Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Attitude, in the realm of psychology, refers to a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically reflected in a person’s behaviour. For a public servant, attitude isn’t merely a personal trait; it’s a foundational element shaping their effectiveness, integrity, and responsiveness to citizen needs. A positive and ethical attitude is crucial for navigating the complexities of public service, fostering trust, and ensuring good governance. In a rapidly changing world, cultivating the right attitude is paramount for public servants to remain relevant and effective in addressing societal challenges.
The Importance of a Suitable Attitude for Public Servants
A public servant’s attitude directly impacts their performance and the quality of governance. Several key attributes constitute a ‘suitable’ attitude:
- Integrity & Impartiality: A commitment to ethical conduct, honesty, and fairness in all dealings. This includes resisting corruption and upholding the rule of law.
- Empathy & Compassion: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly the vulnerable sections of society.
- Public Service Motivation: A genuine desire to serve the public good, prioritizing citizen welfare over personal gain.
- Accountability & Responsibility: Taking ownership of actions and decisions, and being answerable for their consequences.
- Resilience & Adaptability: The capacity to cope with stress, setbacks, and changing circumstances.
- Objectivity & Rationality: Making decisions based on evidence and reason, rather than personal biases.
Building a Suitable Attitude: Methods & Strategies
1. Education & Training
Formal education and specialized training programs play a vital role. The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and other training institutes focus on instilling ethical values and developing leadership skills. Curricula should incorporate case studies, simulations, and interactive sessions to promote critical thinking and ethical decision-making. The 2nd ARC (Second Administrative Reforms Commission) report on ‘Ethics in Governance’ (2007) emphasized the need for continuous ethics training for civil servants.
2. Mentorship & Role Modeling
Exposure to experienced and ethical public servants can significantly influence the attitudes of younger officers. Mentorship programs provide guidance, support, and a practical understanding of ethical dilemmas. Observing and learning from role models who demonstrate integrity and public service motivation is crucial.
3. Self-Cultivation & Introspection
Developing a suitable attitude requires conscious self-effort. This includes:
- Mindfulness & Self-Awareness: Regularly reflecting on one’s values, biases, and motivations.
- Ethical Dilemma Exercises: Practicing ethical reasoning and decision-making through hypothetical scenarios.
- Reading & Reflection: Engaging with literature, philosophy, and ethical treatises to broaden perspectives.
- Cultivating Empathy: Actively listening to and understanding the perspectives of others.
4. Institutional Mechanisms & Accountability
Strong institutional mechanisms are essential to reinforce ethical conduct. This includes:
- Transparent Recruitment Processes: Ensuring merit-based selection and minimizing opportunities for corruption.
- Robust Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: Providing citizens with avenues to report misconduct and seek redressal.
- Independent Anti-Corruption Bodies: Empowering agencies like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and Lokpal to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
- Performance Evaluation Systems: Incorporating ethical conduct as a key criterion in performance appraisals.
Example: The ‘Pragati’ platform launched by the Government of India utilizes technology to monitor and resolve grievances, promoting accountability and responsiveness among public servants.
Conclusion
Building a suitable attitude in public servants is a continuous process requiring a multi-pronged approach. It necessitates a combination of formal education, mentorship, self-cultivation, and robust institutional mechanisms. Investing in ethical training, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of accountability are crucial steps. Ultimately, a public servant’s attitude determines not only their individual success but also the effectiveness and legitimacy of the entire governance system. A commitment to ethical leadership and public service is essential for building a just and equitable society.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.