← All questionsGS4 · 2013 · Ethics Case Study ·Star Performer Accused of Harassment
QUESTION 14
GS4
20 marks

You are the Executive Director of an upcoming InfoTech Company which is making a name for itself in the market. Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing team. In a short period of one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as well as creating a high brand equity for the Company so much so that you are thinking of promoting him. However, you have been receiving information from many corners about his attitude towards the female colleagues; particularly his habit of making loose comments on women. In addition, he regularly sends indecent SMS’s to all the team members including his female colleagues. One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who is one of Mr. A’s team members, comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains against the continued misconduct of Mr. A, who has been making undesirable advances towards her and has even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She tenders her resignation and leaves your office.1) What are the options available to you?2) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.

WRITE IN
14 min
250 words

What the examiner wants

Decide how an Executive Director should act on harassment complaints against a high-performing employee.

Case studyName the stakeholders and the issues, weigh the options, and say what you would do and why.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Stakeholders: complainant, other women employees, accused, company, clients≈50 words
  2. 2Ethical issues: dignity and safety vs business value, duty of care, due process, gender justice≈50 words
  3. 3Options: ignore (business continuity, illegal); informal warning (inadequate); refer to Internal Committee under law; suspend pending inquiry; reach out to complainant to return≈50 words
  4. 4Chosen: refer to Internal Committee, interim measures (suspension or transfer of accused), contact the complainant, assure no retaliation, awareness training≈50 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

StakeholdersIssuesOptionsEvaluationChoiceSystemic fixes (POSH policy, culture)

Where marks usually go

  • Protecting the star performer because of revenue
  • Ignoring the legal duty of the employer

Draw this

  • Flow: complaint → Internal Committee → inquiry → action → follow-up

Value addition

  • LawPOSH Act 2013 requires an Internal Committee in every workplace with 10 or more employees.Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013
  • CaseVishaka v State of Rajasthan (1997) laid down guidelines on workplace sexual harassment.Supreme Court, 1997

Mapped topper copies

Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.

Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.