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.
Q10. Suppose one of your close friends, who is also aspiring for civil services, comes to you for discussing some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points:
- In the present times, when an unethical environment is quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one’s career. It may also cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one’s life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can?
- When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated.
- If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all, in the present age of high competition, we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development.
- It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody’s motivation. It also makes the system more efficient.
What is wrong in adopting such practices? Critically analyse the above viewpoints. On the basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend? (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tags: Case Studies
Answer:
Case Summary:
One of my friends, a civil services aspirant, comes to me to discuss issues related to ethical conduct in public services. He raises a few points like,
- If unethical activities give us happiness, should we encourage it?
- Can minor efforts create any differences where major efforts are against it?
- If small favours or accepting small gifts increases motivation then should we pursue it?
Stakeholders involved in the case: My close friend, a civil services aspirant and me.
Ethical Issues involved in the case:All around us we can find many unethical people. So what is the utility of being ethical and what can we do for the society where ethical people are being the minority.
Analysing the above mentioned viewpoints:
Be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance and be happy with doing whatever we can:
- In the present times, when an immoral environment is quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical values may cause a lot of problems in one’s profession. It may also cause adversity to the family members as well as risk to one’s life.
- This argument is unscrupulous (showing no moral principles or non-honesty). Due to hypothetical career problems, family hardship and threats to life, one cannot abandon one’s duty. If needed, one can seek police protection. What others do is not his concern. As the Bible says, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ One agrees to adopt an ethical code as a civil servant. That is his duty. He should not look beyond it.
If a small minority tries to be ethical, they are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated:
- It is asked that when so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, it hardly makes any difference if a small minority tries to be ethical.
- This argument is irrational. Julia Carney in her poem ‘Little Things’ says, “Little drops of water, /Little grains of sand, /Make the mighty ocean”. Sanskrit Hitopadesha says, “With the falling of just drops of water, the pot gradually gets filled up”. No effort, however small it looks, goes in vain. It may not have any instant result but have long term implications.
Becoming fussy about ethical considerations, will hamper the economic progress of our country and in the present age of high competition, we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development.
- This argument is fallacious and rationalizes immoral behaviour.
- Macro issues facing the nation have to be considered by political and other leaders. We should do our assigned tasks diligently.
- Corruption does not promote but retards development. The fact that poor governance slows down development is accepted by the World Bank and other agencies. Hence, great emphasis is being placed on good governance. Corruption free and efficient administration form part of the institutional system which promotes growth.
We should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favors increases everybody’s motivation. It also makes the system more efficient.
- This viewpoint is also invalid. It is called greasing the wheels justification of corruption, and is cynical.
- Corruption, whether on a small scale or large scale, does not improve efficiency. It increases the difficulty of doing business, business costs and economic inefficiency.
- Corrupt officials may profit, but others are demotivated in the process. You should advise your friend to ignore such fears and negative thoughts and take the examination. Logicians describe such arguments as Sophism. If he is still unconvinced, he should look elsewhere for jobs. He is unfit for meeting the challenges of civil service.
Advice to my friend:
I would advise my friend to ignore such harmful thoughts, and state clearly that there are no shortcuts to ethical behaviour. One must strive to be ethical despite and not be swayed by others’ unethical behaviour.
It takes many minutes to build one large wall. Thus, to make an ethical society it needs many ethical people. Others are not ethical is not a reason for one to be unethical. It is our responsibility to do the right despite other people’s actions. We must not let such extraneous considerations affect us.
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