You are working as an executive in a nationalised bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs surgery immediately to survive. She also tells you that she has no insurance and the operation will cost about 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that her husband is no more and that she is from a lower middle class family. You are empathetic about her situation. However, apart from expressing your sympathy, you do not have the resources to fund her. A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you about his successful surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate the release of 10 lakh from a dormant account of someone to pay for the operation with a promise that it should be confidential and be repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back and will continue to do so until it is all returned. (250 words) [UPSC 2023]
a. What are the ethical issues involved?
b. Evaluate the behaviour of the bank manager from an ethical point of view.
c. How would you react to the situation?
Ethical Issues and Evaluation of the Bank Manager’s Behavior
a. Ethical Issues Involved
b. Evaluation of the Bank Manager’s Behavior
c. Personal Reaction to the Situation
In summary, while the bank manager’s actions were driven by empathy, they breached ethical and procedural norms. Addressing the situation with sensitivity while adhering to ethical standards is crucial to maintain integrity and trust in financial institutions.
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
b. Evaluation of the Bank Manager’s Behaviour
Supportive Arguments
Critical Arguments
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.