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.
Q12. Suppose you are the CEO of a company that manufactures specialized electronic equipment used by a government department. You have submitted your bid for the supply of this equipment to the department. Both the quality and cost of your offer are better than those of the competitors. Yet the concerned officer is demanding a hefty bribe for approving the tender. Getting the order is important both for you and for your company. Not getting the order would mean closing a production line. It may also affect your own career. However, as a value-conscious person, you do not want to give bribes.
Valid arguments can be advanced both for giving the bribe and getting the order, and for refusing to pay the bribe and risking the loss of the order. What those arguments could be? Could there be any better way to get out of this dilemma? If so, outline the main elements of this third way, pointing out its merits. (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tags: Case Studies
Answer:
Case Summary:
Consider me as the CEO of a company that manufactures specialized electronic equipment used by a government department. In bidding my product was better both quality wise and cost wise. Still the concerned officer is demanding a hefty bribe for approving the tender. The order is very important for my career and my company but being a value conscious person, I do not want to give bribes.
Stakeholders involved in the case: I am the CEO of a Company and the concerned officer who is demanding a hefty bribe.
Though plausible arguments can be given for paying bribes and getting the order, their moral validity is dubious. Such arguments can be:
- The company should not lose the order when its product is superior and cheaper than those of competitors.
- If the company fails to get the order, it has to reduce production and retrench some labour.
- It will suffer commercial losses for no fault of its own.
- The CEO’s career may also suffer.
Arguments against giving bribe:
- While the above reasons are valid at one level, giving bribes violates law and corporate governance.
- If by some chance, the CEO is caught, he may end up in jail. This risk is worse than any damage to his career.
- Company should take the loss in its stride; running into corrupt officials is an unforeseen contingency outside the company’s control.
- Loss mitigation is no legal or moral justification for bribe giving. As a way out, the company can approach the bosses of the officer seeking bribes.
In all probability, the senior officers will intervene in the matter suitably. This will immediately put the bribe seeking official on guard. If he is making a wrong decision by ignoring the better quality and lower price of a product, he will be questioned. He will be unable to justify his decision on merits and will get into trouble. He will go by the merits of the matter, and the situation may get resolved.
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