Ethics Class - 21st June PDF

 Ethics and Human Interface – Class 1 “Essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions; dimensions” What is Ethics? Basic Meaning: Ethics is the study of human action from point of view of its rightfu...

 Ethics and Human Interface – Class 1 “Essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions; dimensions” What is Ethics? Basic Meaning: Ethics is the study of human action from point of view of its rightfulness or wrongfulness and prescribes what humans ought to do. It is the study of moral values and principles that guide human behavior. As theory, ethics provides principles of moral judgment. While as practice, it is concerned about ends and means. Thus, ethics is to help one to find what is morally good and how to get it. For example, some film-stars and sportspersons endorse sin goods while Pullela Gopichand after winning the All-England Championships even refused a Cola Company advertisement. Ethics is about knowing “what is your right vs. what is the right thing to do”. For Example, recently, Supreme Court observed in a case that while they are the first one to uphold the freedom of speech, there are times when there needs to be self-restraint. This clearly distinguishes one’s rights with the right thing to do. CSM 2022 Q3(a): What does the following quotation mean to you? “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. “- Potter Stewart Jargons for Edge over Others: ‘Do not do unto others as you would not be done by’ or atmani pratikulani paresham na samacharay are the principles given in Christianity and Mahabharata respectively. We should behave with others in the same manner as we expect them to behave with us. The definition of ethics can be easily understood through these. Ethics comes from the Greek word “ethos” which means character, habit, culture, etc. and represents a code of conduct that we expect of others and ourselves. "Ethics is study of ideal human character and its purpose is to determine moral principles that govern human behavior, guiding us to live a virtuous and happy life." – Aristotle. This definition comes from Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics and emphasizes the focus on human character, moral principles and the pursuit of virtue and happiness. Examples: A journalist refuses to publish an unverified story, even if it means missing out on money. An engineer prioritizes safety & environmental sustainability over cost-cutting measures. The Trolley Problem: A trolley is headed towards a group of five people who are unable to move. You are standing next to a lever that controls a switch that can divert the trolley onto a side track, but doing so would kill one person who is standing on that track. Do you pull the lever, killing one person but saving five lives? This thought experiment raises questions about the morality of sacrificing one person to save others. The Heinz Dilemma: A man named Heinz needs a drug to save his wife's life, but the pharmacist is charging an exorbitant price. Heinz cannot afford the drug and the pharmacist refuses to lower the price. Should Heinz steal the drug to save his wife's life, or should he follow the law and respect the pharmacist's property rights? The Whistleblower's Dilemma: An employee discovers that their company is engaging in illegal and harmful practices, but reporting this to the authorities would put their own job and reputation at risk. Should the employee speak out and risk personal consequences, or remain silent and complicit in the company's wrongdoing? Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer, exposed the corruption in government's land deals. Despite facing pressure and being transferred multiple times, Khemka stood by his actions, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and a commitment to upholding the law. For example, recently, a hoarding collapsed in Mumbai amid heavy rain, killing at least 16 people. The hoarding was erected without permission from BMC and on land belonging to home department. This example reflects lack of ethics, including business ethics, on part of the advertising company. CSM 2018 Q4(b): With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. What Ethics is Not About? Feelings vs Reasoning: Ethics is not based on whether we ‘feel’ something is right or wrong. Moral intuition has a role to play in ethical judgments but moral reasoning is also  to be considered. For example, one may think it's okay to cheat but this is a personal opinion, not an ethical principle. Religion vs Ethics: It is not solely about religion or religious beliefs. Although most religions incorporate an ethical code of conduct, religious beliefs may or may not be ethical. Ethics is an ongoing dialogue, open to new perspectives rather than rigidly adhering to fixed ideologies. For example, my religious beliefs say that XYZ thing is wrong, so I won't consider any evidence or arguments to the contrary. Law vs Ethics: Being ethical does not call for always abiding by the letter of the law, although most laws articulate ethical standards. For example, civil disobedience movement was ethical but not legal. Further, ethics goes beyond mere legal compliance, considering not only what is lawful but also what is morally right and just. For example, a company follows the minimum legal requirements for environmental pollution but still causes significant harm to the ecosystem. Socially Acceptable vs Ethics: Ethics is not always aligned with what is generally regarded as socially, culturally or personally acceptable. Ethics is not about “likes and dislikes”: Likes and dislikes may vary drastically from person to person but ethics are societally or institutionally accepted principles. For example, a senior in school might enjoy bullying and harassing juniors. Essence of Ethics The essence of something means its core principles, which define it. Core principles of ethics and various paradigms are discussed below. 1. Moral Intuitionism: All moral principles are derived from first principle or self–evident principle i.e. intuitively known by all and cannot be deleted from human heart. It is believed that there must be some rule or law that is natural to human person, intuitively known. This is called Moral Intuitionism. For example, love is universally moral. 2. Absolute vs. Relative Ethics: Nature of Absolute Ethics Relative Ethics Difference There are universal moral rules that apply to Moral rules vary depending on Meaning everyone, everywhere, at all times. situation, culture, or perspectives. A strict, unwavering moral code that doesn't A flexible, context-dependent moral Effect change based on situation or culture. code that adapts to different situations and cultural norms. Do not lie or respect human life. Stealing is wrong, unless it's to feed Example your starving family Fixed ethical code to measure actions. For Encourages cultural diversity, Positives example, Human Rights Act is absolutist, prohibits a dominant culture, flexible leaving no scope of relative judgements. etc. Doesn’t take circumstances into account, Existence of different beliefs doesn’t intolerant of cultural diversity, doesn’t allow mean they are all correct. For for a lesser evil. For example, absolutist say example, it is dangerous to say that Negatives that Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing was the Nazi ethic was right for them. 100% wrong. However, war would have gone on for another 18 months with more deaths. Jargons for Edge over Others: Morality is static in completely evolved society and dynamic in more or less perfectly evolved society. Absolute ethics can be defined as an ideal code of conduct of completely evolved society. Relative ethics is nearest approximation to this ideal in more or less perfectly evolved society. So, relative ethics tends to absolute ethics. Issue with Absolute vs Relative Ethics: Problem arises when one tries to define exactly what morals are. By explicitly defining what is moral and immoral; you are deciding for yourself whether someone else is moral or immoral, according to your choices. This, in essence, is the problem with the belief in absolute morality. Relative morality does not mean that “anything goes”; it does not mean that any action may be justified. Rather, relative morality simply takes the stance that no single set of moral rules can possibly account for every situation Examples: Many believe murder is wrong. However, if a loved one was in pain and was suffering so much that that loved one asked you to end their life; many would not hesitate to do it. Many people may believe that murder is morally wrong but euthanasia is right.  A poor farmer comes to a government office to apply for a fertilizer subsidy. However, he doesn't have the required documents, and the officer knows that the farmer is genuinely in need. Absolute Ethics: The officer would strictly follow the rules and refuse to grant the subsidy, as the farmer doesn't meet the eligibility criteria. This upholds the principle of fairness and equality, ensuring that everyone follows the same rules. Relative Ethics: The officer would consider the farmer's situation and grant the subsidy, as it would help the farmer's livelihood and family. This approach prioritizes empathy, compassion, and the greater good over strict adherence to rules. This dilemma is common in Indian public services, where officers often face pressure to balance strict rules with empathy and compassion. CSM 2020 Q6(c): What does the following quotation mean to you? 6 (с) “A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.” – Socrates In Nutshell: Ethical/Moral Relativity is the view that different people in different cultures and civilization have different moral beliefs and what is believed to be morally right at a given time may be wrong in different time and place. According to Moral Conventionalism, the validity of moral standards depends on their acceptance within a particular cultural group. Moral Subjectivism claims that the validity of moral standards depends on an individual’s personal choice or commitment. If one cannot give reasons but simply admits that it is strictly impossible to say what is morally right and morally wrong, it is called Ethical Skepticism. 3. Ethics vs. Law: Law sets the minimum standard of human behavior while ethics sets the maximum standard of human behavior. Good people do not need law. Bad people will always find their way around law – Plato. “A society cannot be made strong only by making the strong laws, but when it has people with good character” – Swami Vivekananda Nature of Ethics Law Difference Basis Based on personal beliefs & is Established by a governing authority, about what's right or wrong enforced through legal systems and deals with what's legally required Flexibility Can vary Generally standardized Scope Cover a wide range of Regulating specific actions deemed behaviors, including those not necessary for the functioning of addressed by laws society Enforcement Enforced internally based on By legal authorities personal principles Consequence No fines/penalties on violation Penalties for violations Purpose Guide individuals toward Maintain order, protect rights, and morally acceptable behavior uphold societal norms  Ethics vs Law Examples: An action may be legal but unethical or illegal but ethical. Legal means allowed by state. For example, capital punishment, abortion, etc are legal but unethical as they involve taking away a life. Example, social reformers urged citizens to disobey unjust laws. Peaceful civil disobedience was an ethical way of expressing political viewpoints. For example, during recent general elections, there were instances when politicians out on bail were seen campaigning for their party members. While this is legal, it is surely unethical. Release of confidential information about the US government surveillance programs by Edward Snowden. Key Similarities: Both ethics and the law are ways of defining how to behave in society and aimed at making life better for everyone. Each is aimed at modifying human behavior in order to promote decent, upstanding people across all of society. Sometimes ethics and the law can both be used to resolve disagreements or conflicts. For example, in a business dispute, each side may hire a legal team to help consolidate the ethical standards of both parties, and even draw up a legally binding document in order that they remain in place. CSM 2015 Q1(b): Differentiate between Law and Ethics. CSM 2015 Q3(a): “A mere compliance with law is not enough, the public servant also have to have a well-developed sensibility to ethical issues for effective discharge of duties” Do you agree? Explain with the help of two examples where (i) an act is ethically right, but not legally and (ii) an act is legally right, but not ethically. CSM 2016 Q5: Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches. 4. Morality vs. Ethics: Nature of Morals Ethics Difference Based on a shared understanding of Individual's personal beliefs what constitutes right and wrong Origin about what is right and wrong behavior within a particular context or community Shaped by cultural, religious More formalized and codified in a code Formation and personal values of conduct or a set of rules These are rigid as being taught from early age, they are deeply More flexible allowing for different Flexibility ingrained in a person's interpretations in diverse contexts character More subjective and may vary Subjectivity More objective from person to person If morality were nothing more than commonsense or intuition, then why are there so many ethical disputes and issues in our society? It is because, people recognize some common ethical norms but different individuals interpret and apply these norms in different ways in light of their own values and life experiences. Ethics vs. Morals Example: Assume that a company produces a product that is harmful to the environment. A marketing executive may feel that it is morally wrong to promote the product as his personal values and beliefs about environment may conflict with the company's goal of maximizing profits. In contrast, the company's code of ethics may require the marketing executive to promote the product, regardless of their personal beliefs. The code of ethics may prioritize the company's financial success over any individual's personal moral beliefs. This example illustrates how personal morality can sometimes conflict with a company's ethics. CSM 2014 Q8: We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. Determinants of Ethics in Human Action ‘Determinants’ as the word suggests, means factors which decide whether the action being judged is ethical or not. Following are few determinants or factors of ethics in human action: 1. Individual Factors: These include knowledge, values, attitude and intention and are shaped by the individuals’ morals. For example: Raja Ram Mohan Roy and his ethical practices related to monotheism, equality of all, were a result of his own morality. These evaluations shape one’s personal experiences which in turn, in combination with cultural norms, influence the processes of ethical perception and evaluation. Conscience & Intuition: A person who follows his conscience & intuition feels that what is good is good because it is good and what is bad is bad because it is bad. For example,  Durga Shakti Nagpal, IAS officer. was motivated by her conscience to take action against the politically supported sand mafia. 2. Situational Factors: Significant others from the decision maker’s professional and private life can also shape an ethical decision. This includes society at large and peers in general. Circumstances: For example, stealing is not unethical to a man who steals food for his children as he cannot buy any due to poverty; Breaking a traffic signal can be ethical if it is done to take someone in urgent need of care to hospital. Opportunity to engage in unethical behaviour, as well as rewards and punishments for ethical or unethical behaviour will impact the ethical decision process. Organization where a person works also plays a significant role in determining ethics. Determinants of Ethics Example: Many coaching institutes copy paste content from other sources and sell the study material for hefty price. This action is driven by wrong intentions, vested self-interests and overlooks means for ends. This is ethically corrupt action. 3. Other Factors: Cultural norms determine what is considered acceptable behavior in a particular society. For example, in some cultures, it may be considered unethical to engage in premarital sex. Religious beliefs can shape an individual's ethics and guide their behavior. For example, some religions may prohibit the consumption of alcohol. Many professions have established codes of conduct that outline the ethical standards that members of the profession are expected to adhere to. For example, doctors are expected to follow the Hippocratic Oath. Time Period: Different individuals, societies and cultures have different sets of moral codes at different times. For example: Oscar Wilde to Alan Turing were haunted by anti- LGBTQ+ laws. However, in 2017 U.K. passed the Alan Turing law, which grants amnesty and pardon to those convicted of consensual same-sex relationships. Laws and regulations shape an individual's ethics. For example, the laws against theft can act as a deterrent for individuals. The education and upbringing of a person can also shape their ethics. For example, a person who has been taught from a young age to respect authority figures may be less likely to question unethical behavior by their boss or supervisor. The pressure to conform to social norms or expectations can also influence a person's ethical behavior. For example, a person may engage in unethical behavior in order to fit in with a particular social group or to avoid social rejection. 4. GOD as Determinant of Human Ethics-Divine Command Theory (DCT): As per the theory, morally good actions are good because they are commanded by God. Now the question is why does God command those morally good actions? Socrates’ answer is that God commands them because they are good. But if this is so, then there must be an independent standard of goodness that God uses to decide which actions are good. If we will avoid the problem of independent standard for morality, it will invite three new problems: The problem of arbitrariness: According to DCT, there is no standard on the basis of which God is deciding his will. The problem of triviality: As DCT claims, God’s will is the source of goodness.  The problem of abhorrent commands: DCT seems to entail that God could have commanded us to rape and murder and then those actions would have been good. But that is clearly false. CSM 2013 Q1: What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? Answer: ‘Atmani Pratikulani paresham na samachary’ is the principle given in ‘Mahabharata’. The definition of Ethics is well concretized in this maxim. Ethics comes from Greek word “ethos” meaning character and is the study of human action from the point of view of its rightfulness or wrongfulness. (// Definition) According to Milton Rockeach, a value is an enduring belief, mode of conduct or state of existence that is personally or socially preferable. (// Definition) Ethics = Science of morals (// Innovate) For Example, national values include patriotism, democracy and integrity of nation while ethical behaviour is one which abides by ethical means to achieve desired ends. (// Example 1) It is important to be ethical along with being professionally competent as: (// Separate Heading + Numbered Points) 1. Effectiveness of a person depends on both skills and values. Example, professional skills helps in getting job while ethical competence helps in long term sustenance. 2. Ethical competence in public service helps in applying love, empathy and compassion along with professional competence to serve the public with full devotion. 3. Ethics guide proper decision–making. 4. Being ethical increases organizational trust, collegiality, loyalty and accountability. 5. Without ethics, knowledge becomes dreadful and dangerous, hindering professionalism. 6. Professional and ethical competences together bring holistic competence. (// Diagram for extra marks) Example of Osama Bin Laden shows that however, talented a person may be, his contribution to the society directly depends on the values he has imbibed. (// Example 2) For example, a competent doctor who behaves unethically by not disclosing important medical information to a patient may be professionally competent, but their behavior violates the ethical standards of the medical profession and can cause harm to the patient. (// Example 3) If the values are negative, the higher skill will result in higher negative contribution. Hence, mix of both is needed. (// Conclusion) What is the Role of Ethics? 1. Satisfying Basic Human Needs: Being fair, honest and ethical is one the basic human needs. Every employee desires to be such himself and to work for an organization that is fair and ethical in its practices. 2. Creating Credibility: An individual or organization that is believed to be driven by moral values is respected in the society even by those who may have no information about the working and the businesses of an organization. Tata, for example, is perceived as an organization for good corporate governance and social responsibility initiatives. This perception is held far and wide even by those who do not even know what business the organization is into. 3. Uniting People and Leadership: An organization driven by values is revered by its employees and this brings the employees and the decision-makers on a common platform. This goes a long way in aligning behaviours within the organization towards achievement of one common goal. 4. Improving Decision-Making: A man’s destiny is the sum total of all the decisions that he/she takes in course of his life. Decisions are driven by ethics. For example; recently, Cognizant issued directive to its employees to work from office for 3 days a week and threatened termination in case of violation. While, company is within its rights to execute its policies, it should have taken a more ethical middle path to convey its intentions. 5. Long Term Gains: Organizations guided by ethics and values are profitable in the long run, though in the short run they may seem to lose money. Example: Tata group was on the verge of decline at the beginning of 1990’s, which soon turned out to be otherwise. 6. Securing the Society: Often ethics succeeds law in safeguarding the society. The law machinery is often found acting as a mute spectator, unable to save the society and the environment. Technology, for example, is growing at such a fast pace that by the time law comes up with a regulation, we have a newer technology with new threats replacing the older one. Law and litigations may not help a great deal but ethics can. 7. Self – realization: It helps a person to critically evaluate his/her actions, choices and decisions. It assists a person in knowing what he/she really is and what is best for him/her. This way, it deepens the reflection of ultimate question of life. 8. Improves Thinking, Perspective and Judgements: It improves our thinking about specific moral issues. It helps us to decide what should be correct course of actions and what should be avoided. Importance of Ethics Example: Sachin Tendulkar, in his autobiography, mentioned how his father wanted him to become a good human more than a good player. Sachin is known to have upheld ethics on and off the field and hence is still remembered and revered, unlike other players. Ratan Tata donated a significant portion of his personal wealth towards COVID-19 relief efforts in India, demonstrating a commitment to ethical leadership and philanthropy. Kiran Bedi consistently upheld ethical standards throughout her career. Consequences of Loss of Ethics: Dimensions Negative Consequences  Individual level Crimes, domestic violence, abusive and filthy language Social level Corruption, drug addiction, inequalities Organizational level Nepotism, loss of trust, decrease in efficiency Political level Criminalisation of politics International level Disputes, wars, refugee crisis Bioethical level Abortion, animal rights, cloning, artificial intelligence Environmental level Unsustainable development CSM 2014 Q1(b): What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in Public Administration? CSM 2016 Q1(a): Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. CSM 2020 Q1(a): Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies) and social harmony. CSM 2022 Q2(b): It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization / system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do how do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day to day functioning? Dimensions of Ethics Under this topic we will read different branches of ethics and ethical theories. To start with the basic classification can be: Personal Ethics. Organizational Ethics. Societal Ethics. Ethics for future world i.e. Sustainability principle. Personal ethics cannot be separated from the organizational context in which most of us are destined to spend the majority of our lives, be it working for MNC or government. Similarly, organizations have to be sympathetic to the values and expectations of society. 4th dimension belongs to tomorrow’s generations and is used to describe responsibility of present generations to safeguard interests of future generations. “The social equity dimension suggests that sustainable development is an inherent moral good and its consequences are likely to be ethically positive as well”. An ethical approach to sustainability suggests that society has an obligation to re-strain wasteful uses of resources and to foster economic development for the poorest of the poor, all while maintaining environmental resource protection. Sustainability, like justice, occurs along a continuum, and making progress along this is necessarily incremental. Restraint is its price.  Western Religious Ethics 1. Biblical Traditions: Important biblical values are social justice, hospitality, protection of the weak, forgiveness of debts, and prohibitions on usury. Individuals and societies are judged on how they treat the poor. A good society is one in which no one falls through the cracks, well-off people take care of those in need, and cries for help are answered promptly, generously, and without rampant self-interest. These insist on just distributions of social goods. When you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing: “So, when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet as the hypocrites do so that they may be honored by men”. Love for God: Biblical ethics is rooted in the idea of loving God. Love for Others: This love for God is expressed in how we treat others, including our neighbors and enemies. Ten Commandments: These include principles such as honoring parents, not stealing, not committing adultery, and not bearing false witness. Teachings of Jesus: Jesus taught principles such as forgiveness, humility, and selflessness. He emphasized the importance of loving our enemies and serving others. Mercy: Biblical ethics calls for showing compassion and mercy to those who have sinned or are in need. Stewardship of Creation: Human beings are responsible for taking care of the earth and its resources, and that we should use them wisely and responsibly. Sanctity of Life: All human life is sacred and valuable and that we should protect and defend it from conception to natural death. Tradition Main Teachings Social justice, protection of weak, cracks of society, just distribution, Biblical forgiveness, love for God is expressed in how we treat others, 10 commandments, mercy, stewardship and sanctity of life  Human dignity, communitarianism ensures dignity, allow people to realize Roman their potential, inherent worth provides right to life and access to basic necessities, solidarity, subsidiarity, just war theory (ends and means) etc Protestant Discipline, hard work, individualism, good vs evil and social justice 2. Roman Catholic Social Thought: It asserts that economic decisions and institutions should be judged on whether they protect “dignity of human person.” All members of society, especially the powerful, have obligation to “the poor and miserable.” Dignity, it says, “can be realized and protected only in community”. Church teaches that the common good is the sum total of social conditions that allow people to reach their full potential and live in dignity. It believes that every person is endowed with inherent worth. This means that every person has the right to life and the right to access basic necessities like food and water. Solidarity: It emphasizes importance of solidarity with others, particularly the poor. Subsidiarity: Social and economic issues should be addressed at the most local level possible and higher levels of authority should only intervene when necessary. Just War Theory: War may be necessary in certain situations, but only as a last resort and under strict conditions. Just War theory holds that war must be waged for a just cause and with proportionate means. 3. Protestants and Eastern Orthodox: The Protestant ethic, also called work ethic, is a code of morals based on discipline, hard work and individualism. Priesthood of All Believers: Protestants believe that all believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, and therefore each person has the responsibility to discern God’s will and follow his commands. Ethical Dualism: They believe in a dualistic view of the world, in which good and evil are in constant conflict. This leads to strong emphasis on personal morality and the need to resist temptation and avoid sin. Social Justice: It emphasizes the importance of social justice and caring for the poor. CSM 2013 Q7: The good of an individual is contained in the good of all.” What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life? Answer: Individual is part of society. Good of individual alone is not only rare but also unsustainable. Here one individual’s good might be bad of another individual. Whereas, if whole society grows, individual is bound to grow along with it. Hence, good of an individual is embedded in good of all. (// Introduction) Further it means that: (// Separate heading + Numbered points) 1. Individual needs society’s collaboration and cooperation which is only possible, if such collaboration is in good of all. 2. Communitarian ethics is more important than individualistic ethics. 3. Even the most intensely personal moral decisions are made in a larger social context. If such decisions do not serve good of all, then individual good will be short-lived. Example in case of crimes, cheating, conspiracy, etc.  // Diagram It can be implemented in public life by: (// Separate heading + Numbered points) 1. Awareness of all by value education. 2. By preaching communitarianism example under CSR. 3. Curtailing individual liberties for societal order. Example, reasonable restrictions on fundamental rights in constitution ensure good of all. 4. People should be taught to not just crave for rights but do duties towards society (Gandhi). 5. Ensuring a society where no one falls through the cracks (Bible). 6. Implementing overarching policies like PMJDY, PMFBY, and MGNREGA for societal good. This should be applied in current challenges like climate change, where Paris agreement has been sabotaged by USA for America first. It would do well to understand that being part of this planet, its good lies in good of all. (// Conclusion) CSM 2017 Q7(b): Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some “enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority.” Justify. CSM 2022 Case 1: Prabhat was working as Vice President (Marketing) at Sterling Electric Ltd., a reputed multinational company. But presently the company was passing through the difficult times as the sales were continuously showing downward trend in the last two quarters. His division, which hitherto had been a major revenue contributor to the company’s financial health, was now desperately trying to procure some big government order for them. But their best efforts did not yield any positive success or breakthrough. His was a professional company and his local bosses were under pressure from their London- based HO to show some positive results. In the last performance review meeting taken by the Executive Director (India Head), he was reprimanded for his poor performance. He assured them that his division is working on a special contract from the Ministry of Defence for a secret installation near Gwalior and tender is being submitted shortly. He was under extreme pressure and he was deeply perturbed. What aggravated the situation further was a warning from the top that if the deal is not clinched in favour of the company, his division might have to be closed and he may have to quit his lucrative job. There was another dimension which was causing him deep mental torture and agony. This pertained to his personal precarious financial health. He was a single earner in the family with two school – college going children and his old ailing mother. The heavy expenditure on education and medical was causing a big strain to his monthly pay packet. Regular EMI for housing loan taken from bank was unavoidable and any default would render him liable for severe legal action. In the above backdrop, he was hoping for some miracle to happen. There was sudden turn of events. His secretary informed that a gentleman – Subhash Verma wanted to see him as he was interested in the position of Manager which was to be filled in by him in the company. He further brought to his notice that his CV has been received through the office of the Minister of Defence. During interview of the candidate Subhash Verma, he found him technically sound, resourceful and experienced marketer. He seemed to be well – conversant with tendering procedures and having knack of follow – up and liaising in this regard. Prabhat felt that he was better choice than the rest of the candidates who were interviewed by him in the last few days. Subhash Verma also indicated that he was in possession of the copies of the bid documents that the Unique Electronics Ltd. would be submitting the next day to the Defence Ministry for their tender. He offered to hand over those documents subject to his employment in the company on suitable terms and conditions. He made it clear that in the process, the Sterling Electric Ltd. could outbid their rival company and get the bid and hefty Defence Ministry order. He indicated that it will be win – win situation for both him and the company. Prabhat was absolutely stunned. It was a mixed feeling of shock and thrill. He was uncomfortable and perspiring. If accepted, all his problems would vanish instantly and he may be rewarded for securing the much awaited tender and thereby boosting company’s sales and financial health. He was in a fix as to the future course of action. He was wonder – struck at the guts of Subhash Verma in having surreptitiously removing his own company papers and offering to the rival company for a job. Being an experienced person, he was examining the pros and cons of the proposal / situation and he asked him to come the next day. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Prabhat in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Prabhat and why? Answer: (// As options, merit-demerit, ethical issues and course of action are asked, this is a lengthy case and hence one should start with the answer directly without stakeholders, gist etc.) (a) There are several ethical issues involved in the case, including: (// Separate heading + Numbered points + Keywords from Private Sphere as this is case of Private Sector) 1. Confidentiality: Subhash Verma has breached his duty of confidentiality by offering to provide confidential bid documents to Sterling Electric Ltd., a rival company. 2. Integrity: Prabhat is faced with a dilemma regarding the ethical implications of accepting or rejecting Subhash Verma's offer. He must maintain his integrity and ensure that his decisions are in the best interest of the company and its stakeholders. 3. Fairness: The act of obtaining confidential bid documents and using them to gain an advantage over a rival company is unfair and unethical. It goes against the principles of fair competition and undermines the integrity of the bidding process. 4. Loyalty: Prabhat has a duty of loyalty to his employer, Sterling Electric Ltd. He must act in the best interests of the company and avoid any actions that could harm its reputation or financial health. 5. Company’s sustainability & securing job vs means to be employed. 6. Possible Nepotism: If ministry of defence has actually forwarded the CV then there can be an angle of nepotism in the case. 7. Professional competence vs holistic competence in case of Subhash Verma has he appears to be technically sound but with poor values. 8. Duty to Family: Prabhat has a duty to provide for his family and ensure their financial security. However, he must balance this with his duty to act ethically and with integrity in his professional life.  // Diagram (b) Options Available: (// Separate heading + Numbered points + Keywords from Private Sphere as this is case of Private Sector) 1. Reject the Offer: Prabhat can reject Subhash Verma's offer and choose to continue the bidding process in an ethical and transparent manner. This would require him to put in more effort and time into the bidding process and find ways to outperform Unique Electronics Ltd. without resorting to unethical tactics. This option would maintain Prabhat's professional integrity and uphold the ethical principles of his company, but it could also result in failure and the closure of his division. 2. Report the offer to higher authorities: Prabhat can report Subhash Verma's offer to his superiors or to the Ministry of Defence. This would expose the unethical behavior and potentially lead to legal action against Subhash Verma and Unique Electronics Ltd. This option would uphold the ethical principles of Prabhat's company and profession, but it could also have negative consequences for Prabhat's division, his job, and his family. He should act as per Socratic ideal man and live Socratic ideal life to take just decision without worrying about personal consequences. 3. Accept the offer: Prabhat can accept Subhash Verma's offer and use the confidential bid documents to outbid Unique Electronics Ltd. This would secure the government contract for his company and potentially save his division and his job. However, this option would be unethical and illegal and have a short-term gain for a long-term pain. This option could compromise Prabhat's professional integrity and the reputation of his company. (c) Course of Action: Most ethical and responsible course of action would be to reject Subhash Verma's offer and report the incident to his superiors. By rejecting the offer, Prabhat would be upholding his ethical values, organizational ethics and display holistic competence rather than just professional competence. Moreover, by reporting the incident to his superiors, he would be fulfilling his responsibilities as a senior executive and enabling the company to take appropriate action. Reporting the incident to his superiors would also enable the company to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future and uphold its ethical standards. Furthermore, it would help to maintain the company's reputation and credibility in the eyes of its stakeholders. Thus, this course of action or option is a holistic one as it addresses all the stakeholders and issues involved in the case and is rooted in the virtues of wisdom, and is meritorious Kusala Kamma as per Buddhism. (// Conclusion)