During the past three decades there has been an enormous increase in the scope of governmental activity and in the range of its objectives. This expansion has deposited immense power and authority in the hands of public officials, thereby increasing opportunities for abuse of power and authority, as well as incidents of unethical activities. This paper examines these aspects, particularly in the context of expected standards of performance of public servants and the ethical issues confronting public officials in the Western as well as in the Third World nations. The essay concludes with a plea for strengthening the moral resolve of public servants so that they achieve the goal of moral and responsible administration.
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