Bhushan is a seasoned sales representative at a major multinational information technology company. Having worked there for several years, he has built strong relationships within the organization, including a close friendship with Manoj, who joined around the same time. In recent months, Manoj confided in Bhushan about some personal financial struggles. Bhushan offered his support as a friend, though Manoj only mentioned he was making risky decisions at work to earn extra money for his family, without fully explaining what those actions entailed.

Unexpectedly, Manoj left the company, leaving Bhushan both surprised and suspicious. Bhushan was assigned to take over Manoj’s sales territories and, during the transition, discovered the significant financial impact caused by Manoj’s actions. After thoroughly reviewing sales transactions and accounting records, Bhushan uncovered evidence of what appeared to be fraudulent activities.

Reflecting on their past conversations, Bhushan realized that Manoj’s financial desperation may have led him to make these unethical decisions. Bhushan now feels a sense of responsibility and regrets not having done more to prevent the situation. While Bhushan is considering disclosing what he knows to the company, he is conflicted because revealing the truth could have severe consequences for Manoj, who was already facing personal challenges.

It is important to note that Manoj’s actions, while inappropriate, did not result in a major financial loss for the company. Despite empathizing with Manoj’s difficult situation, Bhushan is concerned that the issue might be uncovered during an internal audit, which could jeopardize his own position and future career prospects. (200 words)

(a) What ethical dilemmas does Bhushan encounter?

Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Purpose: Briefly introduce the concept of ethical dilemmas and mention that Bhushan faces multiple ethical conflicts.
• How: A one-sentence overview, providing context for the ethical issues Bhushan deals with.

Example Introduction: “Bhushan is caught in several ethical dilemmas, where personal relationships, professional responsibilities, and moral values come into conflict. These dilemmas challenge his ability to navigate between loyalty, integrity, empathy, and responsibility.”

2. Identifying the Ethical Dilemmas

• Purpose: Break down the main ethical dilemmas Bhushan faces into distinct issues.
• How: Identify the dilemmas clearly and define them.

Example:

• Loyalty to the company vs. friendship with Manoj
• Professional integrity vs. personal interest
• Empathy vs. responsibility

3. Discuss Each Dilemma

• Purpose: Provide a detailed explanation of each dilemma, including the conflict involved and the ethical principles at play.
• How: Describe the dilemma, the interests or values in conflict, and how Bhushan might feel torn between them. Use facts from the content to support your explanation.

4. Supporting Facts

Provide relevant facts to support the discussion of each dilemma. Make sure to cite the source of each fact.

1. Loyalty to the Company vs. Friendship with Manoj:

• Fact: Bhushan, as part of the internal audit team, is tasked with uncovering discrepancies and ensuring financial transparency in the company (implied from the role of internal auditor).
• Conflict: Bhushan has a close personal relationship with Manoj, and his loyalty to his friend may conflict with his professional responsibility to expose potential wrongdoing by Manoj.

2. Professional Integrity vs. Personal Interest:

• Fact: Bhushan faces the risk that exposing Manoj’s misappropriations may jeopardize his own job security or future career prospects, given that the revelation could negatively impact internal relationships.
• Conflict: Bhushan is expected to act impartially and ethically, but the exposure of Manoj’s misconduct might have personal repercussions for Bhushan’s career.

3. Empathy vs. Responsibility:

• Fact: Bhushan sympathizes with Manoj’s personal struggles that might have led to the misconduct (though specific details of Manoj’s struggles may be inferred, the emotional burden Bhushan feels is suggested).
• Conflict: Bhushan must balance his empathy for his friend, who may be facing personal difficulties, with his duty to uphold ethical standards by reporting the misconduct.

5. Conclusion

• Purpose: Summarize the ethical dilemmas faced by Bhushan and how they reflect the complex nature of ethical decision-making.
• How: Provide a concise conclusion highlighting the impact of these dilemmas on Bhushan’s decision-making process.

Example Conclusion: “Bhushan’s ethical dilemmas underline the challenges professionals face when personal relationships, integrity, and responsibilities clash. His ability to navigate these dilemmas will ultimately shape his career and the ethical standing of the company.”

Summary of Key Facts:

1. Loyalty to the Company vs. Friendship with Manoj: Bhushan’s role in internal audit requires him to uphold the company’s interests, potentially at the expense of his friendship with Manoj.
2. Professional Integrity vs. Personal Interest: Bhushan may face job insecurity if his audit work negatively affects his career, creating a tension between his duty and personal interests.
3. Empathy vs. Responsibility: Bhushan feels sympathy for Manoj’s situation but must decide whether to fulfill his duty to report the misconduct.