Q. You have done MBA from a reputed institution three years back but could not get campus placement due to COVID-19 generated recession.
However, after a lot of persuasion and series of competitive tests including written and interview, you managed to get a job in a leading shoe company. You have aged parents who are dependent and staying with you. You also recently got married after getting this decent job. You were allotted the Inspection Section which is responsible for clearing the final product. In first one year, you learnt your job well and was appreciated for your performance by the management. The company is doing good business for last five years in domestic market and this year it is decided even to export to Europe and Gulf countries. However, one large consignment to Europe was rejected by their Inspecting Team due to certain poor quality and was sent back. The top management ordered that ibid consignment to be cleared for the domestic market. As a part of Inspecting Team, you observed the glaring poor quality and brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander. However, the top management advised all the members of the team to overlook these defects as the management cannot bear such a huge loss. Rest of the team members except you promptly signed and cleared the consignment for domestic market, overlooking glaring defects. You again brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander that such consignment, if cleared even for domestic market, will tarnish the image and reputation of the company and will be counter-productive in the long run. However, you were further advised by the top management that if you do not clear the consignment, the company will not hesitate to terminate your services citing certain innocuous reasons.
(a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a member of the Inspecting Team?
(b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.
(c) What option would you adopt and why?
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?
(e) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observations raised by the Inspecting Team?
Question from UPSC Mains 2022 GS4 Paper
Model Answer:
(a) Options available to you as a member of the Inspecting Team:
Overlook the glaring defects and sign the clearance for the domestic market as instructed by the top management.
Refuse to sign the clearance and risk losing your job.
Report the matter to higher authorities or legal agencies.
Seek support from other employees or unions within the company.
(b) Critical evaluation of each of the options listed by you:
Overlook the glaring defects and sign the clearance for the domestic market as instructed by the top management: This option would involve compromising on professional ethics and principles. It would also lead to tarnishing the company’s reputation and could have negative long-term consequences. Therefore, this option is not desirable.
Refuse to sign the clearance and risk losing your job: This option would involve taking a risk and facing the consequences of losing your job. However, it would uphold professional ethics and principles and protect the company’s reputation. Therefore, this option can be considered.
Report the matter to higher authorities or legal agencies: This option would involve seeking legal or administrative intervention to protect professional integrity and uphold principles of ethical conduct. However, it would require courage and determination to pursue the matter despite the possible risks. Therefore, this option can also be considered.
Seek support from other employees or unions within the company: This option would involve building a network of support to amplify the impact of the observations raised by the Inspecting Team and protect the employee from possible retaliation. However, it would also require time and effort to establish such a network. Therefore, this option can also be considered.
(c) The option you would adopt and why:
The most appropriate option for you would be to refuse to sign the clearance and risk losing your job. This option would uphold professional ethics and principles and protect the company’s reputation. It would also ensure that the company does not suffer long-term consequences due to poor quality products. Moreover, you have a responsibility as a professional to maintain ethical standards and protect the company’s image.
(d) The ethical dilemmas being faced by you:
You are faced with the ethical dilemma of whether to uphold professional ethics and principles or to compromise on these principles to protect your job. You also need to consider the consequences of your actions on your career, your family, and your personal safety.
(e) Consequences of overlooking the observations raised by the Inspecting Team:
If the glaring defects are overlooked, it could have negative consequences for the company’s reputation and business prospects. It could lead to a loss of trust among customers, suppliers, and partners, and could impact the company’s long-term growth prospects. Moreover, it could lead to legal and regulatory action against the company, which could result in financial penalties and damage to the company’s reputation.