GS4 · UPSC Mains

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)

20 marks · 250 words · 9 toppers answered this · seen 2023, 2025

GS4 · Case studies on the above issues GS4 · Attitude — content, structure, function; influence & relation with thought & behaviour; moral & political attitudes; social influence & persuasion

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