alternatives is often made on the basis of personal preference, political or other affiliations, or even personal aggrandizement, thereby disregarding known facts and thus the possibility of rational DECISION MAKING. It could well be that all the prescribed rules, regulations and procedures are adhered to but that the discretionary choice may be viewed as unethical or even corrupt.

Corruption The majority of officials uphold the high standards required by public office and are devoted to promoting the general welfare. The ethical standards of public officials are, however, directly related to society as a whole. If the public accepts that in order to secure an expeditious response from a public official some pecuniary or other incentive is necessary, and the official accepts the incentive, then the standards of ethical conduct of officials and the public are in fact in harmony from the point of view of the public.

Administrative Secrecy

An area which lends itself to the creation of situations and actions which could prove to become major ethical dilemmas is the secret conduct of public business. This is especially so because secrecy can provide an opportunity to cover up unethical conduct. Secrecy is an ally of corruption and corruption is always practiced in secrecy. It is generally accepted that in a Democracy the people have a right to know what the government intends to do and it would be in the interest of the public for the administration of public affairs to be conducted openly.

Nepotism

The practice of nepotism (the appointment of relations and/ or friends to public positions, thereby ignoring the merit principle), may lead to the downgrading of the quality of the Public Service. This disrupts the esprit de corps and trust and resulting in corrupt administration, owing to the ability of a select few to impair control measures on account of their personal relationship with the policy-maker, and by reason of their not being easily dismissed or replaced by others. In other words, those who are appointed with the view that they will conform to the standards and views of their appointing authority could prove to be problematic. The preferential treatment of one individual over another, without taking into account the relative merit of the respective individuals, represents nothing but victimization of an individual or individuals.

Information leaks

Official information is often of such a sensitive nature (for example, pending tax increases, rezoning land, retrenchment of staff) that disclosure of the information can lead to chaos, corrupt practices or, for some individuals, improper monetary gains. Leaking official information at a date prior to the public announcement thereof is a violation of procedural prescriptions and can be an ethical dilemma.

Public Accountability

Since public officials are the implementers of public policies, they ought to be accountable for their official actions to their superiors, the courts and the public. It is nevertheless, possible for them to hide behind prescribed procedures, the cloak of professionalism and even political office-bearers.

Policy dilemmas

Policy makers are often confronted by conflicting responsibilities. They have specific loyalties to their superiors, but also to society. They have freedom to act on behalf and in the interest of others, but they must also answer to others – their superiors and society – for their actions. The official’s obligation to respect the political process may conflict with his view on how the objects of policy making are treated. In other words, the dilemma of the public official is the clash between his view of the public interest and the requirements of law.

Dilemma of the public servant

The potential areas for conflict are not necessary ethical dilemmas in themselves. It is what the public servant does when he is confronted by activities pertaining to these phenomena that could prove to be the ethical dilemma:

Would he keep silent when he finds that administrative discretion is abused, or that corruption or nepotism are practiced?
Or should he blow the whistle? 3. Should he actively engage in pressure group activities because he sympathizes with their views?
Should he actively participate in party politics?
Or should he endeavor only to promote the public good and uphold the high standards of public office?

Ethical Dilemma Case

Sanjay is a senior public servant who has worked in two State public service departments over a twenty-year period. Prior to this he was employed as a chartered accountant. In the course of performing his duties, involving primarily monetary and BUDGETING issues, sanjay becomes aware that public revenue is being used inappropriately. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns about the channeling of funds from one part of the budget to another to the Head of Division. Sanjay learns that not only is Deepak aware of this practice, but also that he condones it. Not long after, sanjay is summoned to talk to Deepak and to the Director-General about the issue. In preparation for this meeting Deepak prepares a short paper that identifies his understanding of the key issues and presents this to Deepak and the DirectorGeneral. Due to the politically sensitive nature of the issue, sanjay is told that the matter is not within his jurisdiction and therefore he should ‘keep his nose out of it’. This advice is based on the fact that the incumbent government will not tolerate questions about how it puts its budget together but that it also faces electoral defeat if the matter were to be made ‘public’. sanjay and his two supervisors are acutely aware of the tensions between the department, the minister and the government. This unease manifests itself around the advice the department provides the minister with, and the advice that the minister and the government want to hear in particular: After much soul searching, sanjay decides to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone.

Ethical dilemmas are difficult situations in which there is no clear right or wrong answer. They often involve competing values or principles, and there is no easy way to resolve them.

Ethical dilemmas can arise in any area of life, but they are particularly common in the workplace. This is because the workplace is a complex Environment in which people from different backgrounds and with different values interact on a daily basis.

There are many different types of ethical dilemmas that can arise in the workplace. Some common examples include:

Conflicts of interest: A conflict of interest occurs when a person’s personal interests conflict with their professional duties. For example, a manager may have a conflict of interest if they are responsible for evaluating the performance of a company that they own Shares in.
Whistleblowing: Whistleblowing is the act of disclosing information about wrongdoing within an organization to the public or to those in positions of authority. Whistleblowers may be motivated by a desire to expose wrongdoing, to protect the public from harm, or to bring about positive change within an organization.
Insider trading: Insider trading is the buying or selling of a security based on non-public information about the security. Insider trading is illegal in most countries, as it gives an unfair advantage to those who have access to the information.
Bribery and corruption: Bribery and corruption are forms of unethical behavior that involve the use of Money or other forms of inducement to influence the actions of others. Bribery is the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting anything of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty. Corruption is the abuse of power for personal gain.
Discrimination: Discrimination is the unfair treatment of a person or group of people based on their race, religion, sex, age, or other personal characteristics. Discrimination can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical violence, and institutional discrimination.
Harassment: Harassment is unwanted or unwelcome behavior that is based on a person’s race, religion, sex, age, or other personal characteristics. Harassment can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical violence, and sexual harassment.
Workplace bullying: Workplace bullying is repeated, unwanted, and aggressive behavior that is intended to intimidate, humiliate, or threaten another person. Workplace bullying can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical violence, and social exclusion.
Privacy and confidentiality: Privacy and confidentiality are important ethical principles that protect the personal information of individuals. Privacy is the right of individuals to control the information about themselves that is collected and used by others. Confidentiality is the obligation to keep information secret.
Data protection: Data protection is the process of ensuring that personal information is collected, used, and disclosed in a way that respects the privacy of individuals. Data protection laws are designed to protect individuals from the misuse of their personal information.
Freedom of information: Freedom of information is the right of individuals to access information held by public bodies. Freedom of information laws are designed to promote Transparency and Accountability in government.

Ethical dilemmas can be difficult to resolve. There is no easy formula for making the right decision in every situation. However, there are some general principles that can help guide decision-making. These principles include:

Respect for autonomy: People have the right to make their own decisions, even if those decisions are not the ones that we would make for them.
Beneficence: We should act in ways that benefit others.
Non-maleficence: We should avoid causing harm to others.
Justice: We should treat others fairly.
Loyalty: We should be loyal to our colleagues and our organizations.
Honesty: We should be honest in our dealings with others.
Integrity: We should act in ways that are consistent with our values.

These principles can help us to weigh the different factors involved in an ethical dilemma and to make a decision that is in line with our own values and beliefs.

If you are faced with an ethical dilemma, it is important to seek advice from someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, colleague, or professional advisor. Talking to someone can help you to clarify your thinking and to make a decision that you are comfortable with.

It is also important to remember that there is no right or wrong answer to an ethical dilemma. The best that we can do is to make a decision that we believe is in line with our own values and beliefs.

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Ethical dilemmas in government and private institutes

Ethical dilemmas are situations in which there is no clear right or wrong answer, and the decision maker must weigh the potential consequences of different courses of action. These dilemmas can arise in any setting, but they are particularly common in government and private institutes, where decisions can have a significant impact on people’s lives.

Some common ethical dilemmas in government and private institutes include:

Conflicts of interest: When a decision maker has a personal interest in the outcome of a decision, it can create a conflict of interest. This can make it difficult for the decision maker to make an objective decision that is in the best interests of the organization.
Discrimination: Discrimination occurs when people are treated differently based on their race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics. This can be a serious ethical issue, as it can lead to unfair treatment and harm to individuals.
Harassment: Harassment is any unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile work environment. This can include verbal abuse, physical threats, or sexual advances. Harassment can have a serious impact on the victim’s mental and physical Health, and it can also lead to legal action.
Bribery and corruption: Bribery and corruption are illegal activities that involve offering or receiving money or other benefits in order to influence a decision. These activities can undermine the integrity of government and private institutions, and they can lead to serious consequences for the individuals involved.

When faced with an ethical dilemma, it is important to carefully consider the potential consequences of different courses of action. It is also important to consult with others, such as a supervisor or ethics officer, to get their perspective on the situation. Ultimately, the decision maker must make the best decision they can, based on the information they have available.

Frequently asked questions

What are some examples of ethical dilemmas in government and private institutes?

Some examples of ethical dilemmas in government and private institutes include:

Conflicts of interest: When a decision maker has a personal interest in the outcome of a decision, it can create a conflict of interest. This can make it difficult for the decision maker to make an objective decision that is in the best interests of the organization.
Discrimination: Discrimination occurs when people are treated differently based on their race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics. This can be a serious ethical issue, as it can lead to unfair treatment and harm to individuals.
Harassment: Harassment is any unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile work environment. This can include verbal abuse, physical threats, or sexual advances. Harassment can have a serious impact on the victim’s mental and physical health, and it can also lead to legal action.
Bribery and corruption: Bribery and corruption are illegal activities that involve offering or receiving money or other benefits in order to influence a decision. These activities can undermine the integrity of government and private institutions, and they can lead to serious consequences for the individuals involved.
How can I avoid ethical dilemmas?

It is impossible to avoid all ethical dilemmas, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of facing one:

Be aware of the potential ethical issues in your work.
Consult with others, such as a supervisor or ethics officer, when you are faced with a difficult decision.
Make sure you understand the organization’s Code of ethics.
Be prepared to stand up for what you believe in, even if it is unpopular.
What should I do if I am faced with an ethical dilemma?

If you are faced with an ethical dilemma, it is important to carefully consider the potential consequences of different courses of action. It is also important to consult with others, such as a supervisor or ethics officer, to get their perspective on the situation. Ultimately, the decision maker must make the best decision they can, based on the information they have available.

What are the consequences of making an unethical decision?

The consequences of making an unethical decision can vary depending on the situation. However, some common consequences include:

Damage to your reputation.
Loss of job.
Legal action.
Emotional distress.
Harm to others.
How can I report an ethical violation?

If you witness or suspect an ethical violation, you should report it to your supervisor or another appropriate authority. You should also keep a record of the incident, including the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as the names of any witnesses.

Which of the following is not an ethical dilemma?
(A) A government official accepts a bribe from a private company.
(B) A private company sells a product that it knows is defective.
(C) A doctor performs an unnecessary surgery on a patient.
(D) A teacher gives a student an A for doing no work.
Which of the following is the most common type of ethical dilemma?
(A) Conflicts of interest
(B) Bribery
(C) Insider trading
(D) Whistleblowing
Which of the following is not a way to avoid ethical dilemmas?
(A) Set clear ethical standards for yourself and your employees.
(B) Create a culture of openness and transparency in your organization.
(C) Provide training on ethical decision-making.
(D) Ignore ethical concerns and focus on the bottom line.
Which of the following is the best way to resolve an ethical dilemma?
(A) Consult with a trusted advisor.
(B) Talk to the person or people involved in the dilemma.
(C) Consider the potential consequences of your actions.
(D) All of the above.
Which of the following is not a potential consequence of unethical behavior?
(A) Legal liability
(B) Damage to your reputation
(C) Loss of job
(D) Increased profits
Which of the following is the most important thing to remember when faced with an ethical dilemma?
(A) Do what is right, even if it is difficult.
(B) Consider the consequences of your actions.
(C) Consult with a trusted advisor.
(D) All of the above.