GS4 · UPSC Mains

You are the head of the Human Resources (HR) department of a reputed tech company in India that has several high profile national and international clients. It has recently come to your notice that a few employees of the Software Development Team have become irregular and insincere towards their work in the past few months. In the past, this team has been instrumental in timely executing projects, resulting in massive revenue and profits for the company. When you enquire about the issue in detail, you find that many employees including the senior leaders of the concerned team are juggling between multiple jobs. This phenomenon is popularly known as 'moonlighting'. When you ask the employees, most of whom have been high performers, their argument is that doing multiple jobs makes them more skillful and resourceful in their work. Further, their justification is that they have been doing their gigs beyond the usual working hours of the company. Some of them communicate that they face financial constraints and this is a reason for them to pursue the second gig. Others are of the view that it provides them avenues to learn new things, which is of help in their current roles. Thus, a whole network of freelancing has been flourishing secretly. You also get to know that employees in some other departments, like the Testing team, are envious of the Software Development team and secretly express their wish to pursue a similar path. Owing to no specific guidelines, these employees have got a free hand. It has led to multiple issues of productivity and the work culture of the organization and could set a wrong precedent for the other employees, if allowed to continue. On the other hand, firing such a high performing employees at once is going to add to the attrition rate of the company and loss of talent. The views amongst your colleagues in the HR department is also divided on the issue. You have been entrusted by the senior management to evaluate the situation and take appropriate steps. In this context: (a) Highlight the ethical issues associated with moonlighting. (b) As the HR head of the company, what are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons. (Answer in 250 words)

250 words · 2 toppers answered this

GS4 · Case studies on the above issues GS4 · Probity in governance — concept of public service; philosophical basis; information sharing & transparency; RTI; codes of ethics; work culture; service delivery; corruption; challenges

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