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.

Open scan (p.54)

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.

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

This is a continuation from previous page
Examiner score
1/10

Open original scan

Page 54

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