Ethics Terminal
Ethics Terminal
Administrative ethics refers to the principles and values that guide the behavior of individuals
and organizations in the public sector. The basic principles of administrative ethics include:
Accountability: Public officials and organizations must be accountable for their actions and
decisions, and be transparent in their dealings with the public.
Integrity: Officials must act with honesty and impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest.
Responsiveness: Public organizations must be responsive to the needs and concerns of the
community they serve, and prioritize the public interest over private interests.
Respect for the rule of law: Officials must abide by the law and respect the rights of
individuals and the democratic process.
Professionalism: Officials must exhibit a high level of professionalism in their work and
maintain a commitment to ethical behavior.
Fairness: Officials must act fairly and equitably, and avoid discrimination based on race,
gender, religion, or any other irrelevant factors.
Responsibility: Officials must be responsible for their actions and decisions and take full
accountability for their impact.
These principles serve as a framework for ethical decision-making and behavior in the public
sector, and help to ensure that public organizations are serving the needs of the community
in a responsible and transparent manner.
Impartiality: Civil servants must be neutral and impartial in their duties, and avoid conflicts of
interest. They must also avoid any political activities that could compromise their impartiality.
Confidentiality: Civil servants must respect the confidentiality of information and only release
it in accordance with the law and relevant policies.
Professionalism: Civil servants must exhibit a high level of professionalism in their work, and
maintain a commitment to ethical behavior and standards.
Responsiveness: Civil servants must be responsive to the needs of the public and prioritize
the public interest over personal interests.
Accountability: Civil servants must be accountable for their actions and decisions, and be
transparent in their dealings with the public.
Fairness: Civil servants must act fairly and equitably, and avoid discrimination based on
race, gender, religion, or any other irrelevant factors.
Respect for the rule of law: Civil servants must abide by the law and respect the rights of
individuals and the democratic process.
Continuous professional development: Civil servants must maintain their professional skills
and knowledge, and be committed to ongoing learning and development.
These ethical requirements are essential to ensure that civil servants serve the public in a
responsible, transparent, and effective manner, and maintain the public's trust in the
government.
Personal ethics: Personal ethics refer to the individual's personal values, beliefs, and
principles, which inform their behavior and decision-making in their personal and private life.
Professional ethics: Professional ethics refer to the ethical considerations that arise in a
particular profession, such as medicine, law, engineering, or journalism. These codes of
ethics set standards for professional conduct and establish the obligations and
responsibilities of professionals to their clients, colleagues, and the public.
Societal ethics: Societal ethics refer to the ethical considerations that arise in society as a
whole, and relate to broader social, cultural, and political issues. These may include ethical
issues related to the environment, human rights, and social justice.
Each of these ethical domains has its own specific set of values, principles, and standards,
but they are interrelated, and an individual's personal and professional ethics may be
influenced by broader societal values and norms. By understanding these ethical domains,
individuals and organizations can make informed decisions that reflect their values and
contribute to a more ethical and just society
Ethical reasoning is the process of using ethical ideas and principles to evaluate a situation
and make a decision that is consistent with one's values and obligations. Ethical reasoning
involves analyzing facts and circumstances, considering the impact of actions on all parties
involved, and weighing competing ethical considerations. The goal of ethical reasoning is to
arrive at a conclusion that is just, fair, and consistent with one's moral principles.
Ethical ideas and ethical reasoning can come from several sources, including:
Religious or spiritual beliefs: Many religions have established codes of ethics and moral
principles that guide the behavior of their followers.
Cultural norms and values: A person's cultural background can shape their understanding of
what is right and wrong and inform their ethical decision-making.
Laws and regulations: Laws and regulations often serve as a source of ethical guidance,
setting boundaries for acceptable behavior in society.
Personal experiences and emotions: An individual's experiences and emotions can influence
their ethical perspectives and shape their moral convictions.
Reasoning and critical thinking: Ethical reasoning involves the application of critical thinking
and logical analysis to evaluate ethical questions and make informed decisions.
4/What are the responsibilities of democratic administrators? Do the role and
structure allow administrators to be responsible for their actions?
The responsibilities of democratic administrators include:
Implementing public policy: Administrators are responsible for carrying out the policies and
decisions of elected officials and ensuring that government programs are delivered
effectively and efficiently.
Managing public resources: Administrators must ensure that public resources are used
responsibly and in a manner that is consistent with the goals and objectives of government.
Providing services to the public: Administrators must ensure that public services are
provided in a manner that is fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the community.
Ensuring accountability: Administrators must be accountable for their actions and decisions
and must be transparent in their dealings with the public.
The role and structure of democratic administrators do allow them to be responsible for their
actions, as they are subject to a variety of checks and balances that ensure accountability.
These checks and balances include:
Oversight by elected officials: Administrators are accountable to elected officials, who have
the power to review and approve their actions.
Review by the judiciary: The courts can review administrative actions and decisions to
ensure that they are consistent with the law and the Constitution.
Public scrutiny: The public has the right to know about the actions of government and to hold
administrators accountable for their decisions.
Overall, the role and structure of democratic administrators allow for a balance of power and
accountability, which helps ensure that public officials are responsible for their actions and
decisions
Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): The belief in the oneness of God and submission to His will
forms the basis of Islamic administration.
Adl (Justice): The administration must ensure justice, fairness and equality in all dealings,
and avoid all forms of discrimination.
Ihsan (Excellence): Pursuit of excellence and doing things in the best way possible is a
fundamental principle in Islamic administration.
Amanah (Trust): Officials are considered as trustees and are responsible for managing the
resources of the community in a transparent and accountable manner.
Balance between Individual and Collective Interests: Islamic administration aims to strike a
balance between individual freedoms and collective interests.
These principles serve as a framework for the development of an ethical and moral system
that guides the actions of individuals in Islamic society.
Tawhid: The belief in the unity and oneness of God and the rejection of all forms of idolatry
or polytheism.
Ihsan: The idea of excellence or perfection in one's beliefs, actions, and character, with the
aim of pleasing God.
Adl (justice): The principle of fairness, impartiality, and equality, and the requirement to treat
others as one would like to be treated.
Amanah (trustworthiness): The responsibility to be honest and fulfill one's commitments, and
to protect and preserve the rights of others.
Taqwa (piety or consciousness of God): The awareness of God's presence and the effort to
live in accordance with His will and guidance.
Taqlid: This theory holds that ethical norms and values are derived from the Qur'an and the
Sunnah (the practice of the Prophet Muhammad), and that Muslims should follow them
without questioning their validity.
Ijtihad: This theory holds that ethical norms and values can be derived through independent
reasoning and interpretation, based on the principles and objectives of the Qur'an and the
Sunnah.
Maqasid al-Shari'ah: This theory focuses on the overarching goals and objectives of Islamic
law (shari'ah), and seeks to derive ethical norms and values from these goals.
Overall, the Islamic ethical system emphasizes the importance of worshiping God, treating
others with justice and compassion, and living in accordance with the guidance of the Qur'an
and the Sunnah
Tawhid: The belief in the unity and oneness of God and the rejection of all forms of idolatry
or polytheism.
Adl (justice): The principle of fairness, impartiality, and equality, and the requirement to treat
others as one would like to be treated.
Amanah (trustworthiness): The responsibility to be honest and fulfill one's commitments, and
to protect and preserve the rights of others.
Taqwa (piety or consciousness of God): The awareness of God's presence and the effort to
live in accordance with His will and guidance.
Shura (consultation): The idea that decision-making should be based on consultation and
participation, and that the views of all stakeholders should be taken into account.
In an organization, the implementation of these principles can take various forms, such as:
Fostering a culture of justice, honesty, and trustworthiness: The organization should strive to
create a work environment that is fair and equitable for all employees, and that values
transparency and accountability.
Fostering a sense of purpose and spiritual well-being: The organization should support the
religious and spiritual well-being of employees, and encourage them to live in accordance
with their beliefs and values.
Promoting ethical behavior: The organization should establish a code of ethics and
encourage employees to act in a manner that is consistent with its principles and values.
Ensuring accountability and transparency: The organization should establish clear systems
of accountability and reporting, and ensure that all actions and decisions are open to scrutiny
and review.