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.
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’s 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 tenders her resignation and leaves your office. (20 marks | 250 words)
- What are the options available to you?
- Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.
Tags: Case Studies
Case Summary: I am the Executive Director of an upcoming InfoTech Company. Mr. A heads the marketing team and is a star performer. His promotion is being considered but there has been information on his misconduct towards women which resulted in one of the female employees resigning. The case talks about the serious case of sexual harassment in the corporate world.
Stakeholders: Executive Director of InfoTech Company, Mr.A, Mrs.X, Female employees of the company.
Ethical Issues/Ethical Dilemmas: Safety of Women, Empathy and Compassion for Women, Sexual Harassment, Constitutional Morality, Leadership Quality, Ethical Management, Management of Ethics, Professional Ethics and Personal Ethics.
What are the options available to you?
The case has a serious issue of ‘sexual harassment’ and also it poses a threat to the comapny’s future in the form of pragmatism to save the star performer, performance of the company and adverse publicity of the company. This is a very sensitive matter, and shall be dealt with great responsibility. The various legitimate options available are:
- Explain to Mrs. X about the credentials of Mr. A and ask her to ignore the issue so that the profitability and brand of the company are not affected.
- Outright suspension of Mr. A and request Mrs. X to reconsider her decision to quit in order to send a strong signal to the employees.
- Call a meeting of all the employees and discuss the issue. Then, take the decision According to the disciplinary action process guided by Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and Vishakha guidelines.
(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.
Option 1: Explain to Mrs. X about the credentials of Mr. A and ask her to ignore the issue so that the profitability and brand of the company are not affected.
Merits:
- There would not be any adverse publicity in the media.
- The top performer will retain his job and this might benefit the company further in terms of performance.
Demerits:
- It would be highly unethical to expect Mrs. X to forget the issue.
- It is likely that the same behaviour will be repeated with different women colleagues as it has happened in the past.
- Such inaction in this regard can create dissatisfaction as well as distrust among women employees which is not suited to your organization in the long run. This may result in the exodus of women employees from the company.
- If Mrs. X complained to the police, the matter can get serious with the lack of action taken against Mr. A and you could land in trouble for your inaction.
Option 2: Outright suspension of Mr. A and request Mrs. X to reconsider her decision to quit in order to send a strong signal to the employees.
Merits:
- No tolerance attitude to the sexual harassment. It will curb any such incidents in the future.
Demerits:
- As there is no formal enquiry of the employee, there would not be any criminal charges framed against him and he might repeat the same behavior in some other organization.
- It is always proper to hear both sides of the arguments before giving the final judgment. Hence for the fairness of the process, it will be advisable to hear Mr. A’s side of the argument.
- This might not be the best course of action, because in an organization, decisions are made through proper channels and procedures. Whatever the case has been, it should be handled by following organizational procedure.
- If the star performer is suspended, the team will get demoralized and there might be serious revenue and brand implications for the organization.
Option 3: Call a meeting of all the employees and discuss the issue. Then, take the decision according to the disciplinary action process guided by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and Vishakha guidelines.
Merits:
- Discussion of the issue with the office colleagues will establish an environment of trust and bonding. It will show that the management is serious about any such incidents against women.
- Legal course will be followed which can result in the policy enquiry of the employee. It can prevent any such incidents in the future.
Demerits:
- It may result in adverse publicity in the media.
My course of action being an accountable leader would be such that it ensures fairness and safety of everyone working in the company, regardless of gender and asserts the constitutional morality in the steps followed:
Step1: Since Mrs. X has faced an assault, she is in a disturbed state. It is my foremost duty as the head, to calm her, and make her understand that justice would be done. She shall also be assured that her privacy would be protected.
Step 2: I will call an urgent meeting of the employees and discuss the issue with them. I will discuss all the legal provisions of the sexual harassment act and course of action to be taken.
Step 3: An enquiry committee will be set up and mandated to complete the enquiry within 90 days according to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and Vishakha guidelines.
Step 4: I will allow the law to take its own course in the case. If Mr. A is found guilty, immediate expulsion followed by a police complaint would be the step forward.
Step 5: I will conduct education and sensitisation programmes and develop policies against sexual harassment to keep the environment of the company safe and inclusive for the women to work.
The Executive Director of the Company is faced with the challenge of ensuring a healthy and safe working environment for its employees without jeopardizing the company’s profits. Above mentioned steps could be taken to handle the situation and no employee should ever be under the impression that their contribution to the growth of the company can hide all their misdeeds.
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