Ethics in Relationships: Private vs. Public
Relationships are the active arenas where an individual's value system is tested and expressed. In public service, administrators must navigate the distinct ethical requirements of private relationships (characterized by emotion, loyalty, and subjectivity) and public relationships (characterized by rules, neutrality, and objectivity).
| Module Overview | - Ethical navigation between private relationships (emotion, loyalty, subjectivity) and public relationships (rules, neutrality, objectivity) |
| Private vs Public Relationship Matrix | - Private Relationships: driven by emotional loyalty (*Mooha*), flexible informal boundaries, and internal personal conscience - Public Relationships: driven by rule of law, political neutrality, merit, rigid formal boundaries, and external statutory accountability |
| Protocols for Conflict Resolution | - Voluntary Disclosure: proactively declaring potential financial or personal conflicts of interest to senior authorities - Mandatory Recusal: stepping down from selection panels or procurement boards whenever relatives or close friends are involved - Reasoned Written Decisions: documenting official choices with clear evidence-based written justifications |
| Key Quotes | - Mahatma Gandhi: All relationships must be purified by the fire of truth - Thomas Jefferson: The care of human life and happiness is the first and only legitimate object of good government |
| Conclusion | - Success lies in cleanly separating **"Subjective Private Loyalty from Objective, Rules-Bound Public Accountability"** |