Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Discuss about various stakeholders involved in the case study.
• Mention ethical values involved in the case study.
• Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study.
• Mention the various possible courses of action along with the merits and demerits of the same.
• Mention the most appropriate course of action.
• Conclude by mentioning the most appropriate course of action.

Stakeholders involved in the case:

• Ramesh and other employees
• Rajesh, Reporting Manager
• CEO

Ethical Values that could be utilized:

• Integrity
• Fairness and Justice
• Accountability
• Transparency
• Emotional Intelligence
• Work culture

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

The ethical issues in this case revolve around a conflict between the exemplary performance of an employee, Rajesh, and the serious allegations of misconduct and abuse against him.

These ethical concerns can be summarized as follows:

• Employee Well-being: The primary ethical concern is the well-being of employees who have reported misbehavior, misconduct, and mental abuse by Rajesh. Ensuring a safe and respectful workplace is an ethical obligation for any organization.
• Fairness and Justice: There is an ethical obligation to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations against Rajesh. This is crucial to uphold principles of fairness and justice, both for the complainants and the accused.
• Promotion and Rewards: The impending promotion of Rajesh poses an ethical dilemma. Should the CEO prioritize rewarding Rajesh for his past performance, or should the allegations affect this decision? It raises questions about the fairness of promotions and rewards.
• Corporate Reputation: The ethical reputation of the company is at stake. Failure to address allegations of misconduct and abuse can damage the company's image and trustworthiness, impacting its relationships with employees, clients, and stakeholders.

(b) Critically examine the options available to the CEO of the company in the above situation.

The CEO of the company faces several options when confronted with the situation involving Rajesh:

Option 1:

He will promote Rajesh on the basis of his exemplary performance ignoring his misconduct.

Option 2:

He will follow the proper Standard Operating Procedure as mandated in case of such misconduct.

Option 3:

He will ignore the complaints and let things be as they are.

(c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for the CEO and why?

The most appropriate course of action for the CEO would be Option 2 i.e. Following proper SOP:

• Thorough Investigation: The CEO should prioritize a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations against Rajesh. This action aligns with ethical principles, ensuring fairness and justice for all parties involved.
• Temporary Suspension: To protect employees and prevent potential harm during the investigation, temporarily suspending Rajesh from his managerial responsibilities is advisable.
• Employee Support: Providing support mechanisms for employees who have raised complaints is essential to uphold their well-being and encourage a culture of reporting unethical behavior.
• Ethical Decision-Making: The CEO should base the decision on Rajesh's promotion on the investigation's findings and ethical principles, rather than solely considering past performance. Fairness and justice should guide this decision.
• Transparency and Communication: Keeping employees informed about the actions taken and the investigation's progress promotes transparency and trust within the organization.
• Legal Compliance: Ensuring that all actions align with relevant labor laws and regulations is vital to protect the organization legally.

By following these steps, the CEO can demonstrate a commitment to addressing misconduct allegations while upholding the company's reputation and ethical values. This approach balances the need to recognize and reward valuable employees with the responsibility of maintaining a respectful and safe workplace.