(a) Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (b) Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the public servants.

(a) Five ethical traits for a civil servant's performance matrix

• Integrity — consistency between values and action; the bedrock of public trust.
• Impartiality and objectivity — decisions on merit, without fear or favour, essential for fairness.
• Empathy and compassion — sensitivity to citizens' needs, especially the weakest.
• Accountability — answerability for outcomes, which deters misuse of power.
• Moral courage — the resolve to do right under pressure and resist wrongdoing.

These five are chosen because they are observable, measurable through conduct and outcomes, and jointly capture honesty, fairness, humaneness, responsibility and firmness.

(b) Ten essential values and preventing unethical behaviour

Essential values: integrity, honesty, impartiality, dedication to public service, empathy, transparency, accountability, courage of conviction, tolerance, and commitment to the Constitution.

Ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour:

• A clear, enforceable code of ethics and code of conduct.
• Ethical leadership that sets the example from the top.
• Transparency tools — RTI, e-governance and reduced discretion.
• Whistle-blower protection and safe grievance channels.
• Swift, certain disciplinary action against violations.
• Value-based training, social audit and citizen charters.

Conclusion

Traits make ethics measurable and values make it durable; together with strong institutional safeguards they build an administration citizens can trust.