Ethics Case Studies

Model Answer

Introduction

The case study involving the protagonist’s son highlights significant ethical challenges associated with social media in the context of bullying and misinformation.

Ethical Issues Involved in the Use of Social Media

1. Cyberbullying and Harassment
   • The initial act of bullying against the protagonist’s son through social media platforms constitutes cyberbullying, leading to emotional distress and mental health issues.
   • Source: The Cyberbullying Research Center defines cyberbullying as harassment that occurs online.
2. Privacy and Consent
   • The unauthorized publication of videos depicting the protagonist’s family raises ethical concerns about privacy and the lack of consent from those involved.
   • Source: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) emphasizes the importance of consent in sharing personal information.
3. Spread of False Information
   • The viral dissemination of misinformation about the protagonist’s family reflects the dangers of social media in spreading false narratives.
   • Source: The Pew Research Center reports that misinformation is a widespread issue on social media platforms.
4. Viral Shaming Culture
   • The incident illustrates the harmful effects of viral shaming, where individuals are publicly humiliated online, leading to reputation damage.
   • Source: The Journal of Social Issues discusses the psychological impact of public shaming in digital contexts.
5. Responsibility and Accountability
   • The protagonist’s decision to identify alleged perpetrators on social media raises questions about ethical accountability and the potential harm to innocent parties.
   • Source: The American Psychological Association emphasizes the need for responsible communication in public forums.

Pros and Cons of Using Social Media to Counter Fake Propaganda

Pros

1. Factual Clarification
   • Posting a counter video allows for immediate clarification of the situation, presenting the facts to combat misinformation.
2. Awareness and Education
   • Social media can be a platform for raising awareness about the consequences of cyberbullying and educating the public on responsible online behavior.
3. Mental Peace
   • Addressing false propaganda publicly can provide relief by correcting the narrative and alleviating emotional distress.

Cons

1. Potential Escalation
   • Engaging on social media might escalate the situation, leading to further online disputes and negativity.
2. Impact on Professional Image
   • As a government official, addressing the issue in a public forum may harm the protagonist’s professional reputation and image.
3. Unintended Consequences for Perpetrators
   • Identifying alleged bullies online could lead to unforeseen repercussions for the students involved, affecting their families and raising ethical concerns.

Conclusion

This case underscores the ethical complexities of social media use in addressing bullying and misinformation. It highlights the urgent need for responsible online behavior and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for addressing such issues. Proactive measures involving community awareness and open dialogue among stakeholders—parents, educators, and students—are essential to navigate these challenges effectively.

Model Answer

Introduction

The case of Vinod, an IAS officer navigating corruption allegations against the Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation, highlights critical ethical challenges in a politicized bureaucracy.

Options Available to Vinod

Option 1: Confronting the Chairman

• Pros:
  • Upholds integrity and ethical responsibility.
  • Potentially leads to systemic reforms and public support.
• Cons:
  • Risks retaliation and isolation within his professional circle.
  • Political influence may shield the Chairman from accountability.

Option 2: Whistle-blowing

• Pros:
  • Promotes transparency and accountability.
  • Aligns with Vinod’s ethical obligations as a civil servant.
• Cons:
  • Risk of exposure and legal ramifications.
  • Uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of this action.

Option 3: Cooperating with the Board Member

• Pros:
  • May offer political protection and resources.
  • Could provide leverage for reforms.
• Cons:
  • Risks compromising ethical integrity for political gain.
  • Potential legal issues and political uncertainty.

Option 4: Conducting an Internal Investigation

• Pros:
  • Demonstrates commitment to due process and fairness.
  • Maintains confidentiality while gathering evidence.
• Cons:
  • Time-consuming and susceptible to manipulation.
  • Risks of leaks and repercussions from the Chairman.

Ethical Issues Arising from Politicization of Bureaucracy

1. Conflict of Interest: Vinod’s situation illustrates the inherent conflict between personal ambition and professional ethics within a politicized environment.
2. Abuse of Power: The Chairman’s demands for bribes showcase the potential for corruption and misuse of authority in bureaucratic institutions.
3. Political Manipulation: The Board Member’s suggestion to leverage Vinod to expose the Chairman for political gain reflects the intertwining of personal agendas and governance.
4. Trust in Public Institutions: Allegations of corruption erode public trust and undermine the legitimacy of government bodies.

Way Forward

• Ethical Leadership: Vinod should embody integrity to inspire his colleagues and establish a culture of accountability.
• Prudent Decision-Making: Decisions should align with civil service principles, emphasizing transparency and the public interest.
• Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms: Implement frameworks that protect civil servants from political interference, ensuring their commitment to societal welfare.

Conclusion

In facing this ethical dilemma, Vinod must balance his commitment to integrity with the pressures of a politicized environment. Upholding ethical principles can foster greater accountability and trust in public institutions, ultimately benefiting society at large.

Model Answer

Introduction

The presented case study highlights a complex ethical scenario involving a nationalised bank, where compassion intersects with professional integrity. It revolves around a colleague whose father required urgent heart surgery, leading to a series of ethical considerations regarding the actions of the bank manager.

a. Ethical Issues Involved

1. Professional Integrity: The bank manager’s decision to release funds from a dormant account raises concerns about adherence to banking policies and ethical standards.
2. Power and Resource Use: Utilizing bank resources for personal reasons, even for humanitarian purposes, invites scrutiny regarding responsible use of authority.
3. Confidentiality: The lack of consent from the dormant account holder poses significant ethical dilemmas related to privacy and trust.
4. Moral Obligation: The situation underscores the moral imperative to assist those in dire need, complicating the ethical landscape.
5. Legal Compliance: Actions taken must align with regulations such as the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, to prevent legal repercussions.

b. Evaluation of the Bank Manager’s Behaviour

Supportive Arguments

• Compassion and Kindness: The bank manager’s actions reflect genuine empathy for a colleague’s crisis, embodying humanitarian values.
• Alleviating Suffering: Facilitating the surgery demonstrates a commitment to reducing distress, aligning with ethical principles of care.

Critical Arguments

• Legal Violation: Using funds without the account holder’s knowledge could be deemed misappropriation, violating legal norms.
• Breach of Ethics: Such actions may undermine professional standards and set a troubling precedent within the organization.
• Erosion of Trust: Favoritism could damage morale and trust among staff, contradicting principles of fairness.

c. My Reaction to the Situation

I would first express empathy towards my colleague, recognizing her distress. However, I would emphasize the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards, discussing the need for transparency in financial transactions.

Exploring alternative funding sources, such as charitable organizations or government schemes, would be essential to mitigate the financial burden without compromising ethical integrity. Additionally, I would advocate for clear guidelines to prevent similar situations in the future, ensuring fairness and maintaining the bank’s reputation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, balancing compassion with ethical integrity is crucial. Reflective decision-making must encompass both moral imperatives and legal compliance to navigate such complex scenarios effectively.