You retired as a finance manager from a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). After retirement you are offered a job in a private company as its finance head and you have accepted it. The company has a procurement contract with the PSU which you worked for. Now that contract is up for renewal through competitive bidding. You have been asked to lead the team responsible for bidding of this contract. While working in the PSU, you had an opportunity to work on areas relating to financial accounting, procurement, contracts and bids. You are concerned that you might breach the confidentiality if you accept the assignment in the present company. You also suspect that your knowledge and experience of working in the PSU were seen as good reasons for appointing you to the position in the present company. The loss of such a major contract would have a significant effect on the financial performance of Company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options given below and finally suggest what course of action you would like to take, providing adequate reasons. i. Do not accept the assignment as it will lead to breach of confidentiality. ii. Do not lead the team but guide them from outside. iii. Accept to lead the team and use your expertise in bidding for the contract. iv. Resign from the job. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction, briefly explain the case study. In the body, bring out the key facts of the case and identify the ethical dilemma involved. Evaluate the merits and demerits of the given options. Suggest a best possible solution without compromising the ethical values. Conclude with a fair and balanced approach.