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. A fresh engineering graduate gets a job in a prestigious chemical industry. She likes the work. The salary is also good. However, after a few months, she accidentally discovers that a highly toxic waste is being secretly discharged into a river nearby. This is causing health problems for the villagers downstream who depend on the river for their water needs. She is perturbed and mentions her concern to her colleagues who have been with the company for longer periods. They advise her to keep quiet as anyone who mentions the topic is summarily dismissed. She cannot risk losing her job as she is the sole breadwinner for her family and has to support her ailing parents and siblings. At first, she thinks that if her seniors are keeping quiet, why should she stick out her neck? But her conscience pricks her to do something to save the river and the people who depend upon it. At heart, she feels that the advice of silence given by her friends is not correct though she cannot give reasons for it. She thinks you are a wise person and seeks your advice.
- What arguments can you advance to show her that keeping quiet is not morally right?
- What course of action would you advise her to adopt and why? (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tag: Case Study
Answer:
Case Summary:
This case is related to an ethical dilemma between job security or working for the greatest good of the people (villagers) or for society. Either she has to take the side of the villagers who depend on the river for their livelihood and get affected due to pollution or to keep quiet and save her job. Absolute morality is not feasible.
Stakeholders Involved:
- A fresh engineering graduate
- Her colleague
- Villagers
Arguments in favor of not keeping quiet are as follows:
- Business without morality’ is the most important point to be kept in mind so the secretive discharge of highly toxic waste must be made public.
- As a conscience citizen, she must keep in mind the right of life of the villagers compelling her to speak. Usually, people join such voices/movements against injustice and all that they need is a trigger, in this case, the villagers need a spokesperson.
- Companies making profits by jeopardizing the lives of people at the expense of the health of both the river and the villagers are immoral and not ethically right.
- On the question of integrity, she must speak up against the company. Discharge of toxic waste is not only morally wrong but is environmentally hazardous too.
The course of action that I would advise her:
- She should do some groundwork, like talking to villagers, about the health problems faced by them, testing the level of toxicity of rivers, and making a report. She can show the report to her immediate senior to remind the company of the environmental laws as well as corporate social responsibility.
- Even after the report seniors are indifferent towards this issue, the report can be submitted to a government organization like the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
- She has also the option to inform the district administration of the same wrongdoing and seek their help.
- She can take assistance from the local Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) as well as the media to create pressure on the company.
- Other jobs can be persuaded and the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the above-stated issue can be filed in the court submitting proper data and records.
Her conduct may be ethical and moral but there is a risk of losing her job. So, simultaneously she can start looking for a new job since even if the complaints go unheard she might not continue in the company on moral grounds.
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