Integrity

"Facts are many, but the truth is one." - Rabindranath Tagore

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021

Dimensions of EthicsIndian Thinkers

The press is an important agent in ensuring the citizen's right to receive and impart information as a measure of probity in governance. In this context, do you think that the press in India discharges its duty honestly?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021

Probity in GovernanceTransparency and Information

What do each of the following quotations mean to you? "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." - Desmond Tutu

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021

Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values

Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021

Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024

Probity in GovernanceEthics in Private and Public Life

You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why? c) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021–2024

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are a Superintendent of Police tasked with conducting an internal departmental inquiry into an alleged case of custodial torture and subsequent disappearance of three tribal persons. The case of the police force is that these persons were habitual offenders who had committed theft. The police had nabbed them for interrogation but they escaped from the police custody and are absconding. Family members of these persons, on the other hand, maintain that they were falsely framed in the case and were not in a condition to flee due to custodial torture. They are alleging foul play on the part of the police and suspects that the police is behind their disappearance. Prima facie, you find many lacunae in the police investigation. The policemen did not produce these persons before the Magistrate nor did they get them medically examined, as required by the law. One of your seniors, without referring to the case, informally talks to you about the adverse working conditions of the police force and insinuates that all police personnel should help each other. He also says that all serving officers need to be mindful of the fact that they are part of the police force and should not do anything which may tarnish the reputation of the police department. (a) Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case. (b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground? (c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it.

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

Civil Service ValuesCrisis Decision Making

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 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 do 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

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance

You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) at the home ministry. On a daily basis you receive several applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. On gathering the information for a particular query you find that the information is related to some decisions which were taken by you. You took the decision in good faith which appeared correct at the time of decision making. The immediate impact of your actions was in line with your expectations. However, in hindsight the long term impacts of the decisions were counterproductive, and the decision seems to be made with malafide intentions. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of the solicited information, may lead to disciplinary actions. There is a possibility that you and some of your colleagues, who were involved in the decision-making process, may also be punished. You know that a non-disclosure, delayed disclosure, part-disclosure or a camouflaged disclosure will lead to a lesser punishment or even no punishment at all. You are aware of several cases in your department where non-disclosures have virtually gone unnoticed. Moreover, concealing the information will also save you, your colleagues, and the department itself from huge embarrassment. You know that it is your lawful mandate to disclose complete information in a proper and timely manner. In your years of service, you have been a sincere, dedicated, honest, conscientious officer. However, this time, you are well aware that the complete disclosure of information may cause harm to not only your career but also that of your colleagues. Moreover, your colleagues are pressuring you to withhold the information. Further, you have recently taken a huge education loan to fund the college education of your son. As the sole breadwinner of the family, you shoulder the responsibility of catering to the needs of your elderly parents, which involves their recurring medical costs. In these circumstances, any disciplinary action against you may also negatively affect you and your family's financial well-being. Now, you are in a state of dilemma over your future course of action. a) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study? b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of various courses of action available to you. Also, which course of action will you choose and why?

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

Transparency and InformationEthical Dilemmas in Government

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

Ethical competence of civil servants goes beyond complying with the law, and extends to satisfying their individual conscience. Examine. b) "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln.

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

Civil Service ValuesSources of Ethical Guidance

You are newly selected for an International cricket match against Pakistan. Just before the match the captain of the team calls you aside and tells you to use sticking gum to alter the condition of the ball during the match. You know that this is a clear case of ball tampering which is illegal in international cricket. Subsequently, you come to know that several senior players are also involved in this. Also, this match is very important for the team for two reasons i.e. to maintain 1st ODI ranking in ICC & 2. It is with Pakistan wherein sentiments of the country are grossly involved. Given this situation, answer the following questions What are the ethical issues involved with Ball tampering? What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Also, what would be your response to the situation?

20 marks · 300 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

IntegrityEthical Dilemmas in Government

What do you understand by following terms, in the context of public service?

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

Civil Service ValuesIntegrity

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 do not 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 of the bolted beams, which were accepted, and final design was passed by the buildings department. Mr. X goes into isolation and looks at the final building blueprint and compares it with the original. He quickly identifies the repercussions; the city faces a strong cyclone once in 16 years on an average. If such a cyclone was to hit, the building would sway and may collapse on the nearby buildings. He visits the building in the night again and realizes that a relatively small intervention on the 30th floor would resolve the issue. However, this would mean approaching the Fictitious Corp leadership and new construction approvals from the buildings department. It entails an almost certain risk of litigation and his license for practicing structural engineering being revoked. (a) Identify the most pressing issues? Which ones would you address on priority? (b) What would be your advice to Mr. X and Mr. Y? Also, sufficiently clarify the reasons for such an advice.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentIntegrity

Discuss the issue with social Media Head and present ethical issues (iii) Report the plan to public through whistleblowing (with proof)

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government