Ethics

Model Answer

Option 01: Terminate the Employee with Immediate Effect

Pros:

• Company Image Protection: Immediate termination can help protect the company’s reputation and reassure investors.
• Deterrent Message: Sending a strong message to other employees about the potential professional consequences of inappropriate personal conduct.
• Support for Female Employees: Demonstrates the company’s commitment to addressing gender violence issues, reassuring female employees that their concerns will be taken seriously.

Cons:

• Unfair Without Evidence: Terminating the employee without confirming guilt would be unjust and could lead to legal challenges for wrongful dismissal. The company risks being seen as hasty in its judgment.

Option 02: Suspend the Employee Temporarily and Order an Internal Enquiry

Pros:

• Appease Stakeholders: A temporary suspension could help satisfy those pressuring the CEO for action, buying time while a thorough internal investigation is conducted.
• Opportunity for the Employee’s Defense: Provides the employee with the chance to explain his side of the story.
• Workplace Behavior Assessment: The internal inquiry can help evaluate the employee’s conduct within the workplace, particularly towards female colleagues.

Cons:

• Risk of Ineffectiveness: If the case is handled by police or other legal bodies, the internal enquiry might become irrelevant.
• Potential Panic Among Employees: Acting on a social media post alone might cause unnecessary panic, especially with concerns over the authenticity of the information, as deep fake content is becoming more prevalent.

Option 03: Register the Case with Authorities and Offer Work from Home (WFH)

Pros:

• Impartial Investigation: Involving the police ensures an unbiased investigation to confirm the employee’s innocence or guilt.
• Support for Employee: The WFH option allows the employee to continue working while being shielded from public scrutiny, offering mental and emotional support during the investigation.

Cons:

• Investigation Delays: Police investigations can be slow, and if the case goes to court, it may take even longer to resolve, delaying any firm action from the company.

Model Answer

Decision Regarding the Project’s Future

After carefully analyzing the available options, I have decided to proceed with Option 3, which involves modifying the project with comprehensive stakeholder engagement and expert consultation from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Here’s why:

Merits of Option 3

Preserving Cultural Heritage: One of the primary concerns of the project is the potential harm to the city’s historical and cultural legacy. By seeking expert opinion from ASI and integrating heritage restoration into the development plans, Option 3 ensures the city’s rich history remains intact while allowing for progress. This balances the need for modernization with respect for the past. Preserving the city’s heritage is not only crucial for its identity but is also in line with global conservation standards and can improve the city’s chances of securing the World Heritage tag.

Inclusive and Fair Development: This option emphasizes inclusivity by involving a wide range of stakeholders, including local residents, business owners, and heritage experts, in the decision-making process. It ensures that the concerns of the local community are respected, especially regarding displacement and changes that might negatively affect them. This will promote social equity and prevent unjust treatment of residents and shopkeepers, which is a major concern in Option 1.

Economic Growth with Cultural Sensitivity: While Option 1 promises economic prosperity and better tourist experiences, it risks disregarding the cultural values that attract tourists in the first place. By harmonizing both development and preservation, Option 3 allows for the city’s economic growth while ensuring it remains an attractive cultural and historical destination.

Demerits of Option 3

The primary drawbacks are the complexity of decision-making and the potential for increased costs. However, these are acceptable trade-offs when considering the long-term benefits of balancing development with heritage preservation.

In conclusion, Option 3 offers the most balanced and sustainable approach, ensuring that both heritage and progress are respected, addressing local concerns, and complying with international standards for conservation.

Model Answer

Options Available to Bhushan

Bhushan faces a challenging situation where he must choose between loyalty to his friend, professional integrity, and responsibility to the company. The following are the options available to him:

1. Avoid Reporting the Matter

Bhushan could decide not to report the fraudulent activities involving Manoj, fearing the potential repercussions for his friend.

Merits:

• This option demonstrates loyalty to his friend, preventing Manoj from facing potential job loss or punishment.
• It is compassionate, showing understanding of Manoj’s financial struggles that may have contributed to his actions.
• Given the relatively small financial loss, Bhushan might feel that reporting the issue wouldn’t significantly impact the company.

Demerits:

• Bhushan would be compromising his professional responsibility to the company.
• It could lead to a lack of accountability and encourage future unethical behavior by allowing employees to evade consequences.
• If the matter comes to light in the future, Bhushan could face scrutiny for failing to report the issue sooner, potentially risking his own job and reputation.

2. Report to Higher Management

Bhushan could choose to report the issue to higher management, fully disclosing Manoj’s fraudulent activities.

Merits:

• This ensures that Bhushan fulfills his professional duties and upholds the company’s ethical standards.
• It helps prevent further financial losses by addressing the issue immediately.
• Bhushan would be seen as acting with integrity, demonstrating honesty and responsibility within the company.

Demerits:

• Bhushan risks damaging his personal relationship with Manoj, who may feel betrayed.
• Bhushan could also be questioned as to why he waited until Manoj was leaving the company to report the issue, reflecting poorly on his proactivity.

3. Encourage Manoj to Report the Issue Himself

Bhushan could privately ask Manoj to report the issue to management, with the understanding that if Manoj refuses, Bhushan will do so.

Merits:

• This option allows Bhushan to balance his loyalty to his friend with his professional obligations.
• It shows emotional intelligence and empathy, giving Manoj the opportunity to take responsibility for his actions.
• Bhushan would avoid direct confrontation and maintain his friendship while still upholding ethical standards.

Demerits:

• Manoj may refuse to report the issue, which could strain their relationship.
• If Manoj doesn’t take action, Bhushan will still need to report the matter, potentially facing backlash from both Manoj and his colleagues.

Conclusion

The most balanced approach would be to encourage Manoj to take responsibility for his actions, as this allows Bhushan to preserve his friendship while maintaining his professional integrity. If Manoj refuses, Bhushan should then report the issue to the company, demonstrating empathy for Manoj’s circumstances while fulfilling his duties as an employee.