Case Study Q . You share a private hostel room with Aman, a final-year MBA student who has been dealing with a series of personal and academic challenges. Due to a prolonged illness, Aman’s grades in the last two semesters have significantly dropped, putting his eligibility for campus placements at risk. His financial situation is also precarious, burdened by a substantial educational loan and a weak economic background. As the final semester exams approach, Aman becomes increasingly anxious and confides in you about his plan to purchase exam papers to ensure he meets the placement criteria. He justifies his decision by referencing his poor health, economic hardships, and family responsibilities, portraying it as his only viable option. In desperation, Aman asks you for financial assistance to execute his plan, appealing to your friendship and sense of responsibility. (a) What are the stakeholders involved in this situation? (b) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (c) What are your roles and responsibilities in this situation, and what course of action would you take?

You are a Municipal Corporation Commissioner of your city which is under heavy rainfall over the last few days. The boundary wall of one of the housing society collapses. The incident took place at midnight, leading to the death of 12 workers, including two children, sleeping in the shade beside the wall. On the preliminary inquiry, it has been found that inspite of inappropriate soil conditions, the permission to construct wall was given by previous Municipal Commissioner, who happens to be your close friend. Also, irregularities in construction material have been found and the other officials in the department are trying to influence or manipulate you. The whole scenario seems like a nexus between the officials of the municipal department and builder. However, the builder is a close relative of one of the most powerful leaders of the party in power and is trying to threaten you. (A) What are the ethical issues involved and the options available to you in such a situation? (B) Also, suggest a course of action you would like to follow.

Case Study You are the District Collector of a sensitive, hilly, and underdeveloped district. A major infrastructure project is to be built through a dense forest region, requiring the clearance of thousands of trees and the relocation of an indigenous tribe that has lived there for generations. The highway is crucial for national security and economic development, offering faster transport, boosting local trade, and enabling security forces access to a remote border area. Environmental activists are heavily protesting, highlighting the irreversible loss of biodiversity, impact on water sources, and the violation of tribal rights, claiming the relocation site is unsuitable for their livelihood. The State Government is pressing for immediate clearance, stating that the funds will lapse, and the project is vital for the region. The tribals are being incited by activists to not move and are preparing to obstruct the machinery, potentially leading to a law-and-order situation. Considering your role, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you, and what are their respective merits and demerits? (c) Which option will you choose and why?

Case Study Ananya Sharma is the Deputy Manager in a large public sector organization responsible for infrastructure development. The organisation has a strong technical reputation but suffers from a toxic work culture. Senior officers often shout at subordinates during meetings, take credit for juniors’ work, and discourage dissenting opinions. Long working hours without recognition have become the norm, leading to low morale and high staff turnover. Ananya observes that talented young officers hesitate to share innovative ideas due to fear of humiliation. Women employees, in particular, feel uncomfortable raising concerns, as informal networks dominated by senior male officers control decision-making. Although there is no explicit harassment, the environment is psychologically unsafe and demotivating. Recently, a capable junior officer, Ravi, made a small procedural error in a project file. Instead of constructive feedback, he was publicly reprimanded by a senior officer during a meeting. Deeply demoralized, Ravi applied for transfer, citing “personal reasons.” Similar incidents have become common, affecting productivity and team cohesion. As a mid-level officer, Ananya is respected by her team but has limited authority over senior officials. She believes that such a toxic work culture not only harms employee well-being but also compromises efficiency, innovation, and public service delivery. Ananya now faces a dilemma: whether to remain silent to protect her own career progression or take steps—formal or informal—to improve workplace culture, promote dignity, and uphold ethical values within the organization. Q1. Identify the ethical issues involved in the above case related to workplace culture. How do such issues affect employee morale, productivity, and organizational effectiveness? Q2.What ethical dilemmas does Ananya face as a mid-level officer in addressing toxic workplace practices? Discuss the possible courses of action available to her, highlighting their merits and limitations. Q3. How can ethical leadership and positive organizational culture contribute to improved governance and employee well-being? Suggest measures to promote a healthy and inclusive work environment in public institutions.