hidden image

Authority - To Embody Service

Adv. Jijo Thomas Placheril Adv. Jijo Thomas Placheril
03 Mar 2025

Most individuals are born into families where the father typically assumes the role of the head of the household. This position of authority is generally acknowledged by all family members, even in cases where the mother may have a higher income than the father.

There is a similar dynamic in society, where individuals are subject to those considered figures of authority. Within any organisation, a hierarchical structure is evident, with a leader or director overseeing the operations of a particular department. The ultimate responsibility for the department rests with this individual at the pinnacle of the hierarchy.


 

When considering a nation's government, there is a supreme authority elected by the public, either directly or indirectly, through a process. This individual acts as the principal leader or commander of the country, and the government is organised hierarchically.

Everyone aspires to ascend to the top of the organisational hierarchy upon selecting a career. It is widely recognised that the individual occupying the highest position wields significant power, commanding the respect and obedience of all department members.

Subordinates are expected to adhere to their superior's directives. Indeed, the leader or head of any organisation possesses greater authority than other members.

However, this elevated status comes with increased responsibilities. They are ultimately accountable for the institution and must bear the moral responsibility for any errors their subordinates commit. They are also duty-bound to ensure that the institution operates in compliance with both the civil laws of the land and the specific regulations governing the organisation. Furthermore, they are entrusted with the authority to prevent any unlawful activities their subordinates conduct within the institution.

The person in a position of authority must possess the moral fortitude to enforce strict measures against those who violate laws and institutional policies. Additionally, they should express humility by recognising subordinates' mistakes as their own. They must also attribute success to the entire team, acknowledging that it is the collective effort of their colleagues.

Moreover, they should prioritise listening over speaking, actively engage with the concerns and challenges faced by those around them, and strive to find effective solutions. Timely and appropriate decision-making is crucial for their department or institution; any indecision could adversely affect its operations. They must remain impartial, avoiding any form of bias or favouritism.

A key responsibility of a leader is to provide consistent feedback to subordinates. They should closely monitor their activities and offer constructive corrections when necessary. A leader who hesitates to provide corrections out of fear of losing favour with subordinates is unfit for the role.

The authority should remain receptive to suggestions and be equipped with plans and visions that promote the institution's best interests, implementing these with the team's support. Ultimately, the role of a leader is not to dominate but to guide others toward the right path, fostering the potential of subordinates for the overall benefit of the institution or department. The authority should embody the true spirit of service.

The majority of our government institutions and departments are currently plagued by corruption. Unfortunately, our nation's legislative and executive leaders are turning a blind eye to this issue. It has become increasingly evident that without offering a bribe, one cannot expect any work to be accomplished or any files to be progressed within government offices. These institutions have transformed into mechanisms that exploit the public.

Our officials appear "oblivious" to the corruption that permeates these departments. The adage, "Physician, heal thyself," is particularly relevant here. The leaders must first address the corruption within their own departments before they can effectively serve the public. Your allegiance should lie not with corrupt officials but with the citizens you represent.

While we, the common people, respect and acknowledge your authority, you may intimidate those beneath you. Are you perhaps also receiving a significant portion of the bribes?

When corruption exists within a government department, the executive head bears vicarious liability, as the actions of subordinates reflect upon their leadership. If a citizen is denied their rights due to lack of bribery, the executive head must admit moral liability for this infringement.

Tolerance for errant officials and lawbreakers is unacceptable. Will our leaders have the courage to take decisive action? We can only hope for service-oriented and brave leaders at the highest levels of governance to eradicate corruption and immoralities from government departments.

Recent Posts

Pope Francis is bowing out in this special jubilee year of hope, which he has been leading from the front even as he has braved prolonged health concerns. As he passes on and the world bids goodbye to
apicture George Plathottam
28 Apr 2025
Francis' legacy can be summarised in four keywords that reflect powerfully and prominently in his writings, discourses, actions, and life: joy, hope, mercy, and peace.
apicture Bp Gerald John Mathias
28 Apr 2025
Pope Francis redefined leadership through humility, inclusion, and service. He stood with the marginalised, prioritised mercy over judgment, championed ecological justice, and called for reform rooted
apicture Jacob Peenikaparambil
28 Apr 2025
By mocking Muslims as 'puncture repairers', the Prime Minister reduces a vibrant community to a stereotype. This isn't rhetoric—it's a calculated attempt to stigmatise identity, distract from real iss
apicture A. J. Philip
28 Apr 2025
We hear people saying that the President of India is there to sign on the dotted line prepared by the ruling party. We refuse to believe it because the President is the Constitutional head of the nati
apicture P. A. Chacko
28 Apr 2025
Tamil Nadu's autonomy resolution is yet another spark in the recent federalism debates, challenging central authority over education, finance, and representation. As BJP seeks to tighten its claws, th
apicture Dr John Singarayar
28 Apr 2025
In Manipur, once-united communities now bleed at each other's hands, their bonds severed by narratives crafted far away. As homes burn and futures vanish, the real victors are those who profit from di
apicture Estelle Kipgen & Leishilembi Terem
28 Apr 2025
At a time when India seeks to attract global investment and project itself as a transparent business destination, such incidents chip away at investor confidence. International investors are already w
apicture Jaswant Kaur
28 Apr 2025
Many big children who accompany their parents to their workplaces also join the labour. But until they migrate, they roam around in the village or go to plantations. They become child labourers.
apicture F. M. Britto
28 Apr 2025
Police assaulted children and priests with lathis and beat and molested women belonging to the tribal community as they barged into Juba Catholic Church in the Gajapati district, Odisha, on March 22,
apicture Sujata Jena
28 Apr 2025