Introduction:
Attitude refers to an individual’s predisposition to think, feel, and act towards people, situations, or issues. A positive and ethical attitude enables public servants to perform their duties with empathy, integrity, and commitment, thereby fostering responsive, transparent, and citizen-centric governance.
Body:
Importance of a Positive and Ethical Attitude in Public Administration
Promotes Responsive Governance: A positive attitude enables public servants to address citizens’ grievances promptly and sensitively.
Example: Armstrong Pame mobilized public participation to construct the “People’s Road,” responding to the developmental needs of remote communities.
Enhances Transparency: Ethical attitudes encourage openness, honesty, and accountability in decision-making.
Example: E. Sreedharan maintained transparency and professionalism during the execution of the Delhi Metro project.
Strengthens Citizen-Centric Governance: Empathy and compassion enable officials to prioritize citizens’ welfare over procedural rigidity.
Example: Kiran Bedi’s reforms in Tihar Jail focused on rehabilitation, education, and human dignity.
Promotes Integrity and Ethical Conduct: A sound moral attitude helps public servants resist corruption and undue influence.
Example: Ashok Khemka consistently upheld administrative integrity despite repeated transfers.
Facilitates Effective Conflict Resolution: A balanced and respectful attitude helps build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Example: T.N. Seshan handled political resistance with firmness and fairness while implementing electoral reforms.
Contribution to Good Governance
Builds Public Trust: Ethical behaviour enhances citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
Example: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s humility, accessibility, and integrity earned him immense public respect.
Improves Service Delivery: A service-oriented attitude ensures efficient and need-based implementation of welfare programmes.
Example: Mission Karmayogi promotes behavioural competencies such as empathy, accountability, and a service-first mindset among civil servants.
Encourages Inclusiveness: Positive attitudes reduce prejudice and ensure equitable treatment of marginalized groups.
Example: S.R. Sankaran dedicated his career to advancing the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and bonded labourers.
Strengthens Teamwork: Respectful and cooperative attitudes improve coordination within government institutions.
Example: The successful implementation of the Polio Eradication Programme relied on effective collaboration among administrators, health workers, and communities.
Promotes Innovation and Adaptability: An open-minded attitude encourages creative solutions to emerging governance challenges.
Example: The rapid adoption of digital governance platforms such as CoWIN demonstrated adaptability and citizen-focused innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion:
A positive and ethical attitude transforms public administration from rule-oriented governance to service-oriented governance. By fostering integrity, empathy, transparency, and accountability, it enables public servants to uphold constitutional values and effectively serve the needs of citizens.