Conformity and Compliance — Mains Questions

"The line between appropriate conformity that ensures organizational effectiveness and inappropriate conformity that compromises ethical standards is often blurred in public administration." Analyze this statement with reference to the psychological mechanisms of social influence and suggest measures to help civil servants navigate this challenge.

A senior civil servant notices that his department consistently approves projects without thorough environmental impact assessment because 'that's how it's always been done' and challenging the practice might delay approvals and upset political leadership. Analyze the conformity and compliance issues involved and suggest an ethical course of action.

"Digital age governance has created new forms of conformity pressure through social media influence and viral public opinion that can compromise evidence-based policy making." Critically examine this statement and discuss how civil servants can maintain professional independence in the digital era.