Question

Ms.Ratna Pathak is one of the top performers in her company. She is sincere, diligent and hard-
working. But when it is time for promotions, her colleague, Mr Satish Kumar is promoted to the
post of Regional Manager.
a) Do you think it was an unfair or biased decision? Give reasons for your answer. (15)
b) Also discuss what should be the company's policy in such matters ? (10)

Answer 1

The decision of management was indeed unfair and biased.

• The reasons for the unbiased decision can be -

1. It can be gender specific bias. Since Satish is male and it is often considered men are more suitable for sales/marketing jobs, thus he has been promoted as regional manager instead of Ratna.

2. It can be nepotism. There can be a case that Satish might be known to the management and is a friend/relative, thus he was given the promotion.

3. It can be a personal bias. There can be an instance, that Satish has developed a friendship with the manager that is beyond the workplace, thus the manager favoured him.

In such matters, the company must -

• Promote a more professional communication in the company.
• Get to the bottom of the issue of favouritism.
• Educate and inform managers and employees alike and to be on the same page.