Solving Business Ethics Case Studies

 Solving a case study is not very different from solving a

real life problem.

 As each situation or problem in life is unique in its own

regard and requires a unique treatment. Similarly there is no
definite or particular approach to solve a case and hence,
varied solutions.

 However, there are some basic steps that can be followed

while approaching a case study – which have been discussed
in the following slides…

GSK 1
 7 Steps to solving Business Ethics Case Studies

Step – 1: Read the Question Twice

•To Understand the problem really well
•The Question is your Only Source for Data
•Why or How did this issue arise?
• Identifying Central/Core Problem
•Cause and effect of the problem identified
Step – 2: Provide Suitable Introduction
1. Construct issues in your own words.
2. Depending on the Question include:
• Real world incidence on which the case study is based.
• Cite a real life experience – personal or of prominent
people

GSK 2
 Step – 3: Identify the Ethical/Moral Dilemma
Personal Ethics VS. Professional
[Eg.: Honest & Hardworking Senior Officials Engaged in Domestic Violence]
Majority Interest VS. Minority Interest
Eg.: Development at the Cost of Environment]
Legally Right VsS. Exercising Discretion
[Eg.: Phrma Company increasing the cost of Life-Saving Drug for profit making]
Rule of Law VS. Exercising Discretion
Eg.; Aged destitute person being denied social benefits due to lack of adequate
documentations]
Duty VS. Conscience
[Eg.: Being truthful or loyal to One’s Organisation]
Public Interest VS. Private Interest
[Eg.: Saving one’s job or taking action in interest of public welfare]
Conflict of Interest
[Eg.: A person having loyalty towards his employer and also to a family business

Step – 4: Identified Stakeholders Involved

Those affected or those who will be affected by the situation
Example: Employees, Public in general, a particular company or entity, specific
people. GSK 3
 Step-5: As per the question, cite the following
Philosophies & Approaches Preamble & Fundamental Rights
Law and Policies Human Values & Duties
Examples Examples
•Section Maintenance & Welfare of •Compassion
Parents & Senior Citizen Act, 2007 •Empathy
•Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) •Tolerance
Act, 1986 •Impartiality
•Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of •Integrity
Children) Act, 2015 •Honesty
•Protection of Children from Sexual •Perseverance
Offences Act, 2012
•Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2007
•Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
•Prevention of Women from Domestic
Violence Act, 2015

GSK 4
 Step-6: Main Body of Answer-Depending on Question
Question Type 1: Question Type 2: Explore
Course of Action/Response Alternatives, their Merits & Demerits
To the Situation – Final Suggestion
•Investigate/Enquire about the Question Type 2: •Dimension
Issue Alternatives, their Merits & Demerits – •Ethical/Moral
•Report the Issue Final Suggestion •Social
•Work on Behavioural Change •Utilitarian Approach/Consequentialism •Legal
for Long term attitude change (Maximize benefits & minimize losses) •Economic
Eg. Role Model Approach, •Justice Approach •Political
Positive or Negative (Fairness & Equality Principle – upholding •Level
Reinforcement, Campaign etc. rights and interests of all stakeholders) •National/Societa
•Personal Action to Correct or •Deontology/Kantian Perspective (Acting as l
Realign Personal Biases, per duty or moral obligation – based on •Organizational
Morals, Conscience, Dilemmas whether the act is right or wrong – •Personal /
& Principles. regardless of outcome) Individual
Eg:Resign/Report/Initiate/Prio •Virtue Approach
ritise (Emphasis on virtues or moral character
rather than rules/duties)

GSK 5
 Step-7: Conclude
By summarizing your Answer - Stating the final course of action
chosen and briefly explain the reason for opting for that
particular option
MAKE SURE:
•Solution provided by you deals with central/core problem in
totality
•Solution is consistent with the principles of organization and/or
code of conduct rules
•Be realistic – Solution should be practically implementable &
within acceptable risk parameters
•Solution is within the authority limits of the decision maker – in
accordance with his position & responsibilities
•Do not suggest undesirable alternatives
•Address peripheral problems, if any.
GSK 6