Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public servants. (150 words) [2021]
Ten essential values for effective public service include:
- Integrity: Public servants must be honest and adhere to high ethical standards.
- Professionalism: Public servants should be competent, knowledgeable, and skilled in their roles.
- Service: Public servants should be committed to serving the public and addressing the needs of their communities.
- Respect: Public servants should treat others with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or position.
- Responsibility: Public servants should be accountable for their actions and take responsibility for their decisions.
- Fairness: Public servants should be unbiased and treat all individuals equally.
- Impartiality: Public servants should be objective and make decisions based on the facts, not personal preferences or biases.
- Transparency: Public servants should be open and transparent in their decision-making processes.
- Collaboration: Public servants should work effectively with others, including colleagues and stakeholders, to achieve common goals.
- Innovation: Public servants should be open to new ideas and approaches to problem-solving.
To ensure that public servants uphold these values, there are several strategies that can be employed. These include:
- establishing and enforcing strict codes of conduct and ethical standards,
- providing training and education on ethical behavior,
- implementing systems for reporting and addressing unethical behavior,
- conducting regular performance evaluations,
- establishing clear policies and procedures for decision-making, and
- holding public servants accountable for their actions through disciplinary measures.
By prioritizing these values and implementing strategies to support them, public servants can better serve the needs of their communities and uphold the trust of the public.
