Governance, Ethics, Law and International Relations — Group-I · Chapter 9

Ethics Case Studies: How to Write Model Answers

What to remember

A case study tests judgement, not memory. Name the dilemma, weigh the options, choose one, and defend it with values and law.
Use a fixed structure every time: facts, stakeholders, ethical issues, options with pros and cons, best course of action, and long-term steps.
The best answer is lawful, fair, humane and practical. It protects public interest first, follows rules, and still shows compassion.

1. What a case study asks

A case study gives you a short real-life situation. You are usually a civil servant such as a Collector, Sub-Collector, Superintendent of Police, Municipal Commissioner or Head of Department. You must decide what to do. There is rarely a perfect answer. Two good values often clash, for example honesty and loyalty, or rules and compassion. Examiners look for clear thinking, balance and a realistic decision.

Typical questions are:

What are the ethical issues involved?
What options are available to you? Evaluate each.
Which option will you choose and why?
What long-term measures will you take?

2. A seven-step model structure

1. Facts in brief. Write two or three lines. Do not copy the whole case.
2. Stakeholders. List everyone affected: citizens, the victim, the subordinate, the superior, the political leader, the organisation, the media, society.
3. Ethical issues and dilemma. State the values in conflict. Example: public interest versus loyalty to the superior.
4. Options. Give three or four options. Include one extreme option and one balanced option.
5. Evaluation. Give a short merit and a short demerit for each option.
6. Decision. Choose one option, or a combination, and justify it with law, values and public interest.
7. Long-term steps. Suggest system fixes: training, transparency, audit, grievance redress, technology, awareness.

Keep language simple. Use short paragraphs or bullets. A good answer is balanced: it does not abuse a person and it does not ignore a rule.

3. Values and tests to use

Use these as your tools in every answer.

Tool	What it asks
Constitutional values	Is the action fair, equal, just and in the public interest?
Rule of law	Is the action allowed by law, rules and procedure?
Public interest test	Does it benefit the larger number, especially the poor and weak?
Publicity test	Would I be comfortable if this decision was in the news?
Reversibility test	Would I accept it if I were in the other person's place?
Conscience test	Does it agree with my own sense of right and wrong?

Core values of public service are integrity, impartiality, objectivity, dedication, empathy, transparency, accountability and tolerance. The seven principles of public life, often called the Nolan principles, are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Know them by name.

4. Common dilemma types and the standard approach

Dilemma type	Typical situation	Guiding approach
Conflict of interest	A relative or friend benefits from your decision	Disclose, recuse yourself, let a neutral officer decide
Pressure from a political superior	Illegal transfer, favouring a contractor	Stay polite, cite rules, ask for orders in writing, record the facts
Corruption by a colleague	A subordinate takes bribes	Verify first, give a chance to explain, then report and act as per rules
Whistleblowing	You find a scam in your own office	Use the proper channel, protect the complainant, keep evidence
Rules versus compassion	A poor person misses a deadline	Follow the law but use discretion within it, and help find a lawful relief
Gender and workplace issues	Harassment complaint at work	Refer to the Internal Committee, protect the complainant, ensure a fair inquiry
Disaster and crisis	Flood, fire, stampede	Save lives first, coordinate, communicate clearly, fix accountability later
Misuse of social media	Rumour causing tension	Verify, issue a correction, act within law, avoid over-reaction

5. Key concepts to quote in answers

Conflict of interest. A situation where a personal interest can influence an official duty. Types are actual, potential and perceived. The remedy is disclosure and recusal.
Whistleblowing. Reporting wrongdoing in good faith. India has the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014, which provides a system to receive complaints and protect the complainant. Check the latest official release for the status of its operation.
Discretion. A civil servant may choose between lawful options. Discretion must be fair, reasoned and recorded. It must never be used to favour or harm anyone.
Probity. Honesty and uprightness in public life. Linked with transparency, the Right to Information Act, 2005 and citizens' charters.
Accountability. An officer answers for decisions to the public, the legislature, the courts and audit bodies.
Emotional intelligence. Being aware of your own and others' emotions, staying calm, and acting with empathy. It helps in tense situations.
Conduct rules. All India Services (Conduct) Rules and state conduct rules require integrity, devotion to duty and political neutrality.
Moral courage. Doing the right thing even when it costs you something.

6. A worked model outline

Case in brief. A district officer finds that a local leader has asked him to give a government contract to a firm owned by the leader's relative. The firm's bid is not the lowest. Refusing may bring a transfer.

Stakeholders. Taxpayers, honest bidders, the leader, the firm, the officer, the department.

Issues. Integrity versus pressure, fairness to bidders, misuse of public money, personal career risk.

Options.

1. Yield to the pressure. Merit: no conflict. Demerit: illegal, harms public money, destroys trust.
2. Refuse openly and aggressively. Merit: firm stand. Demerit: creates enmity, may harm the relationship needed for other work.
3. Follow the tender rules, politely explain the legal limits to the leader, record the conversation, and inform the superior officer. Merit: lawful, fair and safe. Demerit: may still invite displeasure.
4. Go to the media. Merit: exposure. Demerit: breaks service rules, premature, harms due process.

Decision. Option 3. Award the contract to the lowest eligible bidder as per rules. Keep the file transparent. Report the pressure to the superior in writing.

Long-term steps. Use e-tendering, publish tender results, strengthen grievance redress, use social audit and training for ethical conduct.

7. Writing tips

Write 250 words for a standard case answer unless the question says otherwise.
Start with the central dilemma in one line.
Never blame a person without proof. Say "the allegation must be verified".
Always protect victims and complainants.
Avoid dramatic steps such as resigning or going to the media as a first step.
End with a positive, practical, system-level step.

8. A second worked outline: a harassment complaint

Case in brief. A woman employee complains that a senior officer in the office behaves improperly. The officer is popular and the head of the department asks you, as an inquiry officer, to close the matter quietly.

Stakeholders. The complainant, the accused, other staff, the department, the public who use the office.

Issues. Dignity and safety of a woman, fairness to the accused, institutional reputation, pressure from the superior.

Options.

1. Close the matter quietly. Merit: peace in the office. Demerit: breaks the law, harms the complainant, encourages repeat acts.
2. Punish the accused at once. Merit: quick signal. Demerit: violates natural justice if no inquiry is held.
3. Refer the complaint to the Internal Committee, ensure a fair and time-bound inquiry, protect the complainant from retaliation and keep the matter confidential. Merit: lawful, fair, humane. Demerit: needs time and may cause temporary discomfort.

Decision. Option 3, with interim steps such as a change of reporting line if needed.

Long-term steps. Hold awareness sessions, display the complaint process, train managers and review the inquiry system every year.

9. How to show balance between values

When two values clash, say it directly. For example: "Loyalty to the organisation is important, but public interest is higher." Then show how your chosen option protects both as far as possible. Two useful lines are:

"The decision is within law and does not harm any innocent person."
"I will inform the superior in writing so that the system, and not only I, is accountable."

Admit limits. Say that the chosen option may bring a short-term cost, such as displeasure or delay, but gives a long-term gain in trust.

Exam traps

Integrity vs honesty: honesty is truthfulness; integrity is consistency of values and action.
Recusal vs resignation: recusal means stepping aside from one decision; resignation means leaving the post.
Conflict of interest vs corruption: a conflict of interest is a risk situation; corruption is an actual abuse for gain.
Whistleblower vs informer: a whistleblower acts in public interest, through a proper channel.
Discretion vs arbitrariness: discretion follows reasons and rules; arbitrariness does not.
Neutrality vs impartiality: impartiality is fairness in decisions; neutrality is staying free from party politics.
Empathy vs sympathy: empathy is understanding another's feelings; sympathy is feeling sorry for them.
Rule of law vs rule by law: the first limits the ruler; the second uses law as a tool of the ruler.

One-liners

A case study answer needs facts, stakeholders, issues, options, decision and long-term steps.
Always offer at least three options.
The public interest test is the strongest test in public service.
The publicity test asks whether you would be comfortable if the action became public.
Recusal is the standard remedy for a conflict of interest.
The Right to Information Act, 2005 promotes transparency.
The Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014 protects people who report corruption in good faith.
The seven principles of public life are known as the Nolan principles.
Written orders protect an officer who faces illegal oral instructions.
Discretion must always be reasoned and recorded.
Emotional intelligence helps in handling crisis and conflict.
Moral courage means acting rightly despite personal cost.

Practice questions

In an ethics case study answer, which step should come right after stating the facts in brief?
1. Writing the final conclusion
2. Resigning from the post
3. Identifying the stakeholders
4. Quoting a statute at length
Answer
C. Identifying the stakeholders
A standard structure runs from facts to stakeholders, issues, options, decision and long-term steps.
Which test asks whether a decision would be acceptable if it became public?
1. Reversibility test
2. Conscience test
3. Publicity test
4. Seniority test
Answer
C. Publicity test
The publicity test checks comfort with public scrutiny of the action.
The standard remedy for a conflict of interest in a decision is
1. gifts to the other party
2. disclosure and recusal
3. silence and delay
4. resignation from service
Answer
B. disclosure and recusal
The officer should disclose the interest and step aside so a neutral officer decides.
Which Act protects people who report corruption in good faith in India?
1. Right to Information Act, 2005
2. Lokpal Act, 2013 only
3. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947
4. Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014
Answer
D. Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014
The 2014 Act provides a system to receive complaints and protect the complainant.
The seven principles of public life are commonly called the
1. Kautilya rules
2. Panchsheel
3. Gandhian talisman
4. Nolan principles
Answer
D. Nolan principles
Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership form the Nolan principles.
A civil servant receives an illegal oral instruction from a superior. The best first step is to
1. leak the instruction to the press
2. politely cite the rule and ask for the order in writing
3. ignore the superior completely
4. obey at once to avoid trouble
Answer
B. politely cite the rule and ask for the order in writing
Written orders protect the officer and make the superior think again about the legality.
Which of the following is an example of moral courage?
1. Avoiding all decisions
2. Blaming juniors for errors
3. Refusing an illegal favour despite a threat of transfer
4. Following every order without question
Answer
C. Refusing an illegal favour despite a threat of transfer
Moral courage is doing the right thing even at a personal cost.
The main purpose of listing stakeholders in a case study is to
1. increase the word count
2. find someone to blame
3. show knowledge of law only
4. see who is affected by the decision
Answer
D. see who is affected by the decision
Stakeholder listing reveals whose interests and rights must be weighed.
Discretion in public service should be
1. reasoned, fair and recorded
2. based on personal liking
3. exercised secretly
4. used only for friends
Answer
A. reasoned, fair and recorded
Discretion is lawful only when it is fair and supported by recorded reasons.
Which of the following is a long-term, system-level measure after a corruption case in tendering?
1. Transferring the clerk
2. Introducing e-tendering with public results
3. Hiding the file
4. Ignoring the complaint
Answer
B. Introducing e-tendering with public results
Transparent e-tendering reduces the chance of favouritism in future.
Which law promotes transparency by giving citizens the right to seek information from public authorities?
1. Right to Information Act, 2005
2. Indian Contract Act, 1872
3. Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
4. Official Secrets Act, 1923
Answer
A. Right to Information Act, 2005
The RTI Act, 2005 operationalises citizens' right to information.
A Collector finds that a contractor is a close relative of her own. She should
1. award the contract quietly
2. hide the relation until audit
3. disclose the relation and recuse herself from the decision
4. cancel all tenders
Answer
C. disclose the relation and recuse herself from the decision
Disclosure and recusal remove the conflict of interest and protect fairness.
In a case study, the option that is lawful, fair and practical is usually
1. the most extreme option
2. the quickest option
3. the option favouring the powerful
4. a balanced option that follows rules with empathy
Answer
D. a balanced option that follows rules with empathy
A balanced option respects law and values while being workable.
Which quality means being aware of one's own and others' emotions and managing them well?
1. Seniority
2. Moral relativism
3. Emotional intelligence
4. Legal literacy
Answer
C. Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence helps in tense situations and in dealing with people.
Which of these best describes probity in public life?
1. Loyalty to the political party
2. Honesty and uprightness in public dealings
3. Speed in file movement
4. Strict secrecy of records
Answer
B. Honesty and uprightness in public dealings
Probity means high moral standards, transparency and honesty in public life.
A subordinate is accused of taking a bribe. Before taking action, the officer should first
1. verify the allegation and give the subordinate a chance to explain
2. publicise the name
3. suspend him on rumour
4. ignore the complaint
Answer
A. verify the allegation and give the subordinate a chance to explain
Natural justice requires verification and a fair hearing before punishment.
An officer discovers a scam in her own office. The most appropriate way to blow the whistle is to
1. report through the proper channel with evidence
2. post it on social media
3. delete the records
4. wait until retirement
Answer
A. report through the proper channel with evidence
A proper channel protects the process, the evidence and the complainant.
A poor farmer has missed the deadline for a benefit due to illness. The officer should
1. give the benefit illegally
2. ask for a bribe
3. use lawful discretion and help find a legal relief
4. reject the case under the rule
Answer
C. use lawful discretion and help find a legal relief
Rules with compassion means using discretion only within the law.
A rumour on social media is raising communal tension. The first step for the officer is to
1. arrest anyone who shares news
2. verify the facts and issue an official clarification
3. ignore the rumour
4. shut down all communication permanently
Answer
B. verify the facts and issue an official clarification
Verification and a clear correction counter rumours while staying within law.
A complaint of sexual harassment is received at a workplace. The proper step is to
1. ask the complainant to withdraw
2. settle it informally by pressure
3. dismiss it without inquiry
4. refer it to the Internal Committee and protect the complainant
Answer
D. refer it to the Internal Committee and protect the complainant
The 2013 Act requires an Internal Committee and a fair inquiry.
During a flood, which principle should guide the first response of the district administration?
1. Wait for media orders
2. Save lives first and coordinate relief
3. Check paperwork first
4. Fix blame before relief
Answer
B. Save lives first and coordinate relief
Saving lives is the top priority in a disaster; accountability follows later.
Which pair correctly distinguishes the terms?
1. Impartiality means loyalty to a party; neutrality means speed
2. Impartiality means fairness in decisions; neutrality means staying free of party politics
3. Both mean the same thing
4. Neutrality means fairness; impartiality means secrecy
Answer
B. Impartiality means fairness in decisions; neutrality means staying free of party politics
Impartiality is fair treatment, while political neutrality means no party bias.
Which is the best statement about a conflict of interest?
1. It exists only after a bribe is taken
2. It is a criminal offence in every case
3. It is a risk situation even if no wrong act has yet occurred
4. It never applies to public servants
Answer
C. It is a risk situation even if no wrong act has yet occurred
A conflict of interest is a risky situation, which is different from actual corruption.
A political leader presses an officer to transfer a staff member unfairly. Which option best balances duty and relationship?
1. Resign at once
2. Obey fully
3. Confront the leader in public
4. Explain the rules politely, record the matter and inform the superior
Answer
D. Explain the rules politely, record the matter and inform the superior
This keeps the officer lawful, safe and respectful.
In the reversibility test, the officer asks
1. would I accept the decision if I were in the other person's place
2. will it save time
3. would my superior approve
4. will the media notice
Answer
A. would I accept the decision if I were in the other person's place
The test checks fairness from the affected person's viewpoint.
Which of these is NOT a good practice in a case study answer?
1. Listing three or four options
2. Suggesting system reforms
3. Blaming a person without any proof
4. Evaluating merits and demerits
Answer
C. Blaming a person without any proof
A fair answer says allegations must be verified and does not blame without proof.
Which pair of values commonly clash in whistleblowing cases?
1. Loyalty to the organisation and duty to the public
2. Law and arithmetic
3. Courage and cost
4. Speed and size
Answer
A. Loyalty to the organisation and duty to the public
A whistleblower faces a clash between loyalty to the organisation and public interest.
Which approach is best when a superior's instruction appears lawful but unwise?
1. Spread the matter to the press
2. Refuse without reason
3. Delay the file for months
4. Present reasoned concerns and record the discussion
Answer
D. Present reasoned concerns and record the discussion
A respectful, reasoned objection preserves discipline and the chance of correction.
Consider the statements about discretion. 1. Discretion permits an officer to favour friends. 2. Discretion allows an officer to choose between lawful options. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
B. 2 only
Discretion is limited to lawful, reasoned choices; favouritism is arbitrariness.
Consider the statements about whistleblowing. 1. A whistleblower should always avoid evidence. 2. A whistleblower acts in good faith in public interest. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
B. 2 only
Evidence and good faith are central to responsible whistleblowing.
Consider the statements about the publicity test. 1. It checks if an action could stand public scrutiny. 2. It is different from the conscience test, which is about personal belief. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
C. Both 1 and 2
The publicity test concerns public scrutiny, not private conscience.
Consider the statements about conflict of interest. 1. It exists only after bribery is proved. 2. It can be actual, potential or perceived. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
B. 2 only
A conflict of interest can exist as a risk even without wrongdoing.
Consider the statements about case study answers. 1. Options should include merits and demerits. 2. Each option should be assessed for its effect on stakeholders. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
C. Both 1 and 2
Each option must be weighed and the final choice must be justified.
Consider the statements about emotional intelligence. 1. It has no use in public service. 2. It helps in managing stress and conflict. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
B. 2 only
Emotional intelligence supports calm and empathetic decision-making.
Consider the statements about recusal. 1. It means stepping aside from a particular decision. 2. It means resigning from the service. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
A. 1 only
Recusal is limited to one decision; it is not resignation.
Consider the statements about the Right to Information Act, 2005. 1. It promotes transparency in public administration. 2. It was enacted after the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
A. 1 only
The RTI Act, 2005 came first and promotes transparency.
Match the dilemma with the guiding approach: Conflict of interest
1. Escalate to media
2. Delay and wait
3. Verify and ignore
4. Disclose and recuse
Answer
D. Disclose and recuse
Disclosure and recusal is the standard approach for a conflict of interest.
Match the dilemma with the guiding approach: Pressure for an illegal transfer
1. Obey quietly
2. Resign immediately
3. Reply with abuse
4. Cite rules and ask for orders in writing
Answer
D. Cite rules and ask for orders in writing
This is the standard approach to illegal pressure.
Match the dilemma with the guiding approach: Harassment complaint at work
1. Refer to the Internal Committee
2. Settle by pressure
3. Ignore for a month
4. Transfer the complainant
Answer
A. Refer to the Internal Committee
The Internal Committee must handle such complaints under the 2013 Act.
An honest officer's superior asks him to backdate a file to cover a delay. The most ethical response is to
1. backdate and tell nobody
2. destroy the file
3. backdate and ask for a favour
4. decline, explain the legal risk and record the facts
Answer
D. decline, explain the legal risk and record the facts
Forging records is illegal; the officer should refuse and document.
Which statement best reflects the rule of law in a case study?
1. Every action by an officer must be backed by law and procedure
2. The officer may act freely if the cause is good
3. Law applies only to citizens
4. Rules are for juniors only
Answer
A. Every action by an officer must be backed by law and procedure
Rule of law means no one is above law, including officials.
A case study lists the following values in tension: honesty, loyalty, compassion, rules. The question 'which value should override?' is best answered by
1. picking the first value listed
2. choosing whatever is easiest
3. weighing public interest, law and consequences for all stakeholders
4. choosing the value the superior likes
Answer
C. weighing public interest, law and consequences for all stakeholders
A balanced decision weighs all values against public interest and law.
An officer who takes a decision which harms a minority, but which the majority supports, should recall that
1. popularity is the test of ethics
2. majority opinion alone decides
3. minorities have no voice
4. public service must follow constitutional values and equal treatment
Answer
D. public service must follow constitutional values and equal treatment
Constitutional morality protects equality and rights even against majority pressure.
Which of the following is the best example of a long-term reform after a complaint-handling failure in a department?
1. Transferring all complainants
2. Closing the complaint box
3. Printing posters only
4. Setting up an online grievance system with time-bound redress
Answer
D. Setting up an online grievance system with time-bound redress
A time-bound grievance system fixes the root cause.
Which action is a direct violation of the duty of impartiality?
1. Giving a contract to a relative without open competition
2. Applying the same rule to all applicants
3. Hearing both sides of a dispute
4. Publishing tender results
Answer
A. Giving a contract to a relative without open competition
Favouring a relative breaks impartiality and fairness.

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