← All questionsGS4 · 2015 · Ethics Case Study ·Political Mob at Ethical Company (Case)
QUESTION 13
GS4
20 marks

A private company is known for its efficiency, transparency and employee welfare. The company though owned by a private individual has a cooperative character where employees feel a sense of ownership. The company employs nearly 700 personnel and they have voluntarily decided not to form a union. One day suddenly in the morning, about 40 men belonging to a political party gatecrashed into the factory demanding jobs in the factory. They threatened the management and employees, and also used foul language. The employees feel demoralized. It was clear that those people who gate-crashed wanted to be on the payroll of the company as well as continue as the volunteers/members of the party. The company maintains high standards in integrity and does not extend favours to civil administration that also includes law enforcement agency. Such incidents occur in public sector also. Assume you are the CEO of the company. What would you do to diffuse the volatile situation on the date of gate-crashing with the violent mob sitting inside the company premises? What could be the long-term solution to the issue discussed in the case? Every solution/action that you suggest will have a positive and a negative impact on you (as CEO), the employees and the performance of the employees. Analyze the consequences of each of your suggested actions.

WRITE IN
14 min
250 words

What the examiner wants

As CEO, defuse a political mob demanding jobs, plan a long-term solution, and analyse consequences.

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

Demand-wise check

  1. 1(a) Immediate: stay calm, ensure staff safety, call police, meet a small delegation, record events, no promises under threat≈50 words
  2. 2(b) Long term: transparent local recruitment and skilling, CSR in the area, community engagement, dialogue with party leadership, security protocol≈50 words
  3. 3(c) Consequences: firm stand - protects integrity and morale but risks hostility and disruption; conceding - short peace but sets precedent, hurts merit and efficiency≈50 words
  4. 4Values: integrity, courage, fairness, care for employees≈50 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

SituationImmediate stepsLong-term planConsequences for self, employees, companyConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Skipping part (c) consequences
  • Suggesting bribes or favours to police

Draw this

  • Consequences table: action × CEO, employees, company

Value addition

  • ExampleViolence at Maruti's Manesar plant (2012) showed how unresolved labour and local tensions can hit production and reputation.2012
  • LawSection 135 of the Companies Act 2013 mandates CSR, which can fund local skilling and jobs.Companies Act 2013

Mapped topper copies

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