Ohio Civil Service Exam Situational Judgment and Work Ethics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You notice a coworker consistently arriving 20 minutes late without reporting it to a supervisor. What is the most appropriate action?
- Ignore it since it doesn't affect your work
- Report it to your supervisor using the proper chain of command (Correct answer)
- Confront the coworker loudly in front of others
- Cover for the coworker by clocking them in yourself
Correct answer: Report it to your supervisor using the proper chain of command
Reporting policy violations through proper channels maintains workplace integrity and fairness.
Question 2: A citizen becomes verbally aggressive while you are processing their application. What should you do first?
- Match their tone to show you are serious
- Remain calm and speak in a professional, measured tone (Correct answer)
- Walk away without addressing the issue
- Immediately call security without attempting to de-escalate
Correct answer: Remain calm and speak in a professional, measured tone
Remaining calm and professional is the first step in de-escalating a tense public interaction.
Question 3: You are unsure how to complete an assigned task. What is the best course of action?
- Attempt it without guidance and hope it is correct
- Ignore the task until someone notices
- Ask your supervisor or a knowledgeable colleague for clarification (Correct answer)
- Delegate it to a less experienced coworker
Correct answer: Ask your supervisor or a knowledgeable colleague for clarification
Seeking clarification from a supervisor or experienced colleague ensures accuracy and prevents costly errors.
Question 4: You discover that a coworker has been falsifying work records. What is the most ethical response?
- Do nothing to avoid workplace conflict
- Report the behavior to a supervisor or through the appropriate reporting channel (Correct answer)
- Discuss it openly with other coworkers first
- Confront the coworker and ask them to stop without reporting it
Correct answer: Report the behavior to a supervisor or through the appropriate reporting channel
Falsifying records is a serious ethical violation that must be reported through official channels.
Question 5: A supervisor assigns you a task you believe is being handled incorrectly. What is the proper response?
- Refuse the task entirely
- Complete the task however you prefer without informing the supervisor
- Respectfully voice your concern to the supervisor before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Complain to coworkers and delay the task
Correct answer: Respectfully voice your concern to the supervisor before proceeding
Respectfully raising concerns with a supervisor maintains professionalism while allowing for correction.
Question 6: You finish your assigned tasks with time remaining in your shift. What is the most appropriate action?
- Leave work early since your tasks are done
- Browse the internet until your shift ends
- Ask your supervisor if there are additional tasks or assist a coworker (Correct answer)
- Take an extended break
Correct answer: Ask your supervisor if there are additional tasks or assist a coworker
Civil service employees are expected to use their time productively, including seeking additional assignments.
Ohio Civil Service Exam Situational Judgment and Work Ethics 1
You notice a coworker consistently arriving 20 minutes late without reporting it to a supervisor.
What is the most appropriate action?