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Day 16 – Q 2.How does ethical conduct deepen trust and forge social capital? Examine.

2. How does ethical conduct deepen trust and forge social capital? Examine.

नैतिक आचरण विश्वास और सामाजिक पूंजी को कैसे मजबूत करता है? जांच करें।

Introduction:

Ethics is a set of standards that society places on itself and which helps to guide behavior, choices and actions. Ethical conduct is characterized by honesty, fairness and equity in interpersonal, professional and academic relationships. Ethical conduct respects the dignity, diversity and rights of individuals and groups of people.

Body

Ethical conduct deepens trust and forges social capital

Social capital broadly refers to those factors of effectively functioning social groups that include such things as interpersonal relationships, a shared sense of identity, a shared understanding, shared norms, shared values, trust, cooperation, and reciprocity.

  • Ethical conduct forge relations to foster bonding, bridging and linking , build solidarity and trust; foster collective action and cooperation; strengthen communication and knowledge exchange;  create capacity for social cohesion and inclusion and builds Social capital.
  • There are several ways in which ethical conduct develops social capital that can improve government performance. First, it can broaden government accountability; government must be responsive to citizens at large rather than to narrow sectarian interests. Secondly, it can facilitate agreement where political preferences are polarized. Thirdly, it induces innovation in policymaking. Finally, it enhances the efficiency of delivery of many services at the local level through involvement of residents.
  • Ethical conduct such as Accountability of the government is the most important means by which social capital influences performance. Trust and civic minded attitudes can improve governmental performance by affecting the level and character of political participation, reducing “rent seeking” and enhancing public-interested behavior.
  • Social capital can bring convergence among different players on important issues. Political leaders in the developed regions are more willing to compromise with the views of opponents. Where trust and norms of reciprocity are stronger, opposing sides are more likely to sit together and resolve their disputes. On the other hand, where fewer citizens are motivated by a sense of civic obligation to stay informed and to participate in political life, the chances of a dispute settlement between two opposite sides become weak.
  • Large structured groups with well-defined organizational patterns and goals. They do not have an apparent profit motive, but generally work on financially sustainable basis. Such an organization does have a financial base of its own, but often gets considerable support from external agencies as well e.g. Societies, Trusts, and Waqfs.
  • Closer ties between corporations and community. Through CSR the existence of corporations in the social system is felt beyond a perception that corporation is a place just to get employment and producers of goods and services. By doing so, corporations and community would stay in peace and harmony. This becomes a social capital that is essential in community development.
  • Adherence to ethical principles of truthfulness, integrity and probity makes a person more trustful and helps in development of social capital.
    • For Example: E-Shridharan, the metro man, who is known for his probity and integrity is one of the best example which demonstrates how ethics can contribute to social as well as human wellbeing.

Conclusion

If there was a decline of ethical conduct in the society, it would lead to trouble. People might indulge in self-aggrandizement, Corruption, disregard environmental damage, etc. Though this might in the short run seem beneficial and profitable, in the long run it would be detrimental to the individual as well as community. Human wellbeing comprises of numerous dimensions from emotional wellbeing to healthy life. Without ethical conduct there would be all-round chaos and confusion. Thus, ethical conduct helps in securing social and human wellbeing.

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