Corporate Governance

You are working as the Head of Ethics and Compliance in a big mobile manufacturing company that is known for its innovation and quality products. Both the customers and the shareholders are pleased with the performance of the company as they get value for their money and high returns on their investments respectively. Tin is a major component in the products manufactured by your company. It was recently brought to your attention that workers - many of them children - are working in unsafe conditions, digging tin out by hand in mines prone to landslides that could bury them alive. About 70% of the tin used in smartphones manufactured by the company comes from these more dangerous, small-scale mines. The company defends its practices by saying it only has so much control over monitoring and regulating its component sources. The justification advanced of its sourcing practices is that it is a complex process, with tens of thousands of miners selling tin, many of them through middlemen or third-party contractors. Based on the above case, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues in the above case? (b) Can customers of the company be expected to take into account such practices before buying any product of the company? (c) If the management were to seek your opinion on the matter, what course of action will you suggest?

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

Corporate GovernanceEthics in Private and Public Life

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

Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Corporate Governance

You are the General manager of a chemical company, XYZ, located in Panchnagar. Panchnagar is situated on the banks of the river Panch, which is a tributary of one of the major rivers of the country. XYZ was established in Panchnagar with active policy support from the government 20 years ago. XYZ is a major source of employment for the people of Panchnagar. XYZ is involved in various social activities. XYZ has built a primary hospital to attend to the health requirements of the people. It has also built a school in Panchnagar, and gives scholarships to the needy and meritorious children. Though XYZ is making a tremendous contribution to the social and economic growth of Panchnagar, your executive director is not happy with the profits incurred by XYZ in the last quarter. He has exhorted you to cut unnecessary costs and improve the revenue of the company. One day, you receive a letter from an NGO working for environment conservation. The NGO appreciates your company's work for the development of Panchnagar. However, the NGO has cautioned you about certain negative environmental and social impacts associated with the functioning of XYZ. The letter appraises you that a highly toxic chemical is being discharged into the Panch river by the XYZ. According to the studies conducted by the NGO, the toxic chemical may be carcinogenic and may adversely impact the health of people who depend on the river for their water needs. Further, the river is endemic to several endangered species. The release of the chemical waste into the Panch river may be a reason for the declining population of these species. The letter also informs you about a new filtration technology that has been effective in filtering out the toxic waste in question. The NGO's letter exhorts you to take corrective steps to rectify the issue by deploying the new filtration technology. After reading the letter you approach your executive director and brief him about the release of the possibly carcinogenic chemical into the Panch river. You also advise him to install the new filtration technology to ensure that toxic chemical is not discharged into the river. The executive director informs you that he is aware of the new technology which, in his opinion, is not only very expensive but also has a high recurring maintenance cost. The executive director tells you that XYZ is a law-abiding company and all its waste discharges are in compliance with relevant statutory and environmental guidelines. He further reminds you that XYZ is already contributing substantially to the socio-economic development of Panchnagar. Also, the executive director is of the view that the NGO is working in its own vested interests and should not be taken seriously. a) What arguments can you advance to show that doing nothing about the possibly carcinogenic chemical is not morally correct? b) What alternatives do you have in order to ameliorate the situation under the given circumstances?

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

Environmental EthicsCorporate Governance

Mr. X is a renowned Architect. He receives a contract of Rs. 500 crores to design and lead a building project that would not only be an architectural landmark but also involves engineering challenges the solutions for which would change the industry. The building would house the headquarters of a successful company Fictitious Corp. Its chairman, Mr. Y is renowned for his acumen as well as temper. After spending time on the drawing board, Mr. X comes up with an innovative design which in itself is a masterpiece. His office had to lay out the plan and then coordinate with the engineering firms to execute it to perfection. The building is constructed in record time and is praised for its ingenuity and the experts also look at it as an engineering milestone. After six months of its construction, Ms. Z, a doctoral student of mathematics, visits the building for her work on structural engineering calculations. She has immense respect for Mr. X's work. However, she finds that her calculations do not satisfy the requirements of structural integrity for which the building has been widely hailed. She realizes that the building's structure has a deficiency based on the bolted beams used for structural support; this was inadequate if the impact of vertical winds on the building is taken into account. It not only created a threat for the building and its occupants but also the buildings and people nearby. Mr. X is informed of these calculations by the student and her supervisor. However, Mr. X, meticulous as he is, has confidence on his work and detailed design. He looks at the issue seriously and spends time on the design. He indeed finds no flaw in his design and also notes that his design entails the use of welded rather than bolted beams. At the time he is negotiating the construction of another building where the issue of welded versus bolted metal beams is a sticking point. Mr. X. prefers welded beams as they are twice as strong as the requirements are. However, the engineering firm responsible for actual construction job and procuring the steel beams points out that double bolted beams are strong enough to meet the requirement, are cost effective and also fulfill the building code requirements. After the meeting Mr. X visits the Fictitious Corp building, and to his horror he realizes that bolted rather than welded beams have been used in the construction of the building. He asks for the design that his office has used after final approval. He notices that indeed the final designs show the use of bolted beams. These beams are classified as trusses which meet the regulatory requirements but not the structural capacity as envisaged by Mr. X initially. He further enquires and is told that the engineering firm responsible for construction work had also given similar arguments about the sufficiency, cost effectiveness and regulatory [compliance].

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentIntegrity

What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

Business and ethics are often believed as contradictory. Do you agree with this? Suggest ways to make it ethical.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics

What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action. (c) Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not? (d) What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

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

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

CSR beyond immediate community? (Note: The provided text also contains parts (a), (b), (c), and (d) of a case study regarding Mr. Sharma and the pharmaceutical company.)

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

Corporate GovernanceEthics in International Relations