GS4 · 20 marks · 250 words

Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position. a. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case. b. What are the options available to Nithin? c. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin. d. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025

Syllabus: Case Studies on above issues.

How toppers approached it

From 3 of the 4 answers · about 310 words.

Opening

  • No separate opening2 of 3
  • A restatement1 of 3

Body

  • Points and prose1 of 3
  • Points1 of 3
  • Continuous prose1 of 3

Close

  • No separate close2 of 3
  • A way forward1 of 3

The toppers’ answers

Dishant A NisarAIR 19 · CSE 2025 · 351 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Safety of women in the workplace is of utmost importance and cannot be compromised at the cost of seniority, competence etc.

[A] Ethical Issues

Body · points

  1. Silence of spectators and victims → perpetuation of the crime.

  2. Mr A's undesirable advances → Lack of sensitivity towards women → Violation of dignity and against fundamental rights. → Poor emotional intelligence and moral integrity

  3. Failure of company to create a safe space for women employees to speak without hesitation

  4. Existence of 'glass ceiling' in Corporate companies → entrenched patriarchy

  5. Failure of POSH Act to act as a deterrent → state's role not enough.

[B] Options Available to Nithin and [C] examination.

Option 1 → Confront Mr A to stop such acts or warn consequences

Merit →

    1. Allow informal resolution
    1. Mr A's reputation saved.
    1. Company gets more profits.

Demerit →

    1. Does not hold Mr A accountable
    1. Against dignity and ethics.
    1. Not strong deterrent.

Option 2 → Urge female employee to complaint to HR

Merit →

  1. Formal mechanism ensured.
  2. Mr A's actions will be accounted for → loss of job.

Demerit →

  1. Resistance from top management.
  2. Employee may not complaint.

Option 3 → With HR and other seniors ensure resolution via POSH Act

Merit →

  1. Nithin is Head of Department and his responsibility fulfilled.
  2. Safe work culture and inclusivity.
  3. Justice done.

Demerit →

  1. Mr A would be fired/resign → loss to company.
  2. Damage already done → company could not protect employees.

[d] Most Appropriate

  1. Option 3 → Using HR team, PoSH committee to bring Mr A accountable is the right step.

Justification →

  1. Mr A's actions reflect lack of protection at workplace and he was not sensitized to needed behaviour.
  2. Nithin's responsibility to make safe workplace for other employees.
  3. No warning as inexcusable acts to multiple female employees and hence must be punished.
  4. People over profits → motto of good ethical corporate governance.

Close

Thus, such actions are needed along with strong PoSH law to act as deterrent.

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