UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2023: GS4 Ethics | UPSC Mains: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude PDF Download

Q1: (a).What do you understand by “moral integrity” and “professional efficiency" in the context of corporate governance in India ? Illustrate with suitable examples.

(b) International aid is an accepted form of helping ‘resource- challenged’ nations. Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid’. Support your answer with suitable examples. (Ethics - I)
Ans: (a): Corporate governance encompasses the set of rules, practices, and processes directing and controlling a company, aiming to prevent corporate greed and ensure responsible and transparent business operations.

In the Indian context of corporate governance, two fundamental principles, "moral integrity" and "professional efficiency," guide ethical behavior and responsible management within organizations.

Moral Integrity: In the corporate governance framework, moral integrity involves adhering to robust ethical values and principles in business practices. This includes conducting business with honesty, transparency, fairness, and responsibility, not merely for compliance but to uphold moral standards.
Example: A company that truthfully reports its financial results, even if acknowledging a decline in profits, demonstrates moral integrity.

Professional Efficiency: Professional efficiency within corporate governance relates to the effective and responsible management of a company's resources and operations. This entails optimizing processes, managing risks, and making decisions that maximize shareholder value while considering the interests of all stakeholders.
Example: Embracing the latest technologies and digital tools can significantly enhance professional efficiency.

Companies displaying moral integrity and professional efficiency are more likely to uphold their reputation, attract investments, and positively contribute to India's overall economic and social development.

(b): International aid plays a crucial role in assisting resource-challenged nations by providing essential resources, expertise, and support for improved living conditions, economic development, and long-term sustainability.

Ethical considerations in contemporary international aid are vital to ensure effectiveness, respect, and sustainability:

• Respect for Recipient Nations' Autonomy: Example: UNDP collaborates with countries to create their own development plans, respecting their autonomy.
• Transparency and Accountability: Example: Organizations like Oxfam regularly publish detailed reports on funding sources, expenditures, and project outcomes.
• Avoiding Harm and Dependency: Example: Microfinance programs, such as those by Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, provide small loans for individuals to start businesses.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Example: The Green Climate Fund supports climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
• Humanitarian Principles: Example: Doctors Without Borders operates in conflict zones worldwide.

However, contemporary international aid faces challenges:

• Weaponization of Investment Aid: Example: China's 'debt-trap diplomacy' involves weaponizing investment on foreign soil.
• Corruption and Mismanagement: Example: Corruption and mismanagement of foreign aid led to the Sri Lankan economic crisis.

Thus, ethical international aid practices not only enhance aid effectiveness but also uphold the dignity, autonomy, and rights of the people and countries receiving support.

Q2: (a). “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.’’ In your opinion what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?

(b) In the context of the work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples. (Ethics - I)
Ans: (a): Corruption reflects a society's erosion of fundamental values like integrity, honesty, and accountability. When individuals prioritize personal gain over ethical principles, it undermines good governance, economic progress, and social justice.

Measures can be implemented to reinforce core values in society and combat corruption:

• Moral and Ethical Education: Integration of values such as honesty, integrity, and empathy into school curricula.
• Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring openness and accountability in government actions.
  Example: The Right to Information Act, 2005 in India.
• Adherence to Legal Principles: Strengthening the enforcement of anti-corruption laws with zero tolerance.
  Example: Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, known for its zero tolerance.
• Civic Engagement: Encouraging citizen participation in decision-making processes.
  Example: Participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
• Media Freedom and Investigative Journalism: Fostering a free and vigilant media that exposes corruption and holds power accountable.
  Example: The Panama Papers leak.
• Whistleblower Protection: Safeguarding whistleblowers who report corruption.
  Example: The Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014 in India.

It is a collective responsibility involving individuals, institutions, and civil society collaborating to build a more just and ethical society. This effort is further supported by international agreements like the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

(b): In the workplace, "coercion" refers to using force or threats to compel someone to act against their will, while "undue influence" involves exploiting one's authority or power to manipulate others' decisions.
These distinct concepts play pivotal roles in shaping ethical behavior and legal compliance within professional settings.

Q3:  Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?
(a) ‘‘The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer’’. –Mahatma Gandhi
(b) ‘‘To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.’’ –Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) ‘‘Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.’’ Swami Vivekananda (Ethics - I)

Ans: (a) Mahatma Gandhi's above quote emphasizes the importance of compassionate actions over mere rituals or gestures. In the present context, this quote underscores the significance of practical kindness and its impact on society.
Tangible Impact of Philanthropy: Azim Premji, the founder of Wipro, has generously contributed to education through the Azim Premji Foundation, positively affecting the lives of millions of underprivileged children.
Community-Based Initiatives: The Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) in India empowers women from low-income backgrounds through various economic and social initiatives.
Empowerment Through Microfinance: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has pioneered microfinance through Grameen Bank, offering microloans to impoverished individuals, aiding them in escaping poverty and building sustainable livelihoods.
Social Entrepreneurs' Impact: Social entrepreneurs like Arunachalam Muruganantham, known as the "Padman" of India, have made significant contributions by addressing crucial social issues. His low-cost sanitary pad-making machines have improved menstrual hygiene and women's health in rural areas.
Kindness in Education: Institutions like the Akshaya Patra Foundation exemplify the transformative potential of kindness by providing mid-day meals to school children, not only addressing hunger but also incentivizing education.

(b) Jawaharlal Nehru's statement emphasizes the crucial role of women in driving societal progress and transformation.

• Contribution to Shaping Values: Indian mothers play a key role in shaping values, emphasizing respect for elders and kindness towards others, fostering family bonds and social harmony.
• Empowerment for Economic Growth: The Self-Help Group (SHG) movement in India, especially in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, economically empowers women, enabling effective business initiation and management.
• Women's Education as a Catalyst: The "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" campaign in India aims to tackle gender bias and promote female education, contributing to a more enlightened society.
• Women in Political Leadership: Indira Gandhi, India's first female Prime Minister, showcased the potential of women in political leadership, making significant policy contributions during her tenure.
• Women's Role in Sustainable Development: Environmental activist Vandana Shiva has advocated for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity preservation, highlighting the interconnectedness of women, the environment, and development.

(c) The statement by Swami Vivekanand sheds light on the boomerang effect of human behavior.

• Hatred's Boomerang Effect:
  • Cyberbullying on Social Media: Perpetrators of online hate speech may become targets of similar behavior, facing online harassment as a consequence.
  • Divisive Political Rhetoric: Politicians using divisive language may encounter public backlash and protests from citizens opposing their rhetoric.
  • Religious Extremism and Global Response: Extremist groups promoting hatred based on religion may trigger international intervention and efforts to counter their ideologies.
• Love's Boomerang Effect:
  • Chain of Kindness: Small acts of love and kindness can inspire a ripple effect, encouraging others to perform similar acts of goodwill.
  • Community Support and Cohesion: Communities fostering love and support among members tend to experience increased safety and cooperation during crises.
  • International Aid and Reciprocity: Countries providing foreign aid and humanitarian assistance often receive support in return during their own times of need, highlighting the reciprocal nature of compassion in international relations.

Q4: 4. (a). ‘‘What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ – not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.’’ Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.

(b). Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples. (Ethics - I)

Ans: (a): EQ stands for Emotional Intelligence, signifying a person's capacity to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use their own emotions and those of others.

IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient, measuring a person's cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, logical reasoning, and learning capacity.

EQ holds greater significance than IQ in the domains of achievement, character development, happiness, and lifelong accomplishments.

Reasons:

• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Individuals with high EQ maintain composure during crises, exemplified by Steve Jobs overcoming challenges at Apple.
• Effective Leadership and Conflict Resolution: Nelson Mandela's EQ-driven leadership facilitated peaceful conflict resolution during South Africa's transition to democracy.
• Empathy and Enhanced Communication: Healthcare professionals with strong EQ connect with patients on a deeper level.
• Personal Well-being and Fulfillment: Effective emotion management contributes to healthier relationships and a sense of purpose, as observed in the pursuit of happiness in positive psychology.
• Conflict Resolution: Mediators use EQ to find common ground, especially evident in international diplomacy where EQ-driven negotiations lead to peaceful resolutions.

(b)

Q5: (a). Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
(b). Probity is essential for an effective system of government and socio-economic development. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) (Ethics - I)

(a): Law prescribes actions through due process for the common good and imposes obligations, while conscience is our innate ability to distinguish right from wrong. Each has strengths and limitations, with superiority context-dependent.

1. Conscience:
   • Strengths:
     (i) Personal Morality: An internal moral compass guiding ethical decision-making based on personal sense of right and wrong.
     (ii) Flexibility: Values complexity and uniqueness, allowing thoughtful consideration beyond established laws.
   • Limitations:
     (i) Influence of Bias: Influenced by biases, culture, upbringing, leading to questionable ethics.
     (ii) Inconsistent Application: Can evolve, leading to inconsistency in ethical choices.
2. Laws, Rules, and Regulations:
   • Strengths:
     (i) Clarity: Establish ethical guidelines for society and organizations.
     (ii) Accountability: Impose consequences for wrongdoing, discouraging unethical actions.
     (iii) Protection of Rights: Can protect the rights and well-being of individuals and society.
   • Limitations:
     (i) Rigidity: Often struggle to keep pace with changing social norms and evolving ethics.
     (ii) Moral Blind Spots: May not fully address all ethical dilemmas.
     (iii) Enforcement: Enforcing laws is tough, and unethical behavior can persist through loopholes.

Conscience and laws/rules/regulations play crucial roles in ethical decisions. Conscience relies on universal ethics and bias control, while laws offer structure but need regular updates to stay fair.

(b): Probity means adherence to the highest principles and ideals. It is the foundation of moral principles like honesty and integrity, crucial for good governance and socio-economic progress. It ensures officials prioritize the public, adhere to the law, and uphold transparency and accountability.

Probity in governance affects various aspects of socio-economic development:

• Resource allocation: Efficient and corruption-free resource allocation.
• Promotes competition: Fosters innovation and fair competition, eliminating cronyism, nepotism, and favoritism for an equitable economy.
• Equity: Ensures fair, impartial policies, respecting all citizens, especially the marginalized.
• Reduces inequalities: Reduces inequality by preventing public officials from using their power for personal gain.
• Inclusion: Ensures that public services and facilities are accessible and affordable to all citizens, without any discrimination or exclusion.
• Sustainability: Involves making decisions that consider environmental, social, and economic sustainability for both current and future generations.
• Enhances resilience: Boosts society's resilience by preparing officials to handle natural disasters, climate change, and pandemics effectively.

Probity in governance is vital for effective government, trust, transparency, and societal progress. All stakeholders, including officials, civil society, media, and citizens, should promote and protect it.

Q6: (a). What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)
(b). Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (Answer in 150 words) (Ethics - I)
Ans: (a): Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, shared profound teachings that remain highly relevant in the modern world.

• Oneness of God (Ik Onkar): Guru Nanak emphasized belief in one universal God, rejecting multiple deities. This monotheistic principle promotes religious tolerance and unity, crucial in a world marked by religious diversity and conflicts.
• Equality and Social Justice: Guru Nanak championed equality, inspiring Sikhism's values of justice, gender parity, and service. His teachings are a beacon of hope in the contemporary struggle against discrimination and inequality.
• Selfless Service (Seva): Guru Nanak promoted 'Seva,' selfless service to humanity, fostering compassion, altruism, and a sense of responsibility, still relevant today.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Guru Nanak fostered interfaith harmony through dialogues, stressing unity in diversity. His teachings remain vital for global peace and coexistence.
• Rejecting Rituals and Superstitions: Guru Nanak rejected empty rituals and superstitions, emphasizing a personal connection with God, appealing to those seeking a deeper, more meaningful faith.

In the contemporary world, Guru Nanak's teachings inspire inclusive, compassionate, and harmonious societies, addressing modern issues like religious intolerance and social inequality, guiding us toward a more enlightened and equitable future.

(b): Social capital is the network of connections, trust, and shared values within a community fostering effective collaboration and the pursuit of common objectives.

• Fostering Civic Engagement: Social capital can promote civic engagement, increasing the accountability and responsiveness of governance institutions.
• Facilitating Collective Action: It can facilitate collective action and problem-solving, improving the delivery of public goods and services.
• Promoting Social Cohesion and Inclusion: Social capital can promote social cohesion and inclusion, reducing conflicts, violence, and enhancing social justice.
• Reducing Transaction Costs and Information Asymmetries: It can reduce transaction costs and information asymmetries, increasing coordination and cooperation among different actors.
• Stimulating Innovation and Learning: Social capital can stimulate innovation and learning, enhancing the adaptability and effectiveness of governance systems.

Social capital is crucial for good governance, fostering trust, cooperation, civic engagement, and collective action. Recognizing its value, governments should actively nurture and safeguard social capital to enhance democratic institutions and societal well-being.

Q7: You are working as an executive in a nationalised bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs surgery immediately to survive. She also tells you that she has no insurance and the operation will cost about 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that her husband is no more and that she is from a lower middle class family. You are empathetic about her situation, However, apart from expressing your sympathy, you do not have the resources to fund her. A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you about his successful surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate the release of Rs. 10 lakh from a dormant account of someone to pay for the operation with a promise that it should be confidential and be repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back and will continue to do until it is all returned.
(a) What are the ethical issues involved?
(b) Evaluate the behaviour of the bank manager from an ethical point of view.
(c) How would you react to the situation? (Ethics - II)
Ans: 
Ethical Issues Involved: The bank manager's compassionate act of facilitating the release of funds from a dormant account for a colleague's father's surgery, with a promise of confidentiality, raises concerns about fairness, equity, and transparency.

Concerns:

• The gesture, while commendable, potentially bypasses established banking procedures, constituting a possible abuse of authority.
• The lack of transparency raises questions about equal treatment of customers, and ensuring timely and fair repayment becomes an ethical responsibility.
• The colleague's disclosure of the funds' source challenges confidentiality.

Evaluation of Behavior of the Bank Manager: The bank manager's facilitation of fund release from a dormant account to aid a colleague's father's surgery displays commendable compassion and empathy, reflecting positively on ethical grounds.

Positive Aspects:

• Upholding confidentiality aligns with fundamental banking principles, fostering trust.
• This situation emphasizes the importance of adhering to established procedures and promoting equitable treatment of all clients, highlighting the need for clear ethical guidelines and robust accountability in financial institutions.

Reaction to the Situation: In this situation, my response would be empathetic and supportive towards my colleague, acknowledging the challenges she faces with her father's health and financial situation.

Response:

• I would express concern for her well-being and her father's recovery, emphasizing the importance of adhering to ethical and legal standards in financial transactions.
• I would encourage her to ensure that all actions, including the use of dormant account funds, comply with banking regulations and are conducted transparently.
• I would offer guidance on seeking appropriate channels for financial assistance, ensuring fairness and accountability in the process of repaying the dormant account money.

Q8: A Iandslide occurred in the middle of the night on 20th July, 2023 in a remote mountain hamlet, approximately 60 kilometres from Uttarkashi. The landslide was caused by torrential rains and has resulted in large-scale destruction of property and life. You, as District Magistrate of that area, have rushed to the spot with a team of doctors, NGOs, media and police along with numerous support staff to oversee the rescue operations. A man came running to you with a request for urgent medical help for his pregnant wife who is in labour and is losing blood. You directed your medical team to examine his wife. They return and convey to you that this woman needs blood transfusion immediately. Upon enquiry, you come to know that a few blood collection bags and blood group test kits are available in the ambulance accompanying your team. Few people of your team have already volunteered to donate blood. Being a physician who has graduated from AIIMS, you know that blood for transfusion needs to be procured only through a recognized blood bank. Your team members are divided on this issue; some favour transfusion, while some others oppose it. The doctors in the team are ready to facilitate the delivery provided they are not penalized for transfusion. Now you are in a dilemma. Your professional training emphasizes on prioritising service to humanity and saving lives of individuals.
(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case ?
(b) Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area. (Ethics - II)
Ans:  Ethical Issues:

• Patient Welfare: The primary ethical concern revolves around the life-threatening condition of the pregnant woman and her unborn child, necessitating immediate medical intervention due to severe bleeding.
• Blood Safety: Serious safety concerns arise from the use of blood for transfusion that is not sourced from a recognized blood bank.
• Informed Consent: Essential considerations include whether the patient or her family has been informed about the risks and benefits of the blood transfusion, especially if it is not from a recognized source.
• Medical Ethics: Medical professionals within the team grapple with the conflict between their commitment to saving lives and the need to adhere to medical ethics and standards.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: The situation raises questions about legal and regulatory compliance regarding blood transfusions.

Options Available:

• Seek Blood from a Recognized Blood Bank: The District Magistrate should prioritize patient safety and adhere to medical ethics by arranging for blood from a recognized blood bank.
• Local Blood Collection with Screening: If feasible, conduct a rapid blood group test on potential donors from the team.
• Expert Consultation: Reach out to medical experts for guidance and advice on the best course of action given the circumstances.

The decision should prioritize patient safety and adhere to ethical, medical, and legal standards. While the urgency of the situation is critical, compromising on blood safety can have severe consequences. Clear communication with the medical team, seeking expert advice if needed, and making an informed decision that best balances the ethical, medical, and regulatory considerations is crucial in this challenging situation.

Q9: At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out of town in connection with his work. Their two children aged 5 and 3 are looked after by their domestic helper. At 9.30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh calls her and asks her to prepare a detailed note on an important matter to be discussed in a meeting in the Ministry. She realises that she will have to work on Sunday to finish the additional task given by her superior. She reflects on how she had looked forward to this posting and had worked long hours for months to achieve it. She had kept the welfare of people uppermost in discharging her duties. She feels that she has not done enogh justice to her family and she has not fulfilled her duties in discharging essential social obligations. Even as recently as last month she had to leave her sick child in the nanny's care as she had to work in the office. Now she feels that she must draw a line, beyond which her personal life should take precedence over her professional responsibilities- She thinks that there should be reasonable limits to the work ethics such as punctuality, hard work, dedication to duty and selfless service.
(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.
(b) Briefly describe at least four laws that have been enacted by the Government with respect to providing a healthy, safe and equitable working environment for women.
(c) Imagine you are in a similar situation. What suggestions would you make to mitigate such working conditions? ( Ethics - II )
Ans: 

Ethical Issues:

• Work-Life Balance: The core ethical concern revolves around Rashika's challenge in balancing her demanding professional responsibilities with her role as a mother and spouse.
• Compromising Social Obligation: Rashika reflects on her inability to fulfill her family duties and social obligations, indicating a moral conflict.
• Impaired Emotional Development of the Child: Leaving young children in the care of domestic helpers while working long hours raises ethical concerns about their well-being and upbringing.
• Health and Well-being: Rashika's willingness to work on weekends and sacrifice personal life for her job also raises concerns regarding her physical and mental well-being.

Laws for Women's Work Environment:

• Maternity Benefit Act, 1961: This law mandates maternity leave and benefits for women employees, ensuring their well-being during and after pregnancy.
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013: It aims to create a safe and harassment-free work environment for women by preventing and addressing workplace harassment.
• Equal Remuneration Act, 1976: This act ensures that women receive equal pay for equal work, promoting gender equity in the workplace.
• Factories Act, 1948: The Act includes provisions related to the safety, health, and welfare of women workers, including regulating their working hours, ensuring proper ventilation, and providing childcare facilities.

Suggestions to Mitigate Working Conditions:

• Establishing Boundaries: Clearly define boundaries between work and personal life.
• Delegate and Prioritize: Delegate tasks at work when possible, and prioritize critical responsibilities to manage workload effectively.
• Support Systems: Seek the support of family, friends, and colleagues to share caregiving responsibilities.
• Self-Care: Prioritize self-care, including physical exercise, relaxation, and seeking professional help when dealing with stress or work-related pressures.
• Advocate for Work-life Balance Policies: Advocate for workplace policies that promote work-life balance and support employees' well-being.

Q10: Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness. The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the highhandedness of the Chairman in financial matters. A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribes for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres. Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The member informs him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes the Chairman. Further, he tells Vinod that once his party comes to power. Vinod's professional growth would be assured. Vinod is aware that he may be penalized if he exposes the Chairman and may further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that the Opposition Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realizes that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains.
(a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.
(b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy. (Ethics - II)
Ans: (a): Vinod, a conscientious civil servant, confronts the ethical dilemma of exposing alleged corruption involving the Chairman, aligning with his integrity and accountability principles, or remaining silent to avoid potential personal and professional consequences.

Options Available:

• Expose the Chairman and Alleged Corruption:
  • Pro: Upholds integrity and ethical values by combating corruption.
  • Con: Risk of retaliation and potential harm to his career, including transfers to remote areas.
• Stay Silent and Continue with Duties:
  • Pro: Avoids potential personal and professional risks.
  • Con: Fails in his duty to address corruption and uphold ethical standards.
• Seek Legal and Internal Remedies:
  • Pro: Upholds ethics by following due process and the rule of law.
  • Con: May face obstacles in getting a fair internal investigation, given the Chairman's influence.
• Engage in Whistleblower Protection Measures:
  • Pro: Balances the need to expose corruption with self-protection.
  • Con: Could still face professional and personal consequences, although to a lesser extent.

(b): In the context of the above case, comment on the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.

• Compromised Integrity: Political pressure can compromise bureaucrats' integrity.
• Misuse of Power: Bureaucrats may misuse authority for political or personal gain.
• Partisan Decision-Making: Politicization leads to biased decision-making.
• Diminished Accountability: Accountability becomes challenging in a politicized environment.
• Instrumentalization of Civil Servants: Politicians may exploit civil servants for political purposes.
• Erosion of Public Trust: Politicization erodes public trust in government institutions.
• Normalization of Unethical Practices: Unethical behavior can become the norm.

Q11: You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of the Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behavior towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self- esteem. She felt perpetually tense, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organizations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that aho is contemplating tendering her resignation.
(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?
(b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization?
(c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (Ethics - II)

Ans: (a):

• Workplace Harassment (Dignity and Respect): The Chief Architect's humiliation and disrespectful behavior towards Seema violate her dignity and create a hostile work environment.
• Professional Jealousy (Collaboration and Teamwork): The Chief Architect's insecurity and unwillingness to collaborate with Seema hinder the project's success and compromise teamwork.
• Impact on Emotional Well-being (Employee Well-being): Seema's continuous humiliation and stress due to the Chief Architect's behavior adversely affect her emotional well-being, hindering her productivity.
• Ethical Leadership Failure (Ethical Conduct): The Chief Architect's unethical conduct, including belittling a competent colleague, reflects a failure in ethical leadership within the organization.

(b):

• Mediation: Facilitate a private conversation to resolve conflicts between the Chief Architect and Seema.
• Collaborative Task Delegation: Assign specific project tasks to Seema and the Chief Architect based on their strengths and expertise, promoting collaboration and accelerating project completion.

(c): In response to Seema's predicament:

• Mentorship and Support: Assuring Seema that her contributions are valued while providing emotional support to boost her confidence.
• Idea Incubator: Create an "Idea Incubator" platform where employees, including Seema, can propose innovative project ideas. Recognize and reward contributors, fostering a culture of creativity.

To prevent such occurrences in the organization:

• Fair Evaluation: Ensure recognition is based on merit through unbiased performance evaluations.
• Zero-Tolerance Policy: Implement and communicate a strict anti-harassment policy to foster a safe work environment.
• Anonymous Reporting: Establish an anonymous reporting mechanism for employees to safely report harassment or conflicts without fear of retaliation.

Q12: You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government, One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal's office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and in the evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son's changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest. After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague's son shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home. Next day, you find on social media, a video denigrating you, your son and even your wife, stating that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became viral on social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter video giving the background and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video which you have captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators who were responsible for your son's predicament. You have also narrated what has actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of the misuse of social media.
(a) Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media.
(b) Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your family. (Ethics - II)

Ans: (a) Ethical Issues involved in the case:

• Privacy and Consent: Sharing someone's image without consent violates their privacy.
• Cyberbullying and Harassment: Posting derogatory content online constitutes cyberbullying and harassment.
• Disinformation and False Accusations: Spreading false information can harm reputations and needs responsible sharing.
• Online Accountability: Publicly shaming individuals without proper evidence raises concerns about fairness.
• Misuse of Technology: Misuse of technology and social media platforms to perpetuate harm, disseminate false information, and engage in cyberbullying.
• Impact on Relationships: Negative online content can strain real-life relationships, highlighting the need for ethical online behavior and digital literacy.

(b) Using social media to counter false propaganda against your family has both pros and cons.

Pros:

• Immediate Response: Quickly address false allegations or misinformation to prevent their spread.
• Wide Reach: Reach a diverse audience to correct the narrative effectively.
• Transparency: Demonstrate authenticity with evidence on social media.
• Engagement: Interact directly with the audience, providing context.
• Mobilization of Support: Gain support from friends, colleagues, and strangers.

Educational Opportunity: Raise awareness about online behavior's consequences.

Cons:

• Escalation: Risk of exacerbating the situation and facing online harassment.
• Privacy Concerns: Compromising family privacy and inviting threats.
• Misinterpretation: Efforts to clarify may still lead to confusion.
• Negative Backlash: Unpredictable public opinion can result in backlash.
• Emotional Toll: Dealing with online harassment can be emotionally draining.
• Legal Implications: Depending on what you share on social media, there could be legal consequences.

Using social media to counter false propaganda can be a double-edged sword. It can be an effective way to set the record straight and raise awareness, but it also comes with risks and potential negative consequences. It's crucial to approach such situations thoughtfully, seeking legal advice if necessary, and considering the well-being and privacy of your family above all else.