(a) What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (250 words) (i) Integrity (ii) Perseverance (iii) Spirit of service (iv) Commitment (v) Courage of conviction (b) Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer. (100 words)

Introduction

Public service rests on a core of civil-service values that convert authority into responsible action. The following terms capture the moral fibre expected of a public servant.

(a) The five terms

• Integrity: steadfast adherence to moral and ethical principles — honesty and consistency between word and deed — so that a public servant remains incorruptible whether observed or not.
• Perseverance: persistent, determined effort to achieve goals despite obstacles, delays and setbacks; the tenacity to see difficult reforms and projects through.
• Spirit of service: the disposition to place citizens' welfare and the public good above personal comfort or gain — serving as a duty, not a favour.
• Commitment: dedication and a sense of ownership towards one's role, goals and the values of the organisation, ensuring reliability and follow-through.
• Courage of conviction: the moral courage to stand by what is right and take principled decisions despite pressure, risk or opposition.

(b) Two more important attributes

• Empathy/compassion: the ability to understand and respond to the needs and suffering of citizens, especially the weakest. Administration touches real lives — disaster relief, welfare delivery — and empathy ensures humane, citizen-centric governance rather than mechanical rule-following.
• Impartiality/objectivity: deciding on merit and evidence without fear, favour, bias or discrimination. It guarantees fairness and equal treatment under Articles 14–16, which is the bedrock of public trust in a neutral, non-partisan civil service.

Conclusion

Together these attributes align power with purpose: integrity and courage keep a servant honest, perseverance and commitment make him effective, and empathy and impartiality make governance just and humane.