Gaurav Soni
September 30, 2023 05:33
3031
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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:
Ethical Issues Involved:
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:
Cons:
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:
Cons:
Option-3.Reassign Roles: Contemplating a reshuffling of roles could potentially defuse the tension while preserving the project’s integrity.
Pros:
Cons:
My Response to Seema’s Predicament:
Preventive Measures:
Following measures can help prevent such occurrences from happening in the future:
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.
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