Model Answer

(a) What ethical dilemmas do you face in this situation?

Ethical Dilemmas in the Case of the Senior Officer

The case presents several ethical dilemmas faced by a senior officer of the Public Works Department (PWD) when balancing professional responsibility with external pressures. The following issues arise:

1. Professional Negligence

The senior officer is confronted with the legacy of prior clearance granted for the project. While the clearance happened before the officer’s tenure, the lack of thorough due diligence at that stage represents professional negligence. As a public servant, it is the officer’s duty to ensure that all aspects of the project meet safety and quality standards, raising concerns about accountability for past decisions (Source: Officer’s ethical responsibility).

2. Breach of Duty of Care

As the new officer in charge, the responsibility to ensure the safety and integrity of the construction now lies with the officer. There is a clear risk of structural failure, endangering the lives of patients, staff, and visitors, which is a breach of the duty of care owed to the public (Source: Officer’s professional responsibility).

3. Undue Influence and Impartiality

The officer faces pressure from higher-ups to expedite the project. This could lead to compromising impartiality, where decisions are influenced more by political or administrative convenience than by safety or quality (Source: Pressure from seniors).

4. Impact on Public Safety vs. Public Need

There is a conflict between the urgency of providing healthcare facilities and ensuring the building’s structural safety. This presents a moral dilemma: balancing immediate public need against long-term safety risks (Source: Ethical balance in public administration).

(b) Assess the available options.

Answer

Evaluation of Available Options

Option 1: Expedite Construction with Risk Mitigation

Pros:
Expediting the building’s construction can meet immediate political and public demands, offering short-term gains. Implementing basic safety measures can help reduce risks to human life while addressing urgent healthcare needs.
Cons:
While safety measures may provide some immediate relief, they might not fully mitigate long-term risks. This approach could undermine public trust in the Public Works Department (PWD) if adverse consequences occur. Additionally, it may compromise professional integrity and expose officers to legal liabilities.

Option 2: Prioritize Rectification of Structural Issues

Pros:
Addressing the structural concerns before proceeding with construction demonstrates a commitment to public safety and professional standards. It fosters transparency and accountability.
Cons:
This option could delay the project, disappointing the public who rely on timely healthcare services. There may also be resistance from political figures who prioritize quick project completion over safety concerns.

Option 3: Report to National-Level External Agencies

Pros:
This option ensures unbiased intervention, protecting public interest and maintaining ethical standards. Anonymity offers protection from potential departmental backlash.
Cons:
Reporting externally could escalate internal conflicts, leading to tension with superiors and political entities. It may also halt the project immediately, delaying vital infrastructure development.

(c) What approach would you take as the PWD officer, and what is the reasoning behind your choice?

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.

Roadmap for Answer Writing:

Introduction

• Start with an overview of the situation at hand: You are a newly appointed senior officer in the Public Works Department (PWD) overseeing a hospital project that has significant ethical and safety concerns.
• Briefly state the issue: The construction quality is substandard, and if completed as it is, the building could collapse, posing a grave risk to lives and public funds.

(a) Ethical Dilemmas in the Situation:

• Public Safety vs. Political Pressure: The core ethical dilemma revolves around the conflict between ensuring public safety (by addressing structural issues) and succumbing to political and public pressure to fast-track the project due to its importance for the ruling party and electoral promises.
• Accountability vs. Expediency: There is a dilemma between taking the necessary steps to correct the construction flaws (which could delay the project and incur additional costs) and ignoring or downplaying the risks to meet deadlines and political expectations.
• Professional Integrity vs. Political Influence: You must also weigh your duty as a senior officer, which involves maintaining ethical standards and accountability, against the influence and power of your superiors who may push you to overlook safety concerns for political gains.

(b) Assess the Available Options:

• Option 1: Complete the Project as It Is
  • Pros: The project will meet the deadline, and it aligns with the electoral promises of the ruling party.
  • Cons: The building is unsafe, risking lives and public funds, and it compromises your professional integrity.
• Option 2: Delay the Project and Address the Deficiencies
  • Pros: Ensures the safety and well-being of the public, upholds professional ethics, and ensures the long-term sustainability of the hospital.
  • Cons: Causes a delay, which may lead to political backlash, criticism from superiors, and possible loss of credibility among key stakeholders.
• Option 3: Seek an Independent Assessment and Mediation
  • Pros: Bringing in an independent authority or experts can provide a neutral and professional evaluation of the situation, reducing political pressure and ensuring safety.
  • Cons: The process could further delay the project, and there’s no guarantee that your superiors will agree with the findings.

(c) Approach to Take as the PWD Officer:

• Choice: The approach I would take is to delay the project, address the deficiencies, and ensure that the structure is safe for use.
  • Reasoning:
    • Public Safety: As a senior officer, my primary responsibility is to safeguard public safety. Overlooking substandard construction for political expediency compromises lives, which cannot be justified.
    • Professional Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in government work is crucial, and this decision reflects adherence to professional conduct, ensuring the long-term success of the project.
    • Long-Term Benefits: Even though the delay might have political and public relations consequences, a safe and structurally sound hospital will serve the community for many years, minimizing future risks and liabilities.
    • Transparency and Accountability: Communicating openly with superiors about the situation and advocating for an ethical solution that prioritizes safety will foster accountability and potentially garner support from other stakeholders in the long run.

Relevant Facts (H3 Format):

Fact 1: Safety Concerns

• The construction quality of the hospital building is substandard, and if completed, it could collapse, risking lives and public funds.

Fact 2: Political and Electoral Pressure

• The project is vital for providing healthcare services to the district and surrounding areas, making it a key campaign promise of the ruling party, which creates immense pressure to complete it quickly.

Fact 3: Risk of Ignoring Structural Deficiencies

• Ignoring the safety deficiencies may expedite the project but would lead to potential catastrophic consequences, endangering public lives and potentially resulting in severe legal and financial repercussions.

Fact 4: Ethical Responsibility of a Senior Officer

• As a senior officer in the Public Works Department, your responsibility is to ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of public infrastructure, with a duty to maintain professional integrity despite external pressures.

Ethics Case Studies