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 Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions
Daily Answer Writing Practice Ques
Q1. What are ethical dilemmas? Discuss different type of ethical dilemmas.
(10 Marks, 150 Words)

Q2. What is conflict of interest ? How can we resolve it ?

(10 Marks, 150 Words)
 Model Answers: Assignment 41

Q1. Highlight the ethical concerns in Public Institutions. (10 Marks, 150 words)

Model Answer

Public institutions serve as the backbone of governance and social order, aiming to provide
essential services and uphold the rule of law. However, ethical concerns often arise within
these entities, impacting their credibility and efficacy. These concerns can range from issues
of corruption and transparency to conflicts of interest and accountability.

Ethical Concerns in Public Institutions

• Corruption and Misuse of Power: Corruption involves the abuse of entrusted power for
private gain. This can manifest through bribery, embezzlement, or favouritism.
o Example: According to the Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions
Index, India ranked 80th out of 180 countries in 2022, highlighting the pervasive
issue of corruption in public institutions.
o Impact: Corruption undermines public trust, distorts service delivery, and
exacerbates inequality. It diverts resources from essential services, such as
healthcare and education, ultimately harming the most vulnerable sections of
society.
• Lack of Transparency: Transparency refers to the openness and accessibility of
information regarding decision-making processes and institutional operations.
o Example: The Right to Information (RTI) Act in India was enacted to promote
transparency, yet many public authorities often deny or delay information
requests, citing vague reasons.
o Impact: A lack of transparency breeds suspicion and skepticism among citizens.
When institutions operate without accountability, it fosters an environment
where unethical practices can thrive unchecked.
• Conflicts of Interest: A conflict of interest arises when an individual's personal interests
interfere with their professional responsibilities.
o Example: Instances where public officials have financial stakes in companies that
benefit from government contracts illustrate this issue. For instance, former Delhi
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit faced allegations regarding contracts awarded to
firms linked to her family.
o Impact: Conflicts of interest can lead to biased decision-making, eroding public
confidence in the impartiality of public institutions.
• Inequality and Discrimination: Discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of
individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
o Example: The Indian government's reservation policy aims to uplift marginalized
communities, but its implementation has faced criticism for favouritism and
misuse, sometimes sidelining deserving candidates from other communities.
o Impact: Discrimination within public institutions can exacerbate social divisions
and hinder equal access to services, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.
• Accountability Issues: Accountability ensures that individuals and institutions are held
responsible for their actions and decisions.
o Example: Many public servants in India are often not held accountable for
misconduct, leading to a culture of impunity. The case of the Bhopal gas tragedy,
where the responsible parties faced minimal consequences, exemplifies this issue.
o Impact: A lack of accountability can lead to widespread disregard for ethical
standards and a decrease in public trust.
• Ethical Leadership: Ethical leadership refers to leading with integrity, fairness, and
respect for all stakeholders.
o Example: Leaders like former President APJ Abdul Kalam exemplified ethical
leadership by prioritizing the welfare of citizens over personal gain, earning
widespread respect and trust.
o Impact: Ethical leadership fosters a culture of integrity within institutions,
promoting accountability, transparency, and public trust.

Mitigating Ethical Concerns

To address these ethical dilemmas, public institutions can implement several strategies:
• Strengthening Anti-Corruption Measures: Establishing robust mechanisms to report and
investigate corruption can deter unethical behaviour.
• Enhancing Transparency: Ensuring regular public disclosures of government actions and
decisions can bolster transparency.
• Implementing Conflict of Interest Policies: Strict regulations regarding public officials'
financial interests can minimize conflicts of interest.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Encouraging diverse representation in decision-
making can mitigate discrimination and promote equitable access to resources.
• Building Ethical Leadership: Training and development programs focused on ethical
leadership can cultivate a culture of integrity.
Ensuring that ethical standards are upheld not only benefits public institutions but also
strengthens the fabric of democracy itself.

Q2. Why private institutions should have ethics? What are the ethical duties of private
institutions? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Model Answer
In today's globalized and competitive environment, the role of private institutions extends
beyond profit generation to encompass ethical responsibilities towards their stakeholders.
Ethical practices within private institutions are crucial for fostering trust, ensuring
sustainability, and maintaining a positive reputation.
Why Private Institutions Should Have Ethics
• Building Trust and Reputation: Trust is the belief in the reliability, integrity, and
competence of an organization.
o Importance: Ethical behaviour enhances an institution’s reputation among
customers, employees, and the community. For example, companies like TATA
 Group in India are known for their ethical practices and social responsibility,
which have significantly contributed to their brand loyalty and public trust.
• Enhancing Employee Morale and Retention: Employee morale refers to the overall
outlook, attitude, and satisfaction of employees in the workplace.
o Importance: Organizations that prioritize ethics tend to create a positive work
environment. This leads to higher employee satisfaction, which in turn increases
retention rates. According to a survey by Deloitte, 94% of employees stated that
they would stay longer at a company that is committed to ethical practices.
• Ensuring Long-term Sustainability: Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain
business operations over time while considering social, economic, and environmental
impacts.
o Importance: Ethical practices contribute to long-term sustainability by promoting
responsible consumption and production. For instance, companies like Infosys
have adopted sustainable practices, ensuring a minimal environmental impact
while maintaining profitability.
• Compliance with Legal Standards: Compliance refers to adhering to laws, regulations,
and ethical standards governing business operations.
o Importance: Adhering to ethical guidelines helps organizations avoid legal issues
and penalties. For example, the Enforcement Directorate in India penalized
multiple firms for violating financial regulations, highlighting the need for ethical
compliance to avoid legal repercussions.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): CSR involves initiatives that contribute to the
social good while also being part of a business strategy.
o Importance: Ethical private institutions actively engage in CSR, positively
impacting society. Companies like Hindustan Unilever have integrated social
responsibility into their business model, addressing issues like sanitation and
health in rural areas.

Ethical Duties of Private Institutions

• Fair Treatment of Stakeholders: Fair treatment means ensuring that all stakeholders,
including employees, customers, suppliers, and shareholders, are treated justly and
equitably.
o Example: Private institutions should implement fair labour practices, such as
offering competitive wages and safe working conditions. The “Code of Conduct for
the Private Sector” in India emphasizes fairness in employment practices.
• Transparency and Accountability: Transparency involves openness in business
operations, while accountability refers to the responsibility of organizations to their
stakeholders.
o Example: Companies should provide clear financial reporting and disclose
conflicts of interest. For instance, Infosys was involved in a scandal over financial
reporting, which prompted the need for transparency and accountability
measures.
• Environmental Responsibility: Environmental responsibility refers to the ethical duty of
businesses to minimize their ecological footprint.
o Example: Private institutions should adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing
waste and energy consumption. The Indian government has implemented
 regulations requiring companies to adhere to environmental standards,
reinforcing the importance of corporate environmental ethics.
• Integrity in Business Practices: Integrity involves adhering to moral and ethical principles
in all business dealings.
o Example: Avoiding corrupt practices, such as bribery, is essential. The anti-
corruption initiatives by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) promote ethical
business conduct across sectors.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion involve creating a
workplace that respects and values individual differences.
o Example: Institutions should implement policies that promote gender equality
and support marginalized communities. Companies like Wipro have initiated
programs to enhance gender diversity within their workforce.
• Protection of Consumer Rights: Consumer rights refer to the rights of individuals to
receive fair treatment and quality products and services.
o Example: Adhering to consumer protection laws, such as the Consumer Protection
Act, 2019, is vital. Companies must ensure their products are safe and meet
quality standards to protect consumer interests.
In a rapidly changing business environment, the commitment to ethics is not merely a
regulatory obligation; it is a strategic imperative that will define the future of private
institutions.