Sagar

Group-A (Very Short Answer Type Question) $[1 \times 10=10]$

What is Agrarian society?
An Agrarian society is a society whose economy is based on producing and maintaining crops and farmlands1.
What do you mean by Industrial society?
An Industrial society is a society driven by the use of technology to enable mass production, supporting a large population with a high capacity for the division of labor2.
What is population pyramid?
A population pyramid is a graphical illustration that shows the distribution of various age groups in a population 3 (typically that of a country or region), distinguishing between male and female populations.
Which international standard provides guidelines for CSR reporting?
C) ISO 26000 ⁴⁴⁴⁴
Poverty is a-
A. Social problem 5
Which is not a remedial measure for unemployment?
D. Political Reforms 6666 (Population Control, Education Reforms, and Five-Year Plans are generally considered economic/social remedial measures.)
Delinquency is a juvenile misconduct that might be dealt with under the law-
The question presents an incomplete statement. Assuming it asks for the sociologist associated with a specific definition or characteristic of delinquency: None of the options directly complete the quoted phrase7. However, Cyril Burt is a prominent figure in the study of juvenile delinquency8.
CSR aims to strike a balance between which two important aspects?
A) Economic growth and environmental conservation ⁹ (Note: While all options touch upon CSR elements, the balance between economic objectives and environmental/social impact is the core strategic balance.)
Which of the following regarding corporate governance is correct?
D. The aim of corporate governance is to protect the interests of shareholders and the local economies. 10101010
What is the triple bottom line concept in CSR?
D) Three dimensions of performance: People, Planet, and Profit ¹¹¹¹¹¹¹¹
The tribe may be an example of
C. Community 12121212
Which of the following is characteristic of social problem?
A. It affects on a large section of a society. 13

Group-B (Short Answer Type Question) $[5 \times 3=15]$

2. Explain three Cs in Business ethics.

The three Cs often used to characterize the scope and practice of business ethics are Compliance, Contribution, and Consequences.

Compliance: This refers to the business's adherence to laws, regulations, and internal rules¹⁴. It focuses on the minimum legal and ethical requirements, ensuring the company operates within the boundaries set by society (e.g., environmental laws, labor laws, financial reporting standards). It is the foundational layer of ethical behavior.
Contribution: This refers to the positive impact a business makes on society, the community, and its stakeholders¹⁵. This goes beyond mere legal compliance to active engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, fair employment practices, and ethical sourcing, contributing to the general good.
Consequences: This involves evaluating the outcomes or effects of business decisions and actions on all stakeholders, including employees, customers, the environment, and shareholders¹⁶. It requires a business to anticipate, analyze, and mitigate any potential negative impacts while maximizing positive ones, often aligning with the utilitarian ethical framework.

3. Discuss the four types of CSR.

The four types of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), often modeled after Archie Carroll's Pyramid of CSR, categorize the different responsibilities a business has towards society.

Economic Responsibility (Be Profitable): This is the foundation of the pyramid¹⁷. A company's primary responsibility is to be profitable, which is essential for surviving, employing people, and providing goods and services. Without economic viability, the other responsibilities are impossible.
Legal Responsibility (Obey the Law): This is the requirement that a company must operate within the confines of the law¹⁸. Just as businesses are expected to seek profits, they are expected to follow all government regulations and laws that act as the basic codified ethics of society.
Ethical Responsibility (Be Ethical): This refers to the obligation to do what is right, just, and fair, avoiding harm, even when not strictly required by law¹⁹. This includes meeting expectations and norms that society places on a business that are not formalized into law (e.g., fair dealing, avoiding questionable practices).
Philanthropic Responsibility (Be a Good Corporate Citizen): This is the highest level of the pyramid, involving voluntary actions to contribute to society²⁰. This includes donating to charitable causes, sponsoring community projects, and engaging in proactive activities that improve the quality of life for the community and its workforce.

5. Explain Weber's three dimensions of stratification.

Max Weber, a classical sociologist, argued that social stratification (the division of society into a hierarchy of layers) is based on three distinct, yet interacting, dimensions²¹: Class, Status, and Power (Party).

Class (Economic Dimension):
- Basis: A person's economic position in society, determined by their market situation ²² (i.e., income, wealth, and access to resources/means of production).
- Focus: It relates to an individual's life chances—the opportunities they have in life. Weber defined class as a group of people who share similar positions in the economy.
Status (Social Dimension):
- Basis: Social prestige, honor, and lifestyle that a group is accorded by society²³.
- Focus: Status is about social estimation and is expressed through consumption patterns and social association (e.g., membership in elite clubs, educational background). Status groups can cut across class lines; a religious leader may have high status but low income.
Power / Party (Political Dimension):
- Basis: The ability of a group to achieve its goals despite the resistance of others, often organized into 'Parties' (or associations)²⁴.
- Focus: This refers to the exercise of political power and influence. Political parties or various interest groups (such as trade unions, professional associations) are key examples of organized power that seek to influence state decisions.

Group-C (Long Answer Type Question) $[15 \times 3=45]$

9. Explain the features of Business Ethics. Explain the importance of Business Ethics. Explain the measures to prevent or control unethical business practices.

A. Features of Business Ethics

Business Ethics refers to the moral principles and standards that govern business operations and the decisions of individuals within organizations²⁵. Key features include:

Code of Conduct: Business ethics essentially serves as a guide for acceptable behavior in a business setting²⁶. It provides a framework for decision-making regarding issues like fairness, integrity, and responsibility.
Societal Value: It is based on social values and norms²⁷. Ethical principles in business reflect the fundamental ideas of right and wrong upheld by the community in which the business operates.
Protection of Stakeholders: A core feature is protecting the interests of various stakeholders, including employees, customers, shareholders, the government, and the community at large²⁸.
Voluntary: While laws mandate compliance, true business ethics are often voluntary ²⁹—going beyond legal requirements to maintain a high moral standard.
Universal Application: The fundamental principles of business ethics (e.g., honesty, fairness) are generally applicable across different industries and cultures, though specific practices may vary³⁰.

B. Importance of Business Ethics

The adherence to ethical standards is crucial for the long-term sustainability and success of any organization:

Improved Public Image and Goodwill: Ethical businesses earn the trust and respect of the public, which translates into a strong brand reputation and positive goodwill³¹. This attracts more customers and talent.
Better Decision Making: Ethical frameworks provide a reliable basis for management to make complex decisions, ensuring they are not just profitable but also responsible and fair³².
Increased Employee Loyalty and Productivity: Employees are more likely to be loyal, motivated, and productive when they work for a company with strong ethical values, as it fosters a positive and trustworthy internal environment³³.
Reduced Legal Risk: By operating within strong ethical guidelines, businesses are less likely to violate laws, regulations, or societal norms, thus minimizing the risk of fines, lawsuits, and costly litigation³⁴.
Attracting Investors: Socially responsible investing is a growing trend. Ethical conduct helps in attracting investors who look for financially sound and morally responsible companies for long-term investment³⁵.

C. Measures to Prevent or Control Unethical Business Practices

Organizations can implement a robust system to prevent and control unethical practices:

Establish a Formal Code of Ethics and Conduct:
- Develop a clear, written document detailing the company's ethical values, rules of conduct, and expected behaviors³⁶. This provides clear guidance to all employees and stakeholders.
- Ensure the code is communicated regularly and signed off on by all employees.
Ethics Training and Education:
- Mandatory and recurring ethics training programs for all employees, from top management to frontline staff, to raise awareness and competence in identifying and handling ethical dilemmas³⁷.
- Include case studies relevant to the industry to make the learning practical.
Setting the "Tone at the Top":
- Leadership must model ethical behavior³⁸. Senior management's commitment to ethics is the single most important factor in creating an ethical culture. Hypocrisy from the top will undermine any formal code.
Establishing a Whistle-Blowing Mechanism:
- Create confidential and non-retaliatory reporting channels (hotlines, ombudsman offices) that allow employees to report observed unethical or illegal behavior without fear of reprisal³⁹.
Audit and Monitoring Systems:
- Implement regular internal and external ethical audits to review compliance with the code of conduct and identify areas of risk⁴⁰.
- Ensure strict disciplinary action, applied consistently across all levels, for ethical violations.
Corporate Governance Structure:
- Establish an independent and active Board of Directors ⁴¹ and an Ethics Committee to oversee ethical performance and ensure the management is accountable to all stakeholders.

11. Discuss the different strategies for controlling value crisis in our contemporary society. What is an example of a crisis of values?

A. Strategies for Controlling Value Crisis

A value crisis is a situation where the traditional, accepted moral and social norms and principles that guide a society or group are challenged, weakened, or eroded, leading to confusion, conflict, and a decline in ethical behavior. Strategies to control this include:

Reformation through Education (Formal and Informal):
- Curricular Integration: Introduce and emphasize value education, ethics, and civic responsibility ⁴² into school and university curricula. This provides a structured platform for instilling core values.
- Parental and Community Role: Encourage families, religious institutions, and community groups to actively teach and model ethical behavior and traditional values⁴³.
Strengthening Institutions of Governance and Justice:
- Upholding the Law: Ensure the judiciary and law enforcement agencies are efficient, transparent, and strictly enforce the law ⁴⁴ without bias, thereby demonstrating that integrity and justice are valued.
- Accountability: Promote transparency and accountability in public and corporate life, making unethical behavior costly and risky.
Promoting Media and Cultural Responsibility:
- Ethical Media Content: Encourage media (digital, print, visual) to promote positive social values, respect, and tolerance, instead of sensationalism, violence, or materialism⁴⁵. Media often shapes societal norms.
- Cultural Activities: Support cultural and arts programs that reinforce positive values, social harmony, and national identity.
Fostering Ethical Leadership:
- Role Models: Highlight and reward ethical leadership in all spheres—political, corporate, and social⁴⁶. Leaders must consistently demonstrate the values they preach.
- Civic Engagement: Encourage active and responsible civic participation to rebuild a sense of community and collective responsibility, moving away from hyper-individualism.

B. Example of a Crisis of Values

An example of a crisis of values in contemporary society is rampant and normalized corruption in public and private life⁴⁷.

The Conflict: The traditional value of Honesty and Integrity (public service as a duty) is in crisis because it is continually undermined by the competing value of Personal Enrichment (material gain and self-interest)⁴⁸.
Manifestation: This is seen when citizens expect to pay bribes for basic public services, when public officials use their position for personal gain, and when corporate leaders engage in large-scale financial fraud without public outcry⁴⁹.
Consequence: The crisis erodes trust in institutions, creates deep social cynicism, and implies that success and power are achieved through unethical means rather than merit and honesty⁵⁰.