All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life.

A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and selfesteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work.

You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation.

What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization?

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2023 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (28-May-2023)

My immediate options include: directly addressing the Chief Architect's behavior, making it clear that such conduct is unacceptable and counterproductive. I would mediate a professional dialogue, emphasizing collaboration for project success. Simultaneously, I would assure Seema of my full support, publicly acknowledging her valuable contributions to rebuild her confidence. If direct intervention proves insufficient, I might re-assign roles or formally warn the Chief Architect. My aim is to foster a respectful environment that encourages Seema's continued, crucial input for the project.

Answered By:

Sarvesh Jha

Sarvesh Jha is a seasoned government exam mentor with firsthand success in top exams like IBPS PO, SBI PO, CDS, RRB JE, SSC CGL, BPSC, and CTET. Known for his deep conceptual clarity and strategic approach, he has guided over 5000 students through personalized mentorship. He has been creating well researched content for last 5 years.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.

  2. "Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour." Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.

  3. Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment?

  4. Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? "Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others." — Swami Vivekananda

  5. Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? "Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work." — Sardar Patel

  6. Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? "In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so." — Immanuel Kant

  7. "The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today's context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice." Examine the above statement with suitable examples.

  8. "It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it." In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today's international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts?

  9. "Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent." Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.

  10. The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.


Important Questions from GS4

  1. The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.

  2. "Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour." Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.

  3. Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment?

  4. Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? "Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others." — Swami Vivekananda

  5. Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? "Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work." — Sardar Patel

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSC CMS
August 02, 2026
IAS Exam
August 21, 2026
UPSC SO Steno
December 12, 2026
Test Series
IAS img
UPSC
UPSC CSE (IAS) 2027 Prelims Mock Test Series
654 Tests 3 Tests Free
681 Attempts
4.8(182)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App