Model Answer

Ethical Dilemmas Bhushan Faces

Bhushan encounters several ethical dilemmas throughout the situation, each presenting a conflict between personal relationships, professional integrity, and responsibilities. The main dilemmas are as follows:

Loyalty to the Company vs. Friendship with Manoj

Bhushan faces the challenge of balancing his loyalty to his company with his friendship with Manoj. As a part of the internal audit team, Bhushan is expected to act in the best interests of the organization by identifying and addressing any misconduct, including possible financial misappropriations by Manoj. However, his friendship with Manoj creates a conflict, as Bhushan may feel inclined to protect his friend from the consequences of his actions. The dilemma arises from the tension between doing what is professionally correct for the company and being there for a close friend in a difficult situation.

Professional Integrity vs. Personal Interest

Another ethical dilemma Bhushan encounters is the conflict between professional integrity and personal interests. His role requires him to maintain ethical standards, ensure transparency, and act impartially during audits. However, Bhushan is concerned that exposing Manoj’s wrongdoings may endanger his own job security, as such revelations could upset colleagues or superiors who are loyal to Manoj. This presents a dilemma where Bhushan’s professional ethics clash with his desire to protect his personal interests, such as maintaining job stability and safeguarding his career prospects.

Empathy vs. Responsibility

Finally, Bhushan faces the challenge of empathy versus responsibility. He understands and empathizes with Manoj’s personal struggles, which may have led to his dishonest actions. At the same time, Bhushan has a professional duty to ensure accountability and rectify any wrongdoings in the company. This creates an emotional conflict for Bhushan, as he must choose between supporting his friend and fulfilling his responsibility to report misconduct. While empathy for Manoj may make Bhushan hesitant to act, his duty to the company pushes him to make an objective decision for the greater good.

These dilemmas reflect the complex nature of ethical decision-making, where personal and professional considerations often collide.

Model Answer

Approach as PWD Officer

As the Public Works Department (PWD) officer, my primary responsibility is to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of the administration. Given the potential structural issues, I would adopt the following approach:

Structural Assessment and Reporting

First, I would engage qualified structural engineers to conduct a comprehensive structural assessment of the project. The assessment would be done in accordance with the National Building Code of India (NBC), which sets standards for construction safety and quality (Source: National Building Code of India). This would allow us to identify any risks or defects that could jeopardize the integrity of the project.

Persuasion and Proposal

Based on the findings, I would prepare a detailed report outlining the structural flaws and potential risks. I would then present this information to senior officials and members of the ruling party, emphasizing the dangers of proceeding with substandard construction. Highlighting the future risk of collapse could significantly damage both the administration’s reputation and the ruling party’s image. I would also propose a corrective action plan, including a timeline and estimated costs for necessary repairs.

Ethical Responsibility and External Action

If internal efforts fail, I would consider discreetly sharing the findings with external regulatory agencies to ensure the issue is addressed. My priority would be public safety and transparency, demonstrating the courage to act in the public’s best interest despite potential institutional pressures.

This approach reflects both my ethical responsibility and commitment to upholding safety standards in public projects.

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.

Model Answer

Ethical Concerns Raised by the Case

One of the primary ethical concerns in this case is the presumption of innocence. According to this principle, a person is considered innocent until proven guilty. Rushing to terminate an employee based solely on a video without concrete evidence violates this ethical standard. It is critical to refrain from jumping to conclusions, as premature judgment can lead to unfair treatment of the employee and could result in unjust consequences.

Rule of Fair Hearing and Due Process

The rule of fair hearing is another essential ethical consideration. This principle mandates that the individual accused should have the opportunity to present their side of the story. By not providing the employee with a fair chance to explain or defend themselves, the company would be denying them a fundamental aspect of natural justice. Terminating the employee without due process could raise concerns about the company’s adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Social Responsibility

Social responsibility plays a significant role in the company’s decision-making process. As a corporate entity, the company must maintain ethical standards and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. Hastily dismissing the employee without a thorough investigation could tarnish the company’s reputation and damage relationships with stakeholders, including employees, investors, and the public. It is crucial for the company to act thoughtfully and consider the broader impact of their actions.

Media Ethics

The role of the media in this case is also an ethical concern. Media ethics dictate that reporting should be accurate, fair, and impartial. Speculative reporting or spreading unverified information about the employee can be seen as irresponsible journalism. A media trial without facts can lead to severe consequences, including harm to the employee’s reputation and unnecessary public scrutiny.

Employee Welfare

Lastly, the ethical treatment of the employee’s welfare is a critical consideration. The employee is under significant mental and emotional distress due to media attention. Any decision that exacerbates this situation, particularly without clear evidence, could unduly harm the employee’s psychological and financial stability. Ensuring the well-being of employees should be a priority for the company, balancing the need for justice with compassion.