As the CEO of a respected private company, you are currently facing an undesirable situation. A video allegedly circulating on social media depicts a man repeatedly hitting a woman, which has quickly gained attention. This has sparked widespread debate across media channels, with some social media users claiming that the person in the video is one of your employees. Your company’s social media handle has been tagged in these discussions, damaging your company’s reputation. As a result, there is growing pressure from investors to take immediate action and terminate the employee involved, fearing that the company’s reputation could be further harmed as the situation develops.

While the pressure to act swiftly is mounting, you remain cautious due to the employee’s long-standing association with the company and his past performance. You are also aware that the employee is under significant mental stress due to the media attention, and terminating his employment would jeopardize his financial stability, career, and reputation. Moreover, taking action without solid evidence could be seen as biased or unfair. On the other hand, failing to address the issue decisively could suggest an endorsement of inappropriate behavior, potentially harming the company’s ethical standards and commitment to social responsibility. (200 words)

(b) What options do you have in this situation?

Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Understand the Situation

• Contextualize the Situation: Before jumping to options, it’s important to first understand the nature of the situation. Is it a conflict, a decision-making scenario, a crisis, or an opportunity?
  • What are the facts or the background surrounding this situation?
  • What are the constraints, risks, or goals involved?
  • Who are the stakeholders involved, and how are they affected?

Action: Briefly describe the situation to provide clarity and show a deep understanding of the context.

2. Analyze Possible Options

• List the Possible Options: Identify and list the different actions you could take in response to the situation.
  • For example, if the question relates to a business decision, options could include innovation, cost-cutting, merger, etc.
  • If it’s a personal decision, options might involve seeking advice, choosing between two alternatives, or reassessing priorities.
• Evaluate the Risks and Benefits of Each Option:
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?
  • Consider short-term and long-term implications.
  • Identify the resources and support needed for each option.
• Consider Ethical and Legal Constraints: Some options might be more viable or ethical than others. Always consider the ethical impact and legal framework.

Action: Present the options, explaining each one’s pros and cons.

3. Provide Evidence-Based Justifications

• Support Each Option with Relevant Facts: Back each option with factual data or examples. This can include statistical data, case studies, expert opinions, or historical precedents.
• Use Evidence to Justify Your Choice: For each option, explain why it might be the best course of action given the situation.

Action: Use data or examples to support your options.

4. Suggest the Best Option

• Weigh the Options: After discussing the various options, propose the best or most suitable option, taking into account the situation’s nuances.
  • How does this option solve the problem or fulfill the goal most effectively?
  • Does this option align with the values, objectives, and constraints?
• Conclusion: Provide a clear conclusion about which option is optimal and why.

Action: Make a clear recommendation, supported by analysis.

Sample Structure of the Answer:

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce the situation and context.
2. Available Options: List and discuss the various options available.
3. Supporting Facts and Evidence: Include relevant data, facts, or case studies to justify each option.
4. Evaluation: Analyze the pros and cons of each option.
5. Recommendation: Suggest the most suitable option and provide reasoning.

Relevant Facts and Examples:

To support your answer, here are some factual examples and data that can be used depending on the context of the question:

1. Business Decision (Mergers, Innovation, Cost-Cutting)

• Fact 1: According to a McKinsey & Company report, nearly 70% of mergers and acquisitions fail to meet expectations due to poor integration and cultural mismatches.
• Fact 2: In 2023, companies that invested in digital transformation technologies saw a 30% increase in efficiency and a 20% higher customer satisfaction rate.
• Fact 3: A study by Deloitte found that 50% of organizations that implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures reported a decline in employee morale and productivity in the following year.

2. Environmental Decision (Climate Change, Renewable Energy)

• Fact 1: The United Nations reported that the cost of solar energy has decreased by 89% over the past decade, making it a more viable option for countries looking to transition to renewable energy.
• Fact 2: A 2022 study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that transitioning to renewable energy could create over 85,000 new jobs in the U.S. by 2030.
• Fact 3: According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), adopting a more sustainable approach in the next decade could prevent global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5°C by 2100.

3. Personal Decision (Career Change, Moving, etc.)

• Fact 1: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers who switch careers early in their professional life are more likely to experience higher job satisfaction and income in the long run.
• Fact 2: A Gallup study found that individuals who take the time to move to cities with a lower cost of living experience better financial security and lower stress levels within the first year.
• Fact 3: A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that career changes and relocations can lead to increased mental health satisfaction, particularly when individuals have strong social support in the new setting.

4. Ethical Decision (Social Justice, Corporate Responsibility)

• Fact 1: A study from the Ethical Consumer found that 78% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for products from companies that are committed to social justice, equity, and environmental sustainability.
• Fact 2: A 2021 survey by Harvard Law School revealed that companies adhering to corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles saw a 22% higher market share growth over the past five years compared to those not engaging in CSR.

Example Answer:

Situation: You are a manager in a company facing declining sales. You are tasked with deciding how to respond.

1. Available Options:
   • Option 1: Innovate and invest in new product development.
     • Pros: Could capture new markets, aligns with future trends.
     • Cons: High initial costs and risks.
     • Supporting Fact: According to McKinsey, 40% of companies investing in product innovation saw a 25% increase in market share.
   • Option 2: Reduce operational costs to increase profitability.
     • Pros: Quick impact on margins, immediate results.
     • Cons: May reduce employee morale, longer-term negative effects.
     • Supporting Fact: Deloitte’s 2022 report shows that aggressive cost-cutting often leads to reduced workforce engagement.
   • Option 3: Merge with a competitor.
     • Pros: Increased market share, economies of scale.
     • Cons: High risk of integration challenges, cultural misalignment.
     • Supporting Fact: McKinsey’s report indicates that 70% of mergers fail due to integration issues.
2. Recommendation: Based on the situation, the most viable option is to invest in product innovation, as it aligns with long-term industry trends and can provide sustainable growth. However, this option should be approached cautiously, with a clear strategy to mitigate risks through market research and a phased investment approach.