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.
Q11. Rakesh was working as a Joint Commissioner in Transport department of a city. As a part of his job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of City Transport Department. A case strike by drivers’ union of City Transport Department over the issue of compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for decision in the matter.
He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving the a middle-aged man. It was found that there was altercation between the driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to fight and the driver gave him a a blow. Lot of passerbys had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged driver’s condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately come to the spot and FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel in was started by the bus driver and he had resorted to physical violence. There exchange of blows between them.
The City Transport Department management is considering of not giving any extra compensation to the driver’s (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved. depressed and agitated against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was survived by his wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City Transport Department workers’ union took up this case and when found no favourable response from the management, decided to go on strike. The union’s demand was two fold. First was full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty and secondly employment to one family member. The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains.
(a) What are the options available to Rakesh to meet the above situation?
(b) Critically examine each of the options identified by Rakesh
(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rakesh?
(d) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to diffuse the above situation?
(Answer in 250 words) 20
Answer
(a) As Joint Commissioner of the Transport department, Rakesh has several options to handle the current situation. He could:
Follow the rules and regulations: Rakesh could decide to stick to the existing rules and regulations and deny the compensation to the deceased driver’s family. He could explain to the union and family members that the driver was at fault and therefore, they do not qualify for the extra compensation.
Offer partial compensation: Rakesh could also offer partial compensation to the family, considering the fact that the deceased driver was the sole breadwinner and his family would be in a difficult situation without any support.
Negotiate with the union: Rakesh could engage in a dialogue with the union leaders and try to negotiate a compromise between the management and the union.
Seek legal intervention: Rakesh could advise the management to seek legal intervention to handle the situation if negotiations fail.
(b) Each of the options identified by Rakesh has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Following the rules and regulations could lead to negative consequences as it may further agitate the union and the family members, and could lead to more strikes and unrest. It may also negatively impact the image of the Transport department.
Offering partial compensation could be seen as a compassionate approach and could pacify the union and the family members to some extent. However, it may also set a precedent for future demands.
Negotiating with the union could help to resolve the situation amicably, but it may also require the management to make some compromises.
Seeking legal intervention could lead to a resolution, but it may also be a time-consuming and expensive process.
(c) Rakesh is facing several ethical dilemmas in this situation. On the one hand, he has to adhere to the rules and regulations of the Transport department, which may not allow for the compensation to the deceased driver’s family. On the other hand, he also has to consider the welfare of the family and the demands of the union. Additionally, he has to ensure that his decisions do not negatively impact the image of the Transport department.
(d) To diffuse the situation, Rakesh could try to negotiate with the union leaders and offer a partial compensation package to the deceased driver’s family. He could also advise the management to offer employment to one family member as a gesture of goodwill. This could help to pacify the union and the family members to some extent, and prevent any further strikes or unrest. Rakesh could also advise the management to take steps to avoid similar incidents in the future by implementing strict rules and guidelines for the conduct of the drivers, especially in cases of disputes with other drivers on the road.
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