The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination is renowned as one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. In the year 2013, the General Studies Paper 4, often referred to as GS 4, presented candidates with a diverse array of ethical dilemmas and situational questions. This paper aimed to evaluate the ethical and moral aptitude of aspiring civil servants, testing their ability to navigate complex issues with integrity and sound judgment. Through a series of case studies and theoretical inquiries, candidates were required to demonstrate their understanding of ethical principles and their practical application in governance and public administration. The UPSC GS 4 paper serves as a crucial benchmark for selecting individuals who possess not only the knowledge but also the ethical fortitude necessary to serve the nation with honesty, fairness, and dedication.
Q14. You are the Executive Director of an upcoming InfoTech Company which is making a name for itself in the market.
Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing team. In a short period of one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as well as creating a high brand equity for the Company so much so that you are thinking of promoting him. However, you have been receiving information from many corners about his attitude towards the female colleagues; particularly his habit of making loose comments on women. In addition, he regularly sends indecent SMS to all the team members including his female colleagues.
One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who is one of Mr. A’s team members, comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains against the continued misconduct of Mr. A, who has been making undesirable advances towards her and has even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She tendered her resignation and left your office.
(a) What are the options available to you?
(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons. (250 words 20 marks)
Tags: Case Studies
Case Summary: Mr. A, a star performer, is heading the marketing team. But, you have been receiving information from many corners about his attitude towards the female coworkers. One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who is one of Mr. A’s team associates, comes to you visibly distressed. She complains against the misconduct of Mr. A and tendered her resignation and left your office.
Stakeholders: Mr. A, Mrs. X, Office, Me, InfoTech company.
Ethical Issues/Ethical Dilemmas: Sexual Harassment at work place
Answer
(a) Options available to me are as follows:
(i). Accept the resignation of Mrs. X
Merits -Option(i) holds little merit except that, The star performer Mr. A will be there in my office and will continue to strive for excellence performance.
Demerits -As an Executive director of a company, Option (i) is making me shrug off my responsibility.
(ii). Call both Mr. A and Mrs. X in my cabin and ask them to resolve amicably.
Merits -This option holds little merit except that, as an Executive Director tried to save the company’s image.
Demerits – As an Executive director, my sensitization towards female employees will be questioned. Nowhere option (ii) is promoting gender neutrality.
(iii) Calling Mr. A and asking him to explain himself.
Merits -Option (iii) holds some merit as it will give a chance to Mr. A to speak about him and explain his situation.
Demerits -Option (iii) will not ensure justice for Mrs. X.
(b). Choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons:
- As an Executive director of the company, I will request Mrs. X not to resign from the Company.
- Under the sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, I will constitute Internal Complaint committee. The committee will enquire within a time frame.
- Also, I will ensure that such things do not get repeated in the office in future.
- Further after the enquiry by the committee, action will be taken accordingly.
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