Case Study 2:
Recently a peon was appointed in your office (DM office). He is illiterate and mentally not sound. Ever since his appointment he has been more of a ‘burden’ than any help in the office. He doesn’t know any work. Staff in your office feel that their work is disturbed by his behaviour. The peon is always found to be talking either alone or with anyone he encounters. He is not obeying your staff’s orders in the office.
He was appointed on sympathy grounds after his father’s untimely death. His mother is ill and always bedridden. His income is the only source for his family now. He got the job after lobbying by a group representing his caste. He was appointed by your predecessor after he was pressurized by local MP. Some moves to remove him by your predecessor were met with public protests by a group representing his caste.
You are very strict and disciplined in your office. You are being respected in your district for your integrity and honesty. You come to know about the peon few days after you assume power. You have observed his behaviour and found him to be unfit to continue in his job. The peon has no other relatives except his mother.
Identify your moral and professional responsibilities in this case study and explain how will you deal with the peon.
Answer:
Since the peon is unfit for the job, the option of continuing him is ruled out. so protection to his family should remain the priority of DM.
Responsibilities of DM:
1. social security and health care to peon and his mother
2. removing the peon peacefully after pacifying all parties involved
1. social security and health care to peon and his mother
2. removing the peon peacefully after pacifying all parties involved
Course of action to be followed:
1. Certain actions of peon in the office should be video-recorded such as not heeding to the officers, disturbing others in office etc.
2. On priority, DM should make an arrangement for social security benefits along with health insurance to peon and his mother. A request for pension should also be made to higher authorities on exceptional grounds.
3. There after a meeting should be arranged with his caste members to explain the real problem being faced in the office and why he should be removed from the office by showing them video-clips.
4. At the same time DM should take own responsibility for peon’s pension and other benefits before the members.
5. Once they agree, his removal would be done in a smooth manner without any controversy.
6. In case they do not agree immediately, steps should be taken to constantly persuade the key members of his caste group one-by-one through constant consultations and that would surely resolve the problem.
7. In doing the above, work culture and discipline in the organisation will be protected but at the same time solved the problems of most vulnerable people i.e. peon and his mother empathetically.