Social Influence and Persuasion

You have been recently posted as Superintendent of Police of a district which has a famous temple. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in your district on the issue of allowing entry of women in the temple. The women were trying to break the allegedly 400-year-old tradition of the temple, which banned women from entering its inner sanctum. Recently a 350-strong group of women was stopped by the the temple administration from entering the temple. This led to a scuffle wherein few women participating in the protest were manhandled. There is a pressure on you from local politicians who want you to prevent any such forced entry as elections are approaching. (a) Do you think there is a dichotomy between progressive values guaranteed to women by the Constitution and regressive traditions which continue in the garb of religion? How can this dichotomy be resolved? (b) How would you manage the law and order situation created by the forced entry? (c) How would you manage and mould patriarchal attitude of the temple administrators and male elders to ensure harmony.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018

Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion

You are posted as a District Development officer in a district with a low literacy rate and poor health indicators. As you took charge, your Health Secretary had given express instructions that your priority is to improve health indicators by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. After taking over, you traveled around the district to study and identify ways of improving healthcare services. During your field trip, you discovered that the issue was not the accessibility of services; it was something else. You found the problem was the myths, misconceptions, and malpractices that hindered the uptake of health services. For instance, people believed that vaccines caused impotence, immunization was equivalent to birth control, using antenatal care was counterproductive to the health of the mother and baby, and so on. You realize that these beliefs were the behavioral barriers that stood in the way of health and nutrition services. And these behavioral barriers made it difficult for front-line workers to reach out. You discussed your observations with the Health Secretary, and he advised you to seek inputs from the neighboring district DDO who was doing some good work. When you met with the neighboring DDO, you learned he was experimenting with using the Faith leader's influence and reach to persuade people. You were unsure about roping in faith leaders to help you overcome the behavioral barriers. As a civil servant you felt it would be a mistake to involve faith leaders in health service schemes. When you shared your apprehensions with the Secretary, he firmly instructed you to try and innovate. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Faith leaders as influencers and persuaders? (c) If not faith leaders, what are your other options to break the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Social Influence and PersuasionEthical Dilemmas in Government

What factors do you think are responsible for increasing involvement of juveniles in crimes? How can social influence and Persuasion help them to secure a better future?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018

Social Influence and PersuasionFamily, Society and Education

"Action is a catalyst for profound shifts in attitude of an individual." How far do you agree with the statement? Give suitable examples to substantiate your answer.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

As the District Magistrate (DM) in a flood-prone district, you are managing relief operations. A local leader, known for their influence, is actively spreading misinformation, inciting public anger against the administration, and obstructing rescue efforts, alleging that relief is biased. However, the local community is suffering significantly, and critical relief operations are being hindered. Given the situation, how would you respond?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion

You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Persuasion involves deliberate efforts to shape attitudes through reasoned argument, whereas social influence often operates subtly through conformity, peer pressure, or cultural norms. Both play a critical role in decision-making and public behavior. How can civil servants ethically employ both to bring about positive behavioural change in society?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Discuss how persuasion acts as a functional pillar in attitudinal change and attitude formation with requisite examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

What constitutes an individual's attitude, and how do persuasion and social influence contribute to fostering a positive attitude?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

What is the relationship between attitude and behaviour? Examine how deep-seated social attitudes can limit the effectiveness of ethical laws and institutional reforms.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

While laws, rules, and regulations tend to dictate from above, attitudinal change within communities can bring effective and lasting solutions to many problems. Explain with the help of examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

In the era of digital education, the crisis of virtual colonialism is often regarded as challenge to notion of vocational training as comprehensive solution for value based education.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Family, Society and EducationTechnology and Ethics

Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

Cancel culture has emerged as a powerful tool of social accountability in the digital age, often framed as a form of moral justice against wrongdoing. Critically examine the ethical issues involved in cancel culture. How can society address these ethical issues while balancing the need for accountability?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Ethics in Private and Public LifeSocial Influence and Persuasion

What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

Social Influence and PersuasionTechnology and Ethics

Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions. a. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational. b. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community? c. How is menstruation related to human rights?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Social Influence and PersuasionEmpathy and Compassion

In the context of public administration, discuss the importance of effective persuasion to achieve the goals of administration?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Social Influence and Persuasion

As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women were exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentSocial Influence and Persuasion

How persuasion can be used to convince people to get vaccinated

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Discuss the importance of behavioural change and role of different stakeholders in addressing the challenges of a pandemic like COVID-19.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

You are the District Development Officer posted in a backward region where open defecation is rampant and there is high child mortality due to diarrhoea. Under the Center's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan you spearheaded the construction of thousands of toilets in your area; still people relieve themselves in the open. The media and the opposition parties are already labelling the programme as a failure and waste of public money. You have been asked to report on the reasons for low usage and bring about a change. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the reasons behind people not using the constructed toilets? (b) How can people's attitude towards open defecation be changed? Give a reasoned account of the steps that you will take to bring about this change.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

There is a historical city in one of the districts of UP. Recently, it has been in news due to controversy on a report by a person of the city that there has been exodus of people only belonging to majority community although they are in minority in the city. The controversy is on the claim that the migration is only due to fear of the dominant community in the city and not due to other reasons such as search for better life, employment, safety and security due to gagsters menace and law and order problems. This has also been corroborated by a report on the issue by the NHRC, which has also become controversial. Interestingly, the city has always had communal harmony. It has seen no trace of communal tension even at a time when parts of UP witnessed a lot of violence and communal hatred during 2013. a) Suppose you are the District Magistrate of that district then what should be your immediate priorities and why? b) Discuss the role and significance of various stakeholders you will seek help and why? c) Discuss your courses of actions which will be able to not only provide short term solution but also be long lasting in establishing rule of law and peace and harmony in the city.

25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion

You are the administrator of a Union Territory. A very popular "godmen" in your area has been accused of crimes ranging from sexual abuse to murder. The court has passed arrest orders against the Godman. The Godman not only has tens of thousands of followers but also has several bureaucrats and politicians who are sympathetic to him. As an administrator you are compelled to act on the court orders, and make arrests. You are aware that doing so will not be easy, and will lead to large scale violence by his supporters. Additionally you may be politically penalised for doing your job. a) Analyse the reasons for Godman's syndrome in Indian society. b) In such a situation, what will be your course of action and your priorities? c) As a civil servant who are agents of social change, suggest few measures to solve the problem.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion

Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Environmental EthicsSocial Influence and Persuasion

What are the reasons for the aggressive reaction of the workers' union to Rashmi's initiative? How should she handle this situation and what is the importance of corporate social responsibility in such cases?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Corporate GovernanceSocial Influence and Persuasion

Kailash is a climate conscious and responsible citizen. Kailash left his well-paying job as a senior manager in a multinational company and started a small firm that manufactures eco-friendly products. The motto of his company is "zero wastage and green for welfare". His firm makes bio-degradable polymer which can be used as an alternative to plastic bags, bottles, plates etc. Kailash thinks that this will promote a healthier environment and will have a positive impact on people's health. It will also help address the problem of climate change by reducing one's carbon footprint. For this to be achieved, he believes that not just products, but the process should be less polluting. This is why, he invested heavily in non-polluting machinery. These machines are certified as "green machines". In fact, some of them were even imported from other countries. All of this has gained him a good reputation in the eyes of critics and environmentalists. But as the technology used in manufacturing these products is new, imported and expensive, the products made by Kailash's firm is costlier than conventional plastic products. Kailash has proved that his product is environmentally benign, but he was unable to scale up production because he ran out of funds. Kailash knows that if he could start manufacturing the polymer at a large scale and leverage economies of scale his product would become more price competitive to conventional plastics. Kailash used last of his funds to publicize his product. Kailash thought that with this publicity, raising funds from the market would be easy. Kailash reached out to many investors, and they showed great interest in Kailash's product. But none of them were willing to invest money in this product. They feared that this new product, being much expensive, would not be able to compete with the conventional plastic products. Kailash's firm is also losing his existing customers who complain about very high cost of his products. Both Kailash's prospective investors and past customers know that this technology is less polluting and environmentally benign and has a positive attitude towards it. But consumer concern and attitude about the environment does not readily translate into the purchase of environmentally friendly products. Academic research has also identified this gap between purchase intentions and behaviors. Kailash knows that if he changes the production procedure, things can look better for the company on the financial front, but that can take away his reputation and will also be against his own beliefs. The only possible hope is to expand his consumer base, sell his products at full capacity and convince investors to invest in his eco-friendly venture to keep his green industry running. Consider yourself in Kailash's position and answer the following questions: a) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products? b) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Environmental EthicsSocial Influence and Persuasion

You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do. (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country. (c) What is the course of action that would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018

Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion

Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss. (b) What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance. (b) Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples. (b) "A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." What does this quotation mean to you? Explain with an example.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

A devastating flood has struck regions of a flood-prone state, leading to widespread humanitarian distress. Amid ongoing rescue operations, social media is flooded with claims that relief efforts are being deliberately delayed for certain communities. These posts go viral, fueling communal tensions and eroding public trust in disaster response agencies. Ishita, a senior officer in the State Information Department, conducts an investigation and finds that most of these claims are either unsubstantiated or manipulated. However, she faces mounting pressure from different stakeholders. Political leaders seize the social media outrage as an opportunity to criticize the ruling party, calling for a judicial inquiry. Activists argue that removing or countering these posts could be seen as a violation of free speech. Further complicating the matter, a high-ranking government official instructs Ishita to refrain from taking action, fearing that any intervention might be perceived as an attempt to suppress dissent. Ishita is deeply concerned that unchecked misinformation could escalate communal tensions and undermine the credibility of the administration. However, intervening too aggressively could trigger accusations of censorship and political bias, placing her in a difficult ethical position. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in handling the misinformation crisis. (b) What should be Ishita's course of action in balancing freedom of speech, public order, and government directives? Justify your response. (c) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentTransparency and Information

"A Constitution may indicate the direction in which we are to move, but the social structure will decide how far we are able to move and at what pace". In the light of this statement, do you think that attitudes held by us are the main cause of lack of desirable level change in our society? Discuss the hurdles faced in changing such attitude?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion