The word administrative ethics is made up of two words—administration and ethics. The meaning of administration is the process of managing an organisation or its public affairs or the government. While the definition of ethics is how we distinguish between right and wrong and act on what we take to be right. Therefore, administrative ethics means the professional code of morality in civil services that is the moral fibre of a civil servant.

Administrative ethics can also be described as the set of moral norms and requirements for those in the public administration to aim their professional activity at attaining commonwealth and effective use of moral values.

Components of Administrative Ethics

The list of various elements of administrative ethics are:

• Integrity 
• Honesty 
• Devotion to the duty 
• Sense of public good 
• Efficiency
• Non-partisan attitude 
• Humility
• Loyalty to the nation 
• Non-corruptness 
• Fairness 
• Sincerity
• Secrecy 
• Neutrality 
• Anonymity 
• Impartiality 

In India, there are various Civil Services Conduct Rules, which contain all the elements of administrative ethics. A few of the important Civil Services Conduct Rules are:

• Central Services (Conduct) Rules, 1955
• Railway Services (Conduct) Rules, 1956
• All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1954

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International Codes in Public Administration

Public administration is a profession in which there are several opportunities to make moral or immoral decisions. Their role is traditionally idealised as part of an interconnected structure that exists alongside but outside the private organisation. The general principles for public officials according to the international code are:

1. A public office is seen with trust, and it has to act in the public interest. Thus, the ultimate loyalty of public officials should be towards their country’s public interest.
2. Public officials shall be impartial, fair, and attentive in performing their functions.
3. Public officials should ensure that they perform their functions and duties effectively and efficiently with integrity, following the law and administrative policies.
4. Public officials must ensure that public resources are managed properly, most efficiently, and effectively.

Prerequisites to Ensure the Practise of Administrative Ethics

Faith and determination towards pursuing excellence in their professional activities

For public services to have the best performance, they must develop ethical standards. Once an organisation develops and implements certain standards, it will also influence the behaviour of new entrants to the organisation. Establishing standards will also help the administrator avoid developing an inflated sense of self-importance or arrogance.

Infusion of ethics into politics

The most common problem in public administration comes from political corruption and interference. The trustworthiness gap between the political and administrative leaderships is increasing. HV Kamath, one of the founders of the Indian Constitution, always regretted that the devaluation of moral values and ethical ideals in public life and administration gave way to unhealthy competition for position, power, and wealth by any means.

No organisation can grow until its political leaders are honest, fair, and impartial. Therefore, the political elite must show integrity and instil faith among their subordinates about their impartiality and fairness.

Character building

One of the most important parts of the general morality of the community is administrative morality. The success of any government pivots upon the effective cooperation of its citizens, and therefore, it depends upon civic consciousness. This can be done only through the educational system and mass media. If the country’s citizens are literate, they can cooperate with the personnel in the public service better, and the administrative personnel in the public service are better-equipped to work towards development.  

Impartiality

Civil servants must be completely impartial and avoid favouritism and corruption to maintain the public office’s dignity and authority. They must implement the policies and programmes of the government strictly in accordance with the law, regulations, and rules.

Political neutrality

In a democracy, political neutrality is essential to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the administration. It means that the civil servant should give free and frank advice to the government, which is impartial and without any political consideration.

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Importance of Ethics in Public Services

• The utilisation of public resources: The responsible use of resources guarantees that society develops efficiently and effectively without corruption. It holds those in positions of public trust responsible for their actions
• Impartiality and objectivity are ethical norms that bring merit to an institution. As a result, predictability improves, which enhances economic efficiency
• When public officials make judgments equitably and on merit, rather than being influenced by personal or private interests, society improves, and the administration gains from commitment and dedication to work
• Public confidence and assurance: All members of the public, regardless of race, religion, or caste, must be treated fairly, and ethics ensure just and equitable administration
• Social assets: A just and ethical administration will be credible and will assure citizen engagement in administration. The resulting trust facilitates and synergizes administration
• Preventing corruption: Increasing efficiency and breaking the unholy nexus between the government and anti-social elements
• Incorporating compassion into day-to-day tasks has a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable people
• Ethical management also aids in the development of international relations and the economy
• The administration becomes more attentive to the public’s needs and desires. For example, in West Bengal, a separate public market for roadside vendors was established before their expulsion
• To establish guidelines and standards that will help unify the interaction between city employees and the executive branch of government. As a result, civil workers are encouraged to be non-partisan and unbiased
• To instil morality in government employees and ensure that they stick to it

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Corruption in civil services

The deflection of a civil servant from normal standards due to the lack of integrity takes various shapes in the form of corruption, patronage, and undue influence. 

Corruption can be defined as considering and misusing one’s position, status, or resources directly or indirectly. It could be for personal use in terms of material gain or enhancement of power, prestige, or influence beyond what is legitimate or sanctioned by commonly accepted norms. Corruption usually tends to be detrimental to the interests of other persons or the community as a whole. 

Prevention of Corruption

A few of the steps that were taken to prevent corruption are:

• Formation of Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI)
• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947

• All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1954 
• Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1955 
• Railway Services (Conduct) Rules, 1956 
• Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption, June 1962
• Central Vigilance Commission (C.V.C.) 
• State Vigilance Commission
• Institutions of LokPal and LokAyukta

Conclusion

Administrative ethics are the set of moral norms and requirements for the attainment of commonwealth and effective use of moral values. Administrative ethics helps a country to grow. In order to control corruption, the government of India has taken various measures from time to time to prevent corruption in the country.