GS4 · Topic
Corporate Governance
Ethics in the private sector: boards and disclosure, corporate social responsibility, regulatory capture, business and society.
222 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Corporate Governance that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2013–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in the present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local political party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty
Passionate about the social service, you recently joined a Charity as a supply chain manager. The Charity is undertaking the distribution of Cervical cancer vaccines. It has also started media campaigns and enrolled celebrities, for raising awareness about the disease. The government also promoted the vaccines in a national campaign. You felt proud for joining the national cause. One day, Ravi, from the research department of ABC Corp, the company which produces the vaccines, comes to you and tells you that there are many irregularities in human trials of the vaccines. There is inclusion of poor and vulnerable tribal people in the trials, and in many cases there is a lack of the consent of the patients. Due to many side effects in vaccines, there have been instances of deaths of some patients. To your surprise he tells you that even the media houses and celebrities involved are aware of such malpractices who are choosing to turn blind-eye to the whole issue as they are paid handsomely by the ABC Corp. You raised the matter to the head of the Charity. He asked you to be silent on the matter as the Charity is being funded by a prestigious NGO which has a global appeal and also holds stakes in the ABC Corp. Besides losing your job, any negative news can hamper the national campaign also. He also said that if you remain silent then you will be transferred to a prestigious position in the ABC Corp along with a hefty appraisal. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) Evaluate the options available to you in the given scenario. c) In the light of the above case, suggest some measures to carry out the human clinical trials in an ethical manner.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
What actions should Rashmi take to gain the support of the company and local administration? (c) How can companies adopt social responsibility in their functioning? (d) Analyze the reasons for the reactions from the villagers and how should Rashmi handle the villagers.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Corporate GovernanceSocial Influence and Persuasion
Developing countries are often very vulnerable to exploitation by multinational corporations. They support industrialization but lack of infrastructure is a major limiting factor. Further, without suitable laws and regulations, developing nations are ill prepared for such endeavours. In their efforts to attract business, these nations often overlook the health and safety violations by the corporations doing business within their borders. Drawn by low-cost labour, new markets, and lower operation costs, corporations have little incentive to address environmental and human risks once they are entrenched. In this situation there is imminent threat of disaster. Discuss some feasible strategies to balance economic development and safety and security of people at large in developing countries with special emphasis on India.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
In the backdrop of prevailing practices like greenwashing, have highlighted cases of dichotomy between legal-ethical situation. The same case accounts here, calling for deeper course of action.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Corporate GovernanceEnvironmental Ethics
As the CEO of a global technology firm, Mr. Varun has been facing immense pressure to deliver consistent growth and innovation. To manage the stress and stay ahead, he has started using ketamine, a potent drug known for its potential risks, claiming it enhances his focus and decision-making. His actions have raised concerns among some board members and employees. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in Mr. Varun's actions? (b) Can the use of ketamine for stress management and enhanced decision-making be justified? Discuss. (c) How can emotional intelligence help Mr. Varun manage his stress and ethical concerns?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Corporate GovernanceEmotional Intelligence
You are the chief executive of ABC Ltd, an automotive component manufacturing company. Until recently, all of your production plants were located in city X. However, the cost of production has risen, causing profits to decline. A number of factors have led to an increase in the production costs. First, the union representing the workers in your plant waged a successful strike resulting in increased salary and benefits. A second factor has been imposition of stringent environmental regulations. Shareholders are concerned about the declining fortunes of the company. Many of the competitors have moved their operations to less developed cities, where the operating costs are less than city X. ABC Ltd is a major employer in the city where it is located, and you know that a plant closure will cause economic dislocation in the city. Given the situation, answer the following question. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) How can the interests of different stakeholders be reconciled in this case?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
Ways to build stronger corporate governance mechanism to prevent this?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance
Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of the leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. 20 (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard. (Social License to Operate: SLO)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Corporate Governance
Highlight the options available to you in this scenario and evaluate each of them. What course of action will you take and why? (b) Is there a need for having reasonable restrictions on social media for it to remain a platform of healthy and fruitful engagement. Analyse from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Corporate GovernanceTechnology and Ethics
Discuss the role of ethics and values in turning India into a 5 trillion-dollar economy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Civil Service ValuesCorporate Governance
You have recently started working at your dream company. You have been hired in the strategies department along with two other new joiners. All of you have just graduated out of college. You have very friendly relations with your co-joiners. The three of you have been helping each other at work. The experience of working together has built strong camaraderie between the three of you. Your boss has publicly appreciated the strong team-spirit displayed by you and your colleagues. At the annual review, you have been given a higher pay raise, and a more lucrative job profile. The promotion doesn't come as a surprise to you. You have worked beyond office hours more as a rule rather than as an exception. The project you worked on was adjudged 'the best project of the year in business impact' at the annual corporate awards. One of your co-joiners remarks, in presumably good humor, that you should suggest to your boss to allocate similar high impact projects to your friends as well. You also perceive suggestions towards the shared surname being the reason for special affinity of your boss towards you, indicating the fact that your boss and you have the same caste. You feel hurt but you also try to think about the remarks with an open mind. You assess that the three of you have indeed worked hard with sincerity. One of your friends, in fact, worked very efficiently despite a personal tragedy at home. There was already a salary differential between you and your colleagues based on the pedigree of your college. The higher pay raise to you has expanded the differential pay structure further. You always considered the initial pay differential to be against the principle of equal pay for equal work. But now you feel your friends may not have been given equal opportunities as well. a) You are inclined to the belief that the efforts and talent of your colleagues have been under-appreciated and you start feeling guilty about your promotion. b) Based on the given information, discuss the options that are available to you for addressing the guilt. What are the merits and demerits of those choices? Which option would you choose? Justify.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Corporate GovernanceIntegrity
What is corporate governance? How is it important in the Indian corporate sector? How will the mandatory provision of corporate social responsibility change the perception of private sector in the eyes of common man?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Corporate Governance
Consider that you are working in an organization. The Chairman of the organization has made it a practice even in good times to have his senior executives fire ten percent of their subordinates once every three years, and those at lower levels to do the same. "It's all about performance. Some think that it's cruel or brutal to remove the bottom 10 percent of our people. It isn't. It's just the opposite. What I think is brutal and false kindness is keeping people around who aren't going to grow and prosper", argues the Chairman. Do you agree with his views? Substantiate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2013
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
The nature of a business's operations has a major influence on the ethical issues with which it must contend. Giving examples, discuss how business ethics is crucial in today's world.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
Case highlights the challenges faced in case of Disinvestment which is en lined with the LPG reforms of 1991.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media? (20) 24x7
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
In a southern Indian state, a globally renowned high end mobile manufacturing company advertised job vacancies, attracting many hopeful applicants. Among them were two sisters from a nearby village who applied after seeing advertisements on WhatsApp. Upon arrival at the factory's main gate, a security guard met them and asked a series of questions, including an inquiry about their marital status. After confirming that they were married, they were informed that they could not proceed further. No explanation was provided, leaving them confused and disappointed. Back in their village, the sisters reflected on their experience and felt dismayed at being denied an opportunity without a clear reason. Even the auto-rickshaw driver who took them to the facility had hinted that married women might not be hired, yet they still hoped for a fair chance. Subsequent investigations by a prominent international news agency revealed a pattern at the manufacturing facility where married women were systematically excluded from employment opportunities. This practice was not officially documented but was communicated verbally to recruitment agencies responsible for hiring. The revelations sparked significant media uproar, drawing public attention to the issue. The Union Labour Ministry also took cognizance of the situation and sought a report from the state government regarding these discriminatory hiring practices. Unfortunately, such discriminatory practices are not uncommon in various parts of the world, reflecting broader issues of gender attitudes that persist in many societies. a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study. b. What can be the underlying reasons for discriminatory attitudes toward hiring married women by the company? c. How can organizations promote gender equity in their hiring practices?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
What ethical principles should govern the utilization of public funds? Discuss the moral implications of using taxpayer money to bail out large corporations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Utilisation of Public FundsCorporate Governance
You are the CEO of firm X, and you ...
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Corporate GovernanceEmpathy and Compassion
Do you think a corporate social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why / Why not?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Corporate GovernanceEthics in International Relations
You are the Compliance Officer at GreenTech Industries, a company that manufactures eco-friendly products and believes in making positive environmental impacts. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that the company adheres to environmental laws and ethical standards. The Company recently developed a new product that promises significant ecological benefits but involves a manufacturing process that produces hazardous waste. During an internal audit, you discover that the hazardous waste from the new product's manufacturing process is being disposed of in a manner that technically meets legal standards but raises serious ethical concerns. While compliant with current laws, the disposal method poses potential risks to a local community's health and the environment in the long term. Legally, GreenTech Industries is not violating any regulations. The waste disposal method is within the permissible limits set by environmental laws. However, ethically, you are aware that continued use of this method could significantly harm the local community and ecosystem. You were left wondering, on the one hand, the Company was legally correct, but on the other, it was hypocritical about its avowed values of positively impacting the environment. As a conscientious professional, you are serious about taking action, but the challenge is its whats and hows. 1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case? 2. Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits. 3. What will be your chosen course of action? Why You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has emerged involving a local temple and its long-standing tradition of excluding women from certain religious rituals and spaces. A group of educated young women from the village, inspired by the increasing national dialogue on gender equality, has petitioned for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They argued that excluding women is discriminatory and violates their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a significant portion of the local community vehemently oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs. As the District Collector, you face a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are obliged to uphold the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you are aware that the district has a history of unrest on religious matters, and local politicians did not mind stoking the unrest for political gains. The moral argument for gender equality clashes with the community's religious sentiments. The temple authorities believe that altering the rituals would desecrate their sacred traditions. Meanwhile, the women demanding entry see this as a moral and legal fight for their rights. You as a district collector was in a precarious dilemma, one on hand being a progressive officer you knew what is the right thing to do but on the other as an administrative professional you didn't want an unrest with religious tone at your hands.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
Rohan was a new intern at ABC computers, a company that deals in assembling and sales of desktops. ABC computers is a leading company in its field, and it was a dream come true for Rohan to get an opportunity to intern at the company. Rohan is an ethical and upright person who does his duty with utmost sincerity and dedication. Rohan's hard work at ABC computers was well recognized and his superiors were satisfied with his performance. One day, Avinash, Rohan's team leader, gave him a file and instructed him to deliver it to Mr. Manoj, the General Manager of XYZ Chemicals, a Public Sector Unit (PSU). Avinash told Rohan that the contents of the file were confidential as it contained the company's quotation for a tender of 100 computers required by XYZ chemicals. Rohan felt encouraged that Avinash had chosen him for this important task. As instructed, Rohan reached the office of XYZ chemicals on time. While waiting for his turn to meet the General Manager, Rohan noticed the citizen's charter of the XYZ chemicals on the wall. Apart from explicit provisions for transparency and checking corruption, there was a dedicated section for grievance redressal in the citizen's charter. Rohan mentally appreciated the initiative of having a citizen's charter at public offices. On his turn, Rohan greeted Mr. Manoj and presented him with his company's quotations. Mr. Manoj looked visibly satisfied with the quotations, however, he asked Rohan as to what incentives there were for him personally, for approving the quotations. Rohan was shocked by this question, and before he could say anything, Mr. Manoj himself hinted that he expects 10% of the quotation value to be delivered to him, as a token of gratitude for approving the quotation of ABC computers over the quotations of other companies. A man of scruples, Rohan was offended at the proposition of Mr. Manoj, who was directly demanding a bribe for doing his stipulated duty. He requested Mr. Manoj to consider the quotations on their competitive merit, and to not embarrass him by demanding a bribe. Mr. Manoj asked Rohan to leave and also told him that his attitude may become a problem for him and his company in the future. Rohan felt harassed by the threats of Mr. Manoj. While leaving XYZ chemicals, Rohan remembered the grievance redressal section in the citizen's charter. He wrote a detailed application of complaint against Mr. Manoj on the letter head of ABC computers, and submitted it with the grievance redressal authority of XYZ chemicals. On returning to his office, he appraised Avinash about all that transpired at XYZ chemicals. Rohan expected his company to initiate an official complaint against Mr. Manoj. However, he was shocked with the response of his company. Avinash blamed Rohan for spoiling the relations of the company with a long-time client. He also questioned Rohan's authority for writing a complaint on the company's letterhead without consulting his superior. He further belittled Rohan's actions by telling him that Mr. Manoj has always ensured that ABC computers got preferential treatment over its competitors. Furthermore, Avinash asked Rohan to apologise to Mr. Manoj, and take back his complaint. He also hinted that if he refused to comply, his internship in the company will be ended with immediate effect. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Rohan considers you a wise person and seeks your advice. As a friend of Rohan, what advice will you give him under these circumstances? c) What are the reasons for the acceptance of this kind of corruption? What steps can be taken to tackle the same?
25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government
According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so. (a) What is your opinion on the matter? (b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken. 11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
You completed your MBA three years ago and secured a job in a leading shoe company, excelling in the Inspection Section responsible for clearing the final product. The company decides to expand its market to Europe and Gulf countries, but a large consignment to Europe is rejected due to poor quality. The top management orders clearance for the domestic market despite glaring defects. The rest of the team complies, but you voice concerns about tarnishing the company's image. 1.Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a member of the Inspecting Team? 2.Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. 3.What option would you adopt and why? 4.What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you? 5.What can be the consequences of overlooking the observations raised by the Inspecting Team?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
You are working as Director (Human Resource) in a software company. Various factors such as economic slowdown in some of the major trade partners of India and disruptive technological changes like generative Artificial Intelligence require rapid adaptive measures from businesses to survive. The marketing department has reported that there is lack of demand for the services provided by your company in the market and business-as-usual scenario could spell doom for the company. Your company has decided to take a slew of measures to tread through a tough phase of the business which include technological rejuvenation of the company and streamlining the workforce. A significant number of employees in your organization are above fifty years of age and are finding it difficult to adapt to the new working conditions and the rapid upskilling required by the company. After proper training, the employees were subjected to a test, and a list was prepared of those who are above fifty years of age and who did not do well in the test. You have been told by the board of directors that they have plans to lay off approximately 25% of the employees. This is essential for the efficiency and survival of the company. You have been given a list of employees who are to be laid off and you have been told to communicate to them the decision of the company to terminate them. In the above list, there is an employee who has been working in the company for twenty years. He is known for his discipline, integrity, and loyalty to the company. His financial situation is not good at present as he applied for personal loan a few months ago in order to meet the expenses of his ailing father who was hospitalized. He is sole breadwinner of the family and has two dependent daughters. Marriage of one of the daughters is scheduled for next month. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) As the head of the HR department, what ethical dilemma do you face? c) Do you think that the company's decision is appropriate? According to you what should have been the ideal course of action in the given scenario?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
A woman employee has leveled allegations of sexual misconduct on social media against the Head of Operations in the company where you are in-charge of human resources department. This has been in the context of the recent phenomenon of women coming out against powerful men who have sexually harassed them in the past. Given the frenzy around the issue, your company is under immense pressure to act quickly against this person. You have the following options before you: (a) Accept the statement of allegations and take departmental and legal action quickly. (b) Investigate the matter through an internal complaints committee and take action after it submits its findings. Analyse the given options and argue which course of action would you choose? Also suggest what measures would you take to prevent occurrences of such instances in your company in future.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Crisis Decision MakingRules versus Compassion
Bring out the differences between the ethical issues faced by government and private institutions and the reasons therein.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance