Case Stduy GS Paper 04: Q11. You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self- esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment-may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation.

Gaurav Soni September 30, 2023 05:33 6164 0

UPSC GS4 Case Study: Master the art of tackling UPSC GS4 case studies. Learn effective strategies, analysis techniques, and scoring tips to excel in this crucial paper.

Case Stduy GS Paper 04: Q11. You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self- esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment-may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation.

Q11). You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self- esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment-may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation.

○    What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?

○    What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization?

○    What would be your response to Seema’s predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization?

 

Ans:

In this scenario, a conflict has emerged between the Chief Architect, deeply committed to a critical project, and Seema, a talented architect with innovative ideas. This demands a thoughtful approach to navigate the ethical dilemmas at hand and find a balance that preserves Seema’s contributions while ensuring the project’s success.

 

Stakeholders Involved and Their Interests:

  • Seema: Her interest lies in contributing effectively to the project, gaining recognition for her ideas, and working in a respectful and supportive environment.
  • Chief Architect: He is concerned about his reputation and wishes to ensure that his contributions to the project are acknowledged.
  • Me (As Additional Director General): I am interested in successfully completing the project, retaining valuable talent like Seema, and maintaining a harmonious work environment.
  • The Organization: The organization’s interest is in achieving project success, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, and preventing workplace issues that can affect productivity and employee retention.
  • Society at Large: Society benefits from efficient and ethical public works projects, making it crucial to address workplace issues that may impact project outcomes.

 

Ethical Issues Involved:

  • Workplace Harassment: The Chief Architect’s aggressive and disrespectful behavior towards Seema, including humiliation and constant public correction, raises the issue of workplace harassment.
  • Unfair Competition: The Chief Architect’s insecurity and fear indicate a reluctance to recognize and appreciate the contributions of others. This unfair competition undermines the principles of collaboration and teamwork.
  • Gender Equality: The Chief Architect’s differential treatment of Seema, possibly influenced by gender bias, raises ethical concerns about gender discrimination in the workplace.
  • Suppression of Meritocracy: The Chief Architect’s efforts to impede Seema’s career development undermine the principles of meritocracy and fairness.
  • Abuse of Power: The Chief Architect’s use of his senior position to belittle Seema reflects the concern of abuse of power, fostering a hostile work environment.
  • Failure to Uphold Organizational Values: The Chief Architect’s behavior is inconsistent with the values of professionalism, respect, and collaboration that an organization like the Central Public Works Department should uphold.

 

Options Available:

Option-1. Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Initiate mediation between Seema and the Chief Architect to address their issues and foster a conducive work environment.

Pros:

  • Promotes open communication and understanding between Seema and the Chief Architect.
  • Has the potential to resolve the conflict amicably, leading to a more harmonious work environment.
  • Provides a structured process for addressing grievances and finding mutually agreeable solutions.

Cons:

  • Success depends on the willingness of both parties to participate in mediation, which may not be guaranteed.
  • Mediation can be time-consuming, potentially affecting project timelines.
  • If confidentiality is breached during or after mediation, it can lead to further issues and distrust in the workplace.

 

Option-2.Training and Sensitization: Conduct workshops and training sessions on workplace ethics, respectful communication, and conflict resolution to create a harmonious work atmosphere.

Pros:

  • Enhances the overall workplace culture by promoting respect and inclusivity.
  • Provides a proactive approach to prevent future conflicts and incidents of harassment.
  • Sends a strong message about the organization’s commitment to ethical conduct.

Cons:

  • It may take time to see the desired cultural changes.
  • Some employees may resist or not fully engage in the training.
  • Training alone may not resolve the existing conflict between Seema and the Chief Architect.

 

Option-3.Reassign Roles: Contemplating a reshuffling of roles could potentially defuse the tension while preserving the project’s integrity.

Pros:

  • Provides a short-term solution to reduce conflict and tension in the project.
  • Allows Seema to work without the constant harassment from the Chief Architect.
  • Preserves the project’s integrity and Seema’s contributions.

Cons:

  • May not address the root cause of the Chief Architect’s insecurity and aggressive behavior.
  • Could be seen as avoiding the issue rather than confronting it directly.
  • May require a reshuffling of responsibilities that could impact other team members or projects.

 

 

 

My Response to Seema’s Predicament:

  • Personal Counselling and Supportive Guidance: I’d offer Seema personal counseling, creating a safe space for her to openly address her concerns and providing guidance on handling the challenging situation with the Chief Architect.
  • Creation of Safe and Inclusive Workplace: I’d reassure Seema that her contributions are highly valued, and she will receive fair and respectful treatment, fostering an environment conducive to her professional growth.
  • Confidential Reporting Mechanism: I’d establish a confidential reporting system for Seema, ensuring her protection and prompt attention to her concerns.

 

Preventive Measures:

Following measures can help prevent such occurrences from happening in the future:

  • Anti-Harassment Policies: Implement stringent policies aimed at curbing harassment and cultivating a workplace culture rooted in respect and inclusivity. The Norwegian Working Environment Act serves as an inspiration.
  • Recognition of Merit: Promote a culture that celebrates meritocracy, valuing innovative contributions from individuals at all levels within the organization, akin to the “Performance-Based Incentive Scheme” implemented in some organizations.
  • Mentorship Program: Establish a mentorship initiative that encourages the exchange of knowledge and experience between senior and junior employees, fostering mutual respect and professional growth.
  • Regular Feedback Mechanisms: Institute routine feedback mechanisms, similar to the “360-Degree Feedback” process to maintain a healthy working environment, enabling the timely identification and resolution of issues before they escalate.

 

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of upholding workplace values, necessitating a multi-pronged approach to effectively address Seema’s situation. By fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, the team can be guided towards achieving successful project completion while maintaining a harmonious work atmosphere.

 

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-01 Mains question 2023, click here.

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-02 Mains question 2023, click here.

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-03 Mains question 2023, click here.

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-04 Mains question 2023, click here.

 

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