Civil Service Ethics and Good Governance
What the domain tests
Civil Service Ethics and Good Governance tests the conduct expected of public servants: public interest, integrity, accountability, transparency, rule of law, fairness, confidentiality, and conflict-of-interest management. Scenarios test judgment, not slogans.
Core rules and concepts
- Put public interest above private gain; do not use office, information, or assets for personal benefit.
- Declare conflicts of interest and withdraw from decisions where impartiality could be questioned.
- Refuse or declare gifts and hospitality that could influence official action; follow written rules.
- Keep official information confidential unless disclosure is authorized.
- Treat citizens fairly and promptly; avoid discrimination and arbitrary delays.
- Report wrongdoing through proper channels; protect whistleblowers where law provides.
Worked example. During tender evaluation, a bidder offers evaluators lunch and small gifts. The correct response is to decline, record the offer, and inform the chair or ethics focal person; private contact should stop. Reasoning: acceptance creates a conflict and undermines competition and public trust.
Traps that cost marks
Accepting 'small' gifts; using insider information; hiding a conflict; confusing loyalty to a supervisor with loyalty to law; and retaliating against complainants.