There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken. The issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry; and that the truth was worse for the company than he had stated previously. (a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation. (b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.

Ethical issues I would face in this situation

1. I would face a dilemma to choose between the truth or go by previous statement to save the company from dishonour.

2. Company's mal-administration led to loss of lives and property, hence must be issue of accountability.

3. Responsibilty towards the company vs towards the public.

4. Violation of principle of 'truth' as the employee lied initially in preliminary inquiry.

5. Sanctity of the judiciary and the dignity of the court - will be hampered if employee lies.

My suggestions to the employee

1. I would suggest him to adhere to truth - as 'Mahatma Gandhi' also emphasised on truth as the weapon of weak.

2. To accept his previous mistake and stay ready for any penalty that he has to face.

3. I would ask him to tell fearlessly before the judiciary that under whose influence he lied before.

Reasons behind my suggestion

1. Truth tends to find its own way and cannot stay hidden for a long duration.

2. If the company's safety measures were compromised -

a) It must be held accountable. b) Must pay due compensation under Public Liability Insurance Act, 1992. c) Rehabilitate the employees and their families. d) Must face the due punishment.

1. Bringing matter into public notice is essential: → To create deterrence among other industries. → To prompt Government to take adequate steps by regular inspections, proper surveillance.