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.
Q9. An apparel manufacturing company having a large number of women employees was losing sales due to various factors. The company hired a reputed marketing executive, who increased the volume of sales within a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual harassment at the workplace.
After sometime a woman employee launched a formal complaint to the management against the marketing executive about sexually harassing her. Faced with the companies’ indifference, in not taking cognizance of her grievances, she lodged an FIR with the police.
Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, the company called the women employee to negotiate. In that she was offered a hefty sum of money to withdraw the complaint and the FIR and also give in writing that the marketing executive is not involved in the case.
Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. What options are available to the women employee? (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tag: Case Study.
Answer:
Case Summary:
Alleged sexual harassment at the workplace by a marketing executive, who is an important resource for the company. After complaints, the women faced companies’ indifference and filed FIRs with the police. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the company called the woman employee to negotiate and she was offered a huge sum of money to withdraw the complaint and the FIR.
Stakeholders involved in the case:
- Apparel manufacturing company and its management.
- Women employees from the sales team.
- Newly hired marketing executive.
- Legal authority or the Police.
Ethical issues involved in the case:
- Sexual harassment of women in the workplace.
- Abuse of power by marketing executives.
- Missing proactiveness on the part of management to take suo moto cognizance of sexual misbehavior.
- Non-responsive internal complaints mechanism.
- Loss of integrity of the management.
Options that are available to the women employees:
- Rejecting the offer of the management and continuing with the filing of the FIR and complaint.
- Accepting the offer and withdrawing the complaint without giving in writing.
- Accepting the offer fully and letting the executive go free in writing.
- Move ahead with legal proceedings resign from the job and start looking for alternates.
- Refuse the offer of money and take back the complaint but work silently to raise a #MeToo movement within.
Possible outcomes of the decisions:
- The woman is required to keep in mind that such actions at the workplace do not affect an individual victim only. Her decisions and actions will set an example also for future such cases. If she gets tempted by the monetary offer and takes back her grievance, all such allegations, which may be genuine, will be seen with distrust. It will also restrain victims from opening up.
- Also, her character will be seen in the wrong ways if she withdraws the complaint. She will lose reliability. And on the other hand, there is an impending threat that if she doesn’t cooperate with the management, she may lose her job. In our society, the law supports the victim, societal sanctions are normally on the women in such circumstances.
- It will be difficult for her to find the next job with such a record.
So, she has to maintain a delicate balance between her dignity, social responsibility, and her harsh material necessities. Bravado should not be her motivation but a cool-headed method that seeks to eradicate this evil in society.
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