Question

There is an importance of integrity in public service. This is a checklist for gauging integrity.

1. Enabling environment - Do political leaders demonstrate high standards of propriety in the discharge of their official duties?

2. Integrity standards - Do public officials know the fundamental values of the public service and standards of conduct to apply in their daily work?

3. Risk mapping - Have risks to integrity been identified in key government activities and were countermeasures developed to manage these risks?

4. Controls - Are effective internal control mechanisms in place and are they closely coordinated with external controls to avoid loopholes?

5. Openness - Are mechanisms in place to enable civil society organizations, media and the wider public to scrutinize government actions?

Do you agree with the checklist provided? Why or why not?

Answer 1

I agree with the checklist provided, since it measures the integrity and controls required in public service effectively. The First point refers to high standards of propriety. It seeks to check whether the political leaders conform to the prevailing standard of behaviour and whether their performance and attitude is appropriate.

The second point seeks to check whether the political leaders are aware of the values required in public service and whether they are aware of the standards of conduct required from them. This is an effective check since most of the times the public leaders do not even know the standards required. They need training in this area before they assume their roles.

The third point Refers to measurement of risk that may come up in the way of execution of duties in an integral manner. This checklist will allow people to identify the risk involved and only then it can be worked upon.

The fourth point aims at establishment of effective internal control mechanisms which are required to be set up and coordinated with external controls to minimise the loss of integrity in public service. The last point is an interesting point which allows the society and public to keep an eye on the public officials. This refers to transparency in the functioning of the government and allows the pressure of the media and public to work towards integrity of public servants.

Hence in my view this is an effective checklist