Independent Consultant-Public Policy

Shahid Hussain Raja

www.sanoconsultants.co.uk

Introduction
What is morality

What are ethics

Why need them What they entail Conclusion

Ethics and morality are two interdependent but distinct concepts at conceptual as well as at practical levels They are the basic foundations of any individual, an organization or a civilization for survival and growth.

Greek character is destiny aptly describes this fundamental truth

If you cannot stand for something, you will fall for anything

Personal norms and values about good and bad, your beliefs about fundamentals Your own behaviour and the one you expect from others

Product of your life experience, knowledge and training

Can differ from person to person even in one social setup However there are certain moral values which are universal

Norms and values of an organization, normally formalised in the shape of codes Expected conduct and behaviour of the members of that group

Can differ from personal moral values but not substantially from universal morality in case of ethical organizations
Up to a certain level, ethics and morality are the same-honesty, integrity, transparency, fair play are the universal norms

It is the highest value which distinguishes humans from animals, a basic denominator not the highest pedestal. It is also a legal requirement -you signed an affidavit to remain honest throughout your career. It is also a social obligation-society expects highest moral standards from its paid servants. It is constitutional duty- you took an oath under a constitution and all the service framework is based on constitutional provisions, underpinning ethical behaviour

1.Ethical standards for public service should be clear 2.Ethical standards should be reflected in the legal framework 3.Ethical guidance should be available to public servants 4.Public servants should know their rights and obligations when exposing wrongdoing 5.Political commitment to ethics should reinforce the ethical conduct of public servants

6.Decision making process should be transparent and open to scrutiny

7.There should be clear guidelines for interaction between the public and private sectors 8.Managers should demonstrate and promote ethical conduct 9.managemen policies,procedures and practices should promote ethical conduct 10.public service conditions and management of human resources should promote ethical conduct 11.adequate accountability mechanisms should be in place within the public service 12.approprite procedures and sanctions should exist to deal with misconduct (OECD Guidelines for Public Service )

Giving best of you

Ends do not justify means

Conflict of Interest and roles Confidentiality of state secrets Application of merit principle Transparent public dealing Personal morality vs. organizational ethics Financial prudence and integrity

Public service is a trust; not putting in your best efforts is a breach of trust Working according to job description is your duty, working beyond is ethics Work is honour; salary is not its compensation Life long learning is must to improve your competency and giving best of you

Yes, they dont ! Never fall prey to shortcuts Only self-alienated person mixes the both

Do not rationalise your procedural lapses by successful execution of a plan

Do go for positive interpretation of rules provided the spirit of the legislation is intact

Do not deal with any case where your own, or your friends' or familys interest are involved. Do not accept any assignment which conflicts with your job description If you want to do business/consultancy, seek permission and take leave

There may be certain moral values which you prefer but if they are in conflict with the organization, then you have to follow these. It is ethical behaviour
You are bound by the rules of the game not by your own moral values how high they may be In case of conflict between your personal morality and organizational ethics, the latter will be your guiding principles not your own set of values

You are bound by the law to keep state secrets to yourself Access to Information Act is applicable to nonclassified information only Loose talk about cases you deal is unethical Giving off-the-record information to press is also unethical and immoral

Settle your score by writing dissenting notes on files ,not through press leakage

Always apply the merit principle-whether recruiting, posting or appointing a person Or making any decision about a career, contract or award without any fear or favour Non-discrimination-on the basis of gender, religion, caste, except where bound by law

Besides being right in itself, in these days of judicial activism, media exposure and civil society intrusion, your career and reputation depends on your being ethical

Transparency in public dealing is the essence of ethical behaviour Withholding information with mala fide intentions is as criminal as taking bribe There is a thick red line between transparency and confidentiality-the intention

Acceptance of gifts by public for any reason is totally forbidden Deposit them with the concerned ministry in case given by the foreigners Elaborate rules exit for purchasing these gifts if you feel a fancy for any gift Misusing public funds for personal gain or use-avoid it

Ethical behaviour is contagious Your example will be quoted and followed

Leave better examples to be followed