Social Influence and Persuasion

While Emotional Intelligence (EI) can be a powerful tool for strengthening interpersonal relationships and achieving goals, its misuse raises ethical concerns of manipulating emotions for personal or political advantage. Discuss the dual-edged nature of EI in this context.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers

Emotional IntelligenceCorruption

How could social intelligence and attitudinal change contribute to the success of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao'?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Examine the role of social media in shaping moral and political attitudes in contemporary society. Suggest guiding principles for fostering responsible and ethical social media usage.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together. After taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment. The issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests. Marpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight. a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. b) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why? c) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers

Social Influence and PersuasionRules versus Compassion

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 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 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentSocial Influence and Persuasion

While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Civil Service ValuesImpartiality and Objectivity

Why is there a negative attitude in people with regard to wearing seat belts? b) What measures can be taken to bring positive changes with regard to this attitude?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

There have been reports of repeat instances of mob lynching in different states of India. It has been pointed out that these presumably faceless mobs gather impromptu on the basis of unverified information on issues that affect the collective conscience of the society such as child trafficking, sexual harassment, cow slaughter etc. Most of the people don't even regret their action of violating the law and even get away with committing such a heinous crime. 20 (a) 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 2 toppers · CSE 2018

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Technology and EthicsAttitude

You decide to take the metro to avoid traffic as you have an urgent business meeting in your office and you already are running late. In metro you find a man teasing a young woman. Before you could think of anything, the woman out of frustration gets down on next stoppage with eve-teaser still being in the metro. What would you do in such a situation? Justify your action.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018

Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion

Why is persuasion regarded as an important skill for civil servants? What are the key considerations that should guide persuasion in governance?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India. (b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

AttitudeDimensions of Ethics

You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018

Civil Service ValuesCrisis Decision Making

Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers

Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion

Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid getting penalised. In addition, the strategy also involves sending out provocative content through online ads and fake news reports. This goes against the spirit of free and fair elections and violates the Election Commission guidelines on multiple levels. As one of the key members of the social media team of the party, you have been entrusted with carrying out this campaign successfully. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentTechnology and Ethics

Positive attitude refers to readiness of psyche to act-react in manner based on right cognitive, affective and behaviour tendency.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

You are posted as the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a rural district where caste-based untouchability still exists in subtle and overt forms. You visit a local school during inspection and notice that Dalit children are being made to sit separately during the mid-day meal. The cooks preparing meals are also selected on caste basis. The punishments to students for the same mistakes also differ in intensity based on the student's position in the social ladder. The headmaster justifies this by saying, "It's our custom. Mixing them will create problems of impurity in the village." Later, you meet a 10-year-old Dalit boy named Ravi, who quietly says, "Madam, why are my hands dirty even when I wash them?" This sentence stays with you. You look at numerous other segregated students who seem to have internalized the social customs of discrimination. You, being a morally upright officer, want to take strong action, but the village elders, some of whom are politically powerful, urge you to "go slow" and "not disturb harmony." Meanwhile, your own junior staff appear reluctant to intervene, reflecting deeply ingrained prejudice. Moreover, trying to change customs could mean your suspension from the job or fake charges of sexual assault on you. This would also potentially result in breaking your marriage which has been fixed only recently. (a) What ethical responsibilities do you hold as an officer in transforming social attitudes? (b) How do emotional experiences like Ravi's statement impact the moral reasoning of a civil servant? (c) Suggest short-term and long-term strategies to create attitudinal change in this case.

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

Empathy and CompassionSocial Influence and Persuasion

You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a remote district where literacy rate is very low and level of poverty quite high. The government has decided to go ahead with the first phase of mass vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic and being the DM it is your responsibility to ensure its successful implementation in the district. However, some people with vested interests have raised concerns against the vaccine. They have not only questioned the efficacy of the vaccine but have also spread rumors of it being harmful for human health. They have also initiated a whisper campaign to the effect that vaccination will lead to impotency and that it is the hidden agenda of the government to control population. There have also been reports in local newspapers of the vaccine being approved for mass vaccination even before completion of the last phase of trials. This is further adding to the confusion and apprehension prevalent among people in the district. The situation was tense even before the initiation of the mass vaccination programe, and once it started you received reports that very few people are turning up to get themselves vaccinated. Given the situation: (a) Discuss various issues involved in the case. (b) What will be your course of action to ensure that the vaccination program becomes a success?

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

Social Influence and PersuasionCrisis Decision Making

How can public figures like Ravi use their influence to promote ethical business practices in the advertising industry?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Corporate GovernanceSocial Influence and Persuasion

It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seated prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?

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

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

In this age of information and consumerism, the image of women portrayed by mass media greatly influences our social attitude towards them. Critically evaluate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Many of the present social conflicts arise due to prejudices and discrimination. Illustrate. What can be done to curb discrimination and handle prejudices?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

AttitudeSocial 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. 10 (b) Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned? 10 (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.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

Attitude is a crucial factor in building the social capital of an individual. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

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

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

It is estimated that only 3% of Indians pay income tax. How can such attitudes be changed? Also point out what steps can be taken to imbibe the spirit of nation building in the youth today?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

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. (10) (b) Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned? (10) (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. (10) (b) Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.

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

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?

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

Corporate GovernanceSocial Influence and Persuasion

You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario: (a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India? (b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.

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

Social Influence and PersuasionCivil Service Values

"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion." - Aristotle

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Social Influence and PersuasionHuman Values

Legislation has often been used to bring social change. Discuss.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Law and MoralitySocial Influence and Persuasion