Answer:

Introduction:

The performance of civil servants is crucial for the effective functioning of government institutions and the delivery of public services. Assessing their performance requires a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond conventional metrics. Ethical traits provide valuable insights into the conduct and integrity of civil servants.

Body:

Five ethical traits that can be used to evaluate the performance of a civil servant are:

• Integrity – the ability to act honestly, fairly, and transparently, even in the face of pressure or temptation to do otherwise.

Example : T. N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, During his tenure, he introduced several reforms to ensure free and fair elections.

• Accountability – the willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions and decisions, and to be held accountable by others for their impact.

Example : In 2018, IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri Dasari took a tough stand against illegal mining in Karnataka, despite facing political pressure to turn a blind eye. 

• Objectivity – the ability to make decisions and take actions based on facts and evidence, rather than personal biases or emotions.

Example : Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, is known for his data-driven approach to policy making. 

• Respect for diversity – the ability to recognize and appreciate the differences among individuals and groups, and to treat all stakeholders with dignity and respect.

Example : R. Subrahmanyam, former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, is known for his work in promoting diversity and inclusion. 

• Professionalism – the ability to maintain high standards of conduct, appearance, and communication, and to uphold the values and norms of the civil service. 

Example : K. Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, has played a key role in shaping India’s science and technology policies, and has worked to promote innovation and research across the country. 

Conclusion:

Civil servants who possess these traits are more likely to earn the respect and confidence of the public, and to be effective in their roles as stewards of the public interest. By evaluating civil servants on these traits, organizations can identify areas for improvement and provide targeted training and support to help them better serve their constituents.