Case Study
Public Information Officer has received an application under the ‘Right to Information (RTI) Act’. After gathering the required information, he finds that the information pertaining to some of the decisions taken by him, which were not totally correct. Some other employees were also a party to these decisions. Disclosure of the information may lead to disciplinary action against him and his other colleagues including probable punishment. Non – disclosure of information or partial disclosure of information may result in less or no punishment.
The Public Information Officer is an honest and conscientious person but the particular decision regarding which an application under the RTI Act was lodged was a wrong decision.
The officer comes to you for your advice under the above conditions what will be your advice to the officer? Explain logically.
( UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-4 2018, 12 Marks)
Answer.
In the above situation, the Public Information Officer ( PIO) faces the ethical dilemma between Duty/Ethical/Moral values vs Consequences ( punishment).
There are two options available to overcome this ethical dilemma.
Option 1:
The officer should not disclose or should partially disclose the information
Positive outcome:
- He and with employees may get less or no punishment for the time being.
Negative outcome:
- It will be against his duty and against the organization's values. Therefore, not disclosing or partially disclosing will be unethical and illegal actions.
- It will against his own values of honesty and hence action will be immoral.
- It will against his conscience and it will lead to feeling self-guilt and mental disturbances.
- It is also not sure that information will not disclose in the future as we know the truth can be delayed, but can not be hidden in the long run.
Option 2:
He should disclose information fully.
Positive outcome:
- It will ethical, moral, and legal decision and he will be overcome by the negative outcome of option 1.
Negative outcome:
- He and some others involved in the decision may get punishment.
I will suggest option 2 and also suggest that he get ready to justify his early decision with circumstances.
I would also suggest Public information officer inform their immediate superiors and colleagues involved in the incorrect decision about the situation. Open communication can facilitate collective decision-making and possibly mitigate the consequences. It also shows integrity and a willingness to rectify mistakes.
I would also suggest the Public information officer ( PIO) should explore opportunities to rectify the wrong decision and mitigate any negative consequences. This may involve taking corrective action or implementing measures to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
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