(a) One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example. (10 marks, 150 words) (b) Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)

(a) Integrity as complete refusal to be compromised

Integrity is the consistency of conduct with sound moral principles even when unobserved or under pressure. Its ultimate test is the refusal to trade principle for gain — to stay uncorrupted by inducement, intimidation or expediency.

An officer who declines a lucrative bribe or resists an illegal but powerful instruction demonstrates this. For instance, upright administrators who enforced rules against politically influential violators, accepting transfers rather than compromising, embody integrity as incorruptibility. Such refusal, though costly personally, protects public interest and inspires institutional trust.

(b) CSR makes companies more profitable and sustainable

Responsible conduct is increasingly a business asset, not a cost.

• It builds brand reputation and customer loyalty, translating into long-term revenue.
• It reduces regulatory, environmental and social risk, improving resilience.
• It attracts talent and ethical investors (ESG funds), lowering capital cost.
• Community goodwill secures a stable licence to operate.

However, CSR is profitable only when genuine, not tokenism to mask harmful practices. In India, Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates CSR spending, but true sustainability flows from embedding ethics in core strategy — as Tata's welfare traditions show — rather than treating it as compliance.

Conclusion

Integrity and corporate responsibility share a logic: ethical conduct may seem costly short-term yet is the foundation of durable individual and institutional success.