Integrity

Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 18 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance

Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 14 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentUtilisation of Public Funds

Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics

While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics

"A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury". Explain the statement giving one example each from personal and public life.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life

Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2020

Ethics in Private and Public LifeCivil Service Values

Should a person resort to leaking of information in case of wrongs done in the organization ? Does it cause a conflict of interest between the personal, organizational and societal spheres? Discuss with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Conflict of InterestCorruption

Mr. X is the head of an NGO working in the field of environment conservation and protection. He is in dire need of funds for the NGO's operations and payments to his staff. He is approached by an official of a large infrastructure company, who is ready to provide the required funding for the NGO. But, in a quid pro quo, he asks Mr. X to raise objections over the bypassing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms in an ongoing PPP project through his NGO. This project is being implemented by a rival infrastructure company. Mr. X knows that there have been instances of high level corruption in the process of granting EIA to mega projects and the information provided by the official seems to be authentic. Hence, he accepts the money and agrees to raise the objection. (a) Considering the circumstances of the case, is Mr. X correct in accepting the money? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you were in place of Mr. X, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for it.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Conflict of InterestEthical Dilemmas in Government

What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values

Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) "Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly" - Mahatma Gandhi.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Indian ThinkersIntegrity

You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Conflict of InterestEthical Dilemmas in Government

There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018

IntegrityCivil Service Values

Courage is the first of human qualities because it's the quality that guarantees the others.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2020

Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics

You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. 20 (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentConflict of Interest

Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.

25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in International Relations

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 you would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values

"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 5 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values

You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

IntegrityEthical Dilemmas in Government

Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2016–2018

Transparency and InformationCorruption

You are the manager of a small hotel which maintains high standards of ethics in dealing with its customers. One day a person comes to your hotel and enquires about booking a room at your hotel. However, due to peak season, all rooms were already booked and hence the staff politely informed him about the unavailability. The person, however, was adamant and took this as a personal insult and started misbehaving with the staff present at the counter. Citing his political connection he also threatened the staff of severe consequences. Next day the person lodged a frivolous complaint with the police under the stringent SC/ST act. In his complaint he accused you and your staff of insulting him deliberately on the basis of his caste. He insisted further that he was denied a room at your hotel due to the caste he belongs to. 1. What are the options available to you? 2. Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

In the parlance of governance, probity is often used in conjunction with integrity. How do you differentiate between the two? What is their importance in public life? What measures can help promote these values in governance?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018

Probity in GovernanceIntegrity

Mr. A is an honest senior bureaucrat who retired some time back. He has worked across many positions and wields immense influence in the corridors of power. His wife was working in a consulting firm. She has now quit her job and started her own consulting firm that will bid for government contracts also. Mr. A himself intends to contribute his experience and insider knowledge about the government operations to prepare for the bid. When prodded about any conflict of interest, Mrs. A argued that she always wanted to own her own consulting firm and bid for government projects so that she could improve the quality of government operations through her services. But earlier she could not since her husband was a bureaucrat in the same city and various government rules prevented her from doing so. As he has now retired she can take up this job. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) What are steps that can be taken by Mr. A to resolve these ethical issues? (c) What is the best option for Mr. A? Support your answer with appropriate reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018

Conflict of InterestIntegrity