Integrity and Ethics Tulasi Sharan Sigdel Deputy Director of Studies, NASC PhD Student: Cultural Politics of Governance in Nepal tsigdel@gmail.com, tsigdel@nasc.org.np NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Learning objectives Explain the concept and meaning of integrity and ethics Explain different approaches of integrity and ethics Analyze ethical dilemma in workplace NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Presentation outline Meaning and concept of integrity and ethics Philosophical approaches to ethics Ethical competence Characteristics of integrity leader/builder Factors affecting integrity and ethical behaviour Building integrity NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Ethics A set of moral principles and standards of “right” behavior and conduct. Right or wrong, good or bad in actions that affects others. Moral values, principles, and standards that provide guidelines or framework for action NASC 2014 5/3/2019

A VIDEO NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Philosophical views on ethics The utilitarian approach The rights approach The fairness or justice approach NASC 2014 5/3/2019

When chief asks to Lie! Hari Krishna is the chief of Duradada veterinary office in a remote village. The office is in a dilapidated condition seriously needing of repairs- a critical portion of the office has been damaged, causing it to become unusable. He tried many times to repair the office but failed to get any support. At the same time, a storm has blown across the village causing heavy damage of public offices and houses. The area in and around the village has been declared a disaster area, and district disaster committee is assessing damage for emergency relief. Hari Krishna has reported the district disaster committee officials that the damage to the office was caused by the storm. NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Cont… Prior to DDC officials arriving to assess the damage at the station, the Hari Krishna calls Ram, a junior staff at the office and advised him to report DDC officials that the damage is the result of the storm. While not stated, annual evaluations are due next month, and Hari Krishna is known to use the evaluations to reward loyalty and punish those who do not follow his instructions. Due to a previous illness in the family, Ram is in need of additional amount through annual reward to keep up with needs. Ram is in the state of dilemma and indecisiveness. NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Questions Should Ram report as advised by Hari Krishna? Suppose, Ram turns his head and does what the incharge wants. Is he culpable of moral muteness? Or is he being unethical? Should Ram complain to the incharge that he is being put in a difficult position that he cannot do? What ethics management strategy would you employ to prevent situations like this from occurring? NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Ethical Competence: 3 Elements Ability to identify and name an integrity problem Knowledge of the legislation, codes, standards, related to the problem Able to identify the solution NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Integrity: Viable Options 3 5 Loyalty Exit Voice 2 1 4 Organize 6 Source: Albert O. Hirshman

I = a (A,C,E ) – C What is integrity? a= alignment A= accountability C= competence E= ethics and C= Corruption NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Characteristics of ‘Toxic Leader’ VS ‘Integrity Builder’ NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Core Characteristics of Toxic Leader 1. Commitment to public interest 1. Commitment to public interest 2. Incorruptibility 2. Incorruptibility 4. Experimentation 3. Consistency of goal 6. Institutional intelligence 5. Competence 5/3/2019

Core Characteristics of Self Serving Popular Leader 1. Commitment to public interest 2. Incorruptibility 2. Incorruptibility 4. Experimentation 3. Consistency of goal 6. Institutional intelligence 5. Competence 5/3/2019

Core Characteristics of Integrity Builder 1. Commitment to public interest 2. Incorruptibility 4. Experimentation 3. Consistency of goal 6. Institutional intelligence 5. Competence 5/3/2019

What is integrity problem? A significant discrepancy between… A contract and actual execution Policy and implementation Entitlements and access NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Why integrity problem? Integrity problem arises with ethical lapses and weak national integrity system NASC 2014 5/3/2019

National Integrity System SUSTAIN- ABLE DEVELOP- MENT RULE OF LAW QUALITY OF LIFE N A T I O N A L I N T E G R I T Y LEGISLATURE EXECUTIVE JUDICIARY AUDITOR GENERAL OMBUDSMAN WATCHDOG AGENCIES PUBLIC SERVICE MEDIA CIVIL SOCIETY PRIVATE SECTOR INTERNATIONAL ACTORS P U B L I C A W A R E N E S S S O C I E T Y’ S V A L U E S

Ethical Landscape Source: Carol W. Lewis NASC 2014 5/3/2019

Factors affecting Integrity and Ethical Behaviour Manager as a Person Employing Organization External Environment Family Influences Policies, Code of conduct Government regulations Religious values Behaviour of leaders, supervisors, peers and subordinates Norms and values of politics – political behaviour Personal standards, and needs Organisational culture Ethical climate of society- social values and norms My Choice ! Ethical Behaviour

Things we need! For integrity; Commitment Clear set of values and standards Communication of values and standards Continuous and consistent actions Moreover, Assess your ethical position Acknowledge that “it starts with me!” Build ethical thinking into daily activities Establish a legend; let it be disseminated

Thank You