Introduction to Ethics and Accountability in Public Service

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Questions and Answers

What is the overall objective of ethics in public administration?

To minimize government regulations

To ensure Good Governance (correct)

To increase bureaucratic power

To promote private sector interests

Which maxim focuses on the need for officials to maintain high standards of behavior and integrity?

Maxim of Transparency

Maxim of Utilitarianism

Maxim of Accountability

Maxim of Integrity (correct)

Which maxim is primarily concerned with the outcomes of actions for the greatest number?

Maxim of Compassion

Maxim of Utilitarianism (correct)

Maxim of Responsibility

Maxim of Justice

What does the relationship between accountability and ethics primarily address?

The requirement for officials to be answerable to external authorities Signup and view all the answers

Which maxim relates to the commitment of public officials to their duties?

Maxim of Work Commitment Signup and view all the answers

What does ethics primarily involve according to the content?

Knowing or doing what is right or wrong Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the objectivist approach to ethics?

It is often referred to as deontological theory. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the interpretivist approach to ethics?

It considers the outcomes of actions as primary. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the identified dimensions of ethics?

Opinions Signup and view all the answers

How do personal upbringing and environment influence ethics?

They shape individual principles and judgments. Signup and view all the answers

What role does morality play in relation to ethics?

It acts as a foundation for ethical principles. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there no single definition of ethics according to scholars?

It is linked to varying human experiences and cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of ethics as outlined in the content?

Prescribing duties and virtues for societal benefit. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for an action to be considered a human action?

Emotional intent Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'object of human action' refer to?

The essence of the action itself Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ignorance refers to a lack of knowledge that one should have?

Vincible ignorance Signup and view all the answers

What role do circumstances play in moral actions?

They help make an abstract action concrete and individual. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents an impediment to human action?

Fear Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions may be categorized as an undeliberate action according to ethics?

Making a spontaneous decision Signup and view all the answers

What does the end or purpose of a human action indicate?

The intention behind the action Signup and view all the answers

Which of these describes the essence of the object of an action?

It distinguishes the act from other acts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Objectives

Understand ethics and its significance in decision-making.
Recognize the effects of control and accountability in public administration.
Analyze government organ functions in contemporary society.
Differentiate between ethics and morality.
Identify ethics in organizational behavior.

Concept of Ethics

Ethics involves discernment of right versus wrong.
Knowledge of ethical behavior is influenced by upbringing and environment.
Ethical principles guide acceptable societal behavior.

Ethics and Morality

Ethics relates to moral philosophy and defines standards of right/wrong.
Morality assesses human actions as good, bad, or indifferent.
Ethics and morality both evaluate human actions but from different perspectives.

Approaches to Ethics

Objectivist Approach (Deontological Theory): Focuses on adherence to rules or duties.
Interpretivist Approach (Teleological Theory): Emphasizes outcomes and consequences of actions.
Both approaches help in applying ethical principles in real-world scenarios.

Dimensions of Ethics

Four sources define ethics:
- Duties: Obligations individuals must fulfill.
- Virtues: Character traits that promote good behavior.
- Principles: Fundamental truths guiding ethical behavior.
- Benefits to society: Overall welfare considerations in ethical decision-making.

Human Actions

Major focus on deliberate human actions (actus humanus) rather than involuntary actions (actus hominis).
Three conditions for an action to be human:
- Knowledge: Awareness and understanding.
- Voluntariness: Free choice in decision-making.
- Freely done: Lack of coercion.

Purpose of Human Action

Actions driven by varied purposes, including pleasure, knowledge cultivation, material acquisition, societal progress, and spiritual association.

Impediments to Human Action

Ignorance: Lack of knowledge impacting moral choices.
Fear: Emotional reaction that may hinder decision-making.
Violence: Coercive force affecting free action.
Pathological States: Mental or physical conditions inhibiting moral actions.

Determinants of Moral Action

Object of Action: The essence defining an action’s morality.
Circumstances: Contextual factors influencing the moral assessment of actions.
End or Purpose: Intention behind an action determines moral evaluation.

Ethics in Public Administration

Ethics and accountability are crucial in directing administrative behavior.
Accountability signifies answerability to external authorities.
Ethical standards foster responsible behavior and integrity in public service.
Goals aim for 'Good Governance,' emphasizing ethical principles and practices.

Maxims of Ethics in Public Administration

Maxim of Legality and Rationality: Adherence to laws and reasoned decisions.
Maxim of Responsibility and Accountability: Ensuring responsible conduct and answerability.
Maxim of Work Commitment: Dedication to one’s duties.
Maxim of Excellence: Striving for high standards.
Maxim of Fusion: Integration of various ethical dimensions.
Maxim of Responsiveness: Attentiveness to public needs.
Maxim of Utilitarianism: Focusing on the greatest good for the greatest number.
Maxim of Compassion: Demonstrating empathy and kindness in administration.
Maxim of National Interest: Prioritizing the welfare of the nation.
Maxim of Justice: Upholding fairness and equality.
Maxim of Transparency: Promoting openness in administrative actions.
Maxim of Integrity: Maintaining moral principles in public service.

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Description

This quiz covers Chapter 1 on the fundamental concepts of ethics, control, and accountability in the public service sector. Students will explore the functions of various government organs and analyze the relationship between ethics and morality. Evaluate your understanding of these critical concepts and their applications in public administration.