Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which of the following is a fundamental value expected from a civil servant?

Profit maximization

Political loyalty over law

Integrity

Personal gain

Explanation - Civil servants are expected to act with honesty and moral uprightness in their duties, which is the essence of integrity.

Correct answer is: Integrity

Q.2 The concept of 'neutrality' in public administration primarily implies:

Serving political parties

Serving the law impartially

Avoiding responsibilities

Making personal choices in office

Explanation - Neutrality ensures civil servants implement policies impartially without political bias.

Correct answer is: Serving the law impartially

Q.3 Transparency in public administration primarily aims at:

Reducing accountability

Open communication and clear decision-making

Increasing corruption

Hiding information

Explanation - Transparency ensures citizens can understand and evaluate government decisions, promoting trust and accountability.

Correct answer is: Open communication and clear decision-making

Q.4 Which of the following best reflects 'commitment to public interest'?

Personal benefit first

Serving citizens with fairness

Favoring certain groups

Avoiding tough decisions

Explanation - Public interest requires civil servants to prioritize the welfare of citizens and society over personal or political gains.

Correct answer is: Serving citizens with fairness

Q.5 Accountability in public service refers to:

Avoiding responsibilities

Being answerable for actions and decisions

Delegating all decisions

Focusing only on personal goals

Explanation - Civil servants are accountable to the public and higher authorities for their conduct, decisions, and outcomes.

Correct answer is: Being answerable for actions and decisions

Q.6 Which ethical principle guides civil servants to treat all citizens equally?

Equity

Personal preference

Nepotism

Discretionary bias

Explanation - Equity requires impartiality and fairness in treating all citizens without discrimination.

Correct answer is: Equity

Q.7 Integrity in public administration is best demonstrated by:

Bribery for efficiency

Following rules and moral principles

Falsifying reports

Favoring friends and relatives

Explanation - Integrity means adherence to ethical standards and rules, avoiding corruption or favoritism.

Correct answer is: Following rules and moral principles

Q.8 Conflict of interest in civil service arises when:

Personal interests compromise official duties

Citizens are served impartially

Laws are implemented faithfully

Decisions are transparent

Explanation - A conflict of interest occurs when private interests interfere with public responsibilities.

Correct answer is: Personal interests compromise official duties

Q.9 Which of the following is a key aspect of ethical leadership in public administration?

Personal gain orientation

Setting moral example and fairness

Ignoring accountability

Manipulating rules for convenience

Explanation - Ethical leadership involves demonstrating integrity, fairness, and commitment to values to inspire subordinates.

Correct answer is: Setting moral example and fairness

Q.10 Civil servants are expected to maintain confidentiality primarily to:

Protect personal interests

Avoid transparency

Safeguard sensitive public information

Favor political leaders

Explanation - Confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is not misused and trust in public institutions is maintained.

Correct answer is: Safeguard sensitive public information

Q.11 Which of the following actions reflects impartiality in public service?

Focusing on personal opinions

Treating all citizens and groups fairly

Following political directives blindly

Prioritizing influential people

Explanation - Impartiality requires civil servants to act without favoritism or prejudice.

Correct answer is: Treating all citizens and groups fairly

Q.12 Professionalism in public administration includes:

Adherence to standards and ethics

Corruption tolerance

Avoiding accountability

Serving personal interests first

Explanation - Professionalism is about competence, ethical conduct, and responsibility in fulfilling public duties.

Correct answer is: Adherence to standards and ethics

Q.13 Which of the following is a key principle of ethical decision-making in civil service?

Considering personal benefit only

Evaluating consequences and fairness

Ignoring rules

Favoring friends and family

Explanation - Ethical decisions are guided by evaluating the impact, fairness, and alignment with values and rules.

Correct answer is: Evaluating consequences and fairness

Q.14 Accountability in governance ensures that:

Civil servants escape scrutiny

Officials are answerable for actions and results

Citizens cannot question decisions

Policies are ignored

Explanation - Accountability makes public officials responsible for decisions, ensuring transparency and public trust.

Correct answer is: Officials are answerable for actions and results

Q.15 Which of the following is considered unethical for a civil servant?

Neutrality in service delivery

Accepting bribes

Maintaining confidentiality

Serving public interest

Explanation - Accepting bribes violates integrity, legality, and ethical standards in public administration.

Correct answer is: Accepting bribes

Q.16 Responsiveness in public service means:

Ignoring citizen needs

Timely and effective service delivery

Prioritizing personal goals

Favoring political leaders

Explanation - Responsiveness involves addressing public needs efficiently and effectively, enhancing trust in administration.

Correct answer is: Timely and effective service delivery

Q.17 Ethical behavior in civil service is primarily guided by:

Self-interest and convenience

Rules, regulations, and moral principles

Ignoring laws

Political favoritism

Explanation - Civil servants follow legal frameworks and ethical norms to ensure fairness and integrity.

Correct answer is: Rules, regulations, and moral principles

Q.18 Which of the following ensures transparency in public administration?

Concealing information

Open access to information and decisions

Promoting favoritism

Ignoring citizen queries

Explanation - Transparency requires sharing relevant information with stakeholders to build trust and accountability.

Correct answer is: Open access to information and decisions

Q.19 Conflict of interest can be avoided by:

Ignoring rules

Disclosing personal interests and recusing oneself when necessary

Focusing on personal gains

Favoring influential individuals

Explanation - Disclosure and recusal prevent personal interests from compromising public responsibilities.

Correct answer is: Disclosing personal interests and recusing oneself when necessary

Q.20 Which of the following represents integrity in decision-making?

Making decisions based on rules and ethics

Following personal whims

Favoring friends

Avoiding responsibility

Explanation - Integrity involves consistency between principles, rules, and actions, even under pressure.

Correct answer is: Making decisions based on rules and ethics

Q.21 Civil servants should prioritize public interest over:

Law and policy

Personal or political gain

Citizen welfare

Ethical standards

Explanation - Prioritizing public interest ensures decisions serve citizens rather than private or political motives.

Correct answer is: Personal or political gain

Q.22 Which quality helps civil servants resist undue political pressure?

Neutrality and integrity

Personal ambition

Favoritism

Corruption

Explanation - By maintaining neutrality and integrity, officials uphold ethical standards despite external pressures.

Correct answer is: Neutrality and integrity

Q.23 Which of the following demonstrates accountability in civil service?

Reporting decisions and outcomes honestly