A case study is a comprehensive and in-depth examination of a particular subject, often within its real-life context. It serves as a methodological tool to explore, analyze, and understand complex issues or phenomena, ranging from individual experiences to organizational challenges. Typically employed in various academic disciplines, business settings, and scientific research, a case study involves an extensive investigation that aims to provide a detailed account of the subject under scrutiny. By delving into the intricate details of a specific case, researchers can uncover valuable insights, draw conclusions, and offer practical solutions. This method offers a holistic approach, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the subject, making it an invaluable tool for gaining knowledge and informing decision-making processes.
Q: You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following:
- There is a general perception that by adhering to ethical conduct one may face difficulties to oneself and cause problems for the family, whereas unfair practices may help to reach the career goals.
- When the number of people adopting unfair means is large, a small minority having a penchant towards ethical means makes no difference.
- Sticking to ethical means is detrimental to the larger developmental goals.
- While one may not involve oneself in large unethical practices, giving and accepting small gifts makes the system more efficient.
Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits. (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tag: Case study
Answer:
Stakeholders involved: I, as a responsible civil servant and society at large.
- There is a general perception that by adhering to ethical conduct one may face difficulties to oneself and cause problems for the family, whereas unfair practices may help to reach the career goals.
Merit:
- Even though adherence to ethical conduct may produce disaffection from inability to reach certain short term career goals, mere attainment of materialistic goals cannot be the essence of life.
- Achieving goals by unfair means would prick our conscience and erode strength of character. The security of life and family members can also be assured for a person of upright character by preventing him from being implicated on charges of wrongdoing.
- In the long run ethical conduct always helps in achieving life’s larger goals, such as mental peace, clear conscience, strength of character and brings harmony and balance in life.
Demerit:
- Strict adherence to ethical conduct may cause problems in carrying out certain aims both in public and private life causing disaffection arising out of inability to reach goals.
- Being upright also pits the person against powerful vested interests, endangering his and his family’s life, which may not be worth the cost of ethical principles.
B) When the number of people adopting unfair means is large, a small minority having a penchant towards ethical means makes no difference.
Merit:
- Even though there might be instances of a large number of corrupt people prevailing over few honest individuals, it’s these few upright men that sustain the faith of people in humanity and society.
- They act as a check against larger wrongdoings, constraining their power and also exposing and uprooting them.
- They act as role models for larger society to adhere to what is right.
- For example, Anna Hazare stood up as a crusader against corruption; T.N. Seshan, the chief election commissioner, countermanded elections in Bihar, U.P. citing mass rigging.
Demerit:
- When a large number of people are corrupt, a few good men can’t help salvage the situation as their voices drown in the majority.
- Moreover, in such a scenario upright men are deemed as obstruction by others in achieving their selfish aims through unfair means.
- This brings the upright men in direct confrontation with such corrupt forces, sometimes endangering their values, life and career.
- For example, civil servant Satyendra Dubey was killed while standing against the corrupt forces.
C)Sticking to ethical means is detrimental to the larger developmental goals
Merit:
- To preserve the ethical and moral values it is important that both means and ends are right.
- Trying to achieve a noble goal with unethical means impinges upon the ethical fabric of individual and society at large, prompting a person for further compromises in the future.
- For example; Gandhiji emphasized upon the means to be ethical through the way of Ahimsa as much as he emphasized on the result, the independence.
Demerit:
- Exchange of small gifts is sometimes seen as essential to maintain formal relations, as a symbol of gratitude for the services rendered.
- Not accepting gifts may be perceived to be rude, morally arrogant and at times may isolate the person from the larger circle of this give and take culture.
D) While one may not involve oneself in large unethical practices, giving and accepting small gifts makes the system more efficient.
Merit:
- To preserve the ethical values it is important that both means and ends are right.
- Working to achieve a noble goal with unethical means impinges upon the ethical fabric of individual and society at large, prompting a person for further compromises in the future.
- It will invoke self-confidence and belief in your abilities. Makes you determined to succeed because you have been through hard times.
- Ethical means may at times not be in sync with the larger developmental goals.
- Doing work in an ethical and honest way will show the results over a period of time. Your measures will certainly inspire a generation of ethical individuals.
Demerit:
- Sometimes corruption is not carried out overtly but is masked in the form of these small exchanges, rendering bigger scandals probable.
- Therefore, it is essential to nip this menace in the bud. Saying no to acceptance for any form of gifts indicates a strong moral and ethical character preserving the trust of people in person in the long run.
- Exchange of small gifts is sometimes seen as essential to maintain formal relations, as a symbol of gratitude for the services rendered.
- In line of duty accepting gifts or favors is corruption even though you may not have demanded it. This will pave the way for a more organized way of bribing.
Thus, as an honest official, it becomes necessary that I follow an ethical and honest way of doing my duty and serve the society to the fullest.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
