HR

Hrishikesh RajendraAIR 61

Question 11GS4GS2

You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health. It is a unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issue(s) that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.

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Main Body

(c) I will highlight the 'scam' issue to the higher hierarchy and scheduling of research.

Merits

Highlight the issue to the higher hierarchy and scheduling of research

Merits

Higher management will be made aware & accountable
Internal action will not affect reputation of company

Demerits

No action may be taken
I may be fired
3I will highlight the 'scam' issue to the higher hierarchy and scheduling of research.

Merits

Higher management will be made aware & accountable
Internal action will not affect reputation of company
No work for celebrity
Financial loss to the company

Demerits

No promotion and or transfer may ever head to unemployment
Financial loss to the company
No work for celebrity
3I will highlight the issue to the higher hierarchy and scheduling of research.

Merits

Higher management will be made aware & accountable
Internal action will not affect reputation of company

Demerits

No action may be taken
I may be fired

I would choose option (3) at first, however in case no action is taken, I would choose option (2) in long term, proper research guidelines, audit by independent regulators, better whistleblower protection along with an aware citizenry are necessary to prevent such cases.

— Hrishikesh Rajendra · AIR 61

215 words10 paragraphs16 bullet points

Conclusion

I would choose option (3) at first, however in case no action is taken, I would choose option (2) in long term, proper research guidelines, audit by independent regulators, better whistleblower protection along with an aware citizenry are necessary to prevent such cases.

43 words

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Topper

Hrishikesh Rajendra

AIR 61

Subject & Paper

GS4GS2

Topic

Ethics

Professional ethics and corporate responsibility

Detailed analysis of merit and demerit options

Writing Stats

258

Total words

10

Paragraphs

16

Bullets

analytical

Tone

Linked PYQ

Mr. Asoke and his wife are partners in a trading firm. Their respective shares of profit for the financial year 2011-12 were Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively. Their minor son has been admitted to the benefits of another firm manufacturing toys from which he received Rs. 45,000 as share of profit and Rs. 1,20,000 as interest on capital. The capital was invested out of the minor's own fund gifted to him by his uncle amounting to Rs. 10,00,000. A house in the name of Mr. Asoke was transferred to his wife on 01.12.2011 for adequate consideration. The property has been let out throughout the financial year 2011-12 at a monthly rent of Rs. 50,000. Non-convertible debentures of a limited company of Rs. 2,00,000 and Rs. 2,64,000 were purchased three years ago in the names of Mr. Asoke and his wife respectively, on which interest is payable at 10% p.a. Mrs. Asoke had in the past transferred Rs. 1,00,000 out of her income to Mr. Asoke for purchase of debentures in Mr. Asoke's name. Mr. Asoke had transferred Rs. 1,50,000 to Mrs. Asoke in the year 2008-09 without any consideration, which she lent out to one Mr. X. Mrs. Asoke earned Rs. 60,000 as consolidated interest during earlier financial years, which was also given on loan to Mr. X. During the financial year 2011-12 Mrs. Asoke received interest at 10% p.a. on the loan amounting to Rs. 2,10,000. Mr. Asoke transferred Rs. 1,50,000 to a Trust. The income accruing from its investment amounted to Rs. 15,000, out of which Rs. 10,000 shall be utilised for the benefit of his elder son's wife and Rs. 5,000 for the benefit of his minor grandchildren. Calculate Gross Taxable Income of Mr. Asoke and Mrs. Asoke for the financial year 2011-12.

35M2013