Name: Bhavya V Desai

Roll No: P40012

Rajan The Driver
Problem Statement:
Mr Suresh Mohan, the Personnel Manager of the cattle feed plant of Sagarmatha Dairy Union
was entrusted by the General Manager with a case involving Mr Rajan, the driver of the plant,
and Mr Somaraju, the security officer, which is to be solved within a short timeframe, in an
impartial manner and without getting into a conflict with the Employees Union.
Situation Analysis
On 23rd of January, 1993 Mr Somaraju was waiting near Sabjimandi for a mode of transport to
reach the cattle feed plant in Nathdwara, when he saw the company minibus approaching.
Hence, he signalled the bus to stop. But the bus driven by Mr Rajan was not stopped. It was
also observed that the bus was not empty (as it should be while returning to plant after dropping
the employees) but was rather occupied by some unauthorized individuals. Later that day, when
he arrived at the plant he was accosted and abused by Mr Rajan.
Defending himself Mr Rajan stated that on the given date when he was returning to the plant
he was stopped by some children (many of whom were the wards of plant employee) and was
requested to drop them to their home (quarters near the plant) as no other means of
transportation was available. On humanitarian grounds, he accepted to drop them. During the
journey he observed Mr Somaraju in an inebriated condition (not able to stand properly on his
feet) and hence to not have a drunken man with children in a bus he decided not to stop for
him.
As an interim arrangement, Mr Rajan was transferred to Production Department and the
decision to investigate the case was taken. Mere transfer of Mr Rajan was seen as an injustice
by Mr Somaraju whereas this step got the Employees Union activated (due to close contacts of
Mr Rajan with the Union) who threatened to teach Management a lesson if case was not solved
fast and Mr Rajan not instated in his original position.
Alternatives Generated
1. Mr Suresh Mohan should start the investigation immediately and hence should form a panel
with representation from Mr Rajan, trade union and Mr Somaraju so that the impartiality of the
investigation remains intact. The students who Mr Rajan stated were in his bus on the day of
incident should be asked as to whether any other individual was also present in the bus or not.
Mr Somaraju also stated that he was abused when he came back and hence there must be an
eye-witness to this incident who may be produced before the panel. After the investigation is
over Mr Suresh Mohan can decide as to what needs to be done and what degree of punishment
should be awarded to the guilty party (Mr Rajan for not stopping bus, getting unauthorised
personnel on the bus and abusing Mr Somaraju or Mr Somaraju for levelling fake charges
against Mr Rajan).
2. Mr Suresh Mohan can decide by himself what needs to be done. Mr Rajan has been the part
of the organisation for the last 12 years and holds the position of driver for the last 7 years. He
helps people on humanitarian grounds (taking the permission of the same from his seniors) is
popular in the village and also has no involvement in any wrongdoings. On the other hand, Mr
Somaraju is known for his violent behaviour (having beaten up workers) and his habit of
drinking. Mr Suresh Mohan can go by his judgement to give a benefit of doubt to Mr Rajan
and call off the investigation altogether and reinstate him to his original position. This would
also keep the Employees union happy. To assuage Mr Somaraju, Mr Rajan can be served a
formal warning.
Alternative Selected
Mr Suresh Mohan should remain impartial in this situation and not go with the public or his
own perception of Mr Rajan. He should follow the procedure and hence carry out the
investigation in an impartial manner. This would only enhance the belief of employees on the
system and procedures of the organization. Mr Rajan has had an impeccable record at the
organisation and Mr Somaraju has been involved in a misdemeanour and is also known for his
drinking. But the judgement shouldn’t be passed on the perception of individuals and their
singled out characterstics but rather through an impartial procedure.