UPSC Mains 2023 GS4 Q18 — Workplace Harassment Case
You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department... (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? (c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What areWhat are the optionsWhat would be your responseWhat measures would you institute
- Scope keywords
- Additional Director Generalethical issuescomplete the projectretain Seema in the organizationSeema's predicamentprevent such occurrences
- Implicit sub-parts
- Dilemma between professional efficiency (deadlines) and employee welfare (family responsibilities).
- The institutional culture of patriarchy or lack of sensitivity toward women professionals.
- Cost-benefit analysis of each option considering organizational integrity.
- Long-term policy reforms for a gender-sensitive work environment.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on the project deadline and ignoring the gender sensitivity aspect.
- Suggesting Seema should resign or take a lower-stakes role, which fails the 'retain her' constraint.
- Giving generic 'work-life balance' advice without acting as an ADG with administrative power.
- Failing to address the systemic issue of why such a predicament occurred in the first place.
- Dimensions required
- Deontological ethics (duty vs. compassion)Gender justice and inclusivityOrganizational Behavior and LeadershipAdministrative efficiencyPublic interest and accountability
- Marks allocation hint
Spend 40-50 words on identifying 4-5 core ethical issues. Allocate 80 words for evaluating 3 distinct options for completion and retention. Dedicate 60 words to the immediate response to Seema, and the final 70 words to institutional reforms like childcare, flexible scheduling, and sensitization to ensure the answer meets the 250-word limit.
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