Answer:

“Selflessness” is characterized by low levels of self-centeredness and a low degree of importance given to the self. Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or their friends.

Selfish motivation often discourages public servants from taking initiative and helping others unless these activities are directly rewarded, which can be detrimental to their long-term performance, reputations and careers.

But many a times a civil servants wants to perform his duty selflessly but fails to do so due to external obstacles. The external obstacles can be political interference, non-cooperation from the seniors and colleagues, rigid institutional structure, etc.

People do not have much control over their external factors but he can maintain integrity and probity at the individual level and can take steps for betterment of the organisation rather than surrendering to the situation and working against one’s conscience.