aPHR HR Ethics and Professional Standards

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the SHRM Code of Ethics for HR professionals?

Accepted Answer

To provide a framework of values and standards guiding ethical HR practice

Answer

To establish legal penalties for HR misconduct

Answer

To replace federal employment laws with industry guidelines

Answer

To create a ranking system for HR professional certifications

Question 2

Which ethical principle requires HR professionals to handle employee personal information with discretion and limit access to those with a legitimate business need?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Transparency

Answer

Fairness

Answer

Accountability

Question 3

An HR manager is asked to interview candidates for a position and one applicant is a close personal friend. What is the most ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Disclose the relationship to a supervisor and recuse themselves from the hiring decision

Answer

Proceed with the interview but score the friend more strictly to compensate

Answer

Interview the candidate normally since personal relationships do not affect professional judgment

Answer

Decline to interview any candidates until the friend withdraws the application

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a 'conflict of interest' in HR practice?

Accepted Answer

A situation where an HR professional's personal interests could improperly influence their professional decisions

Answer

A disagreement between an HR professional and a department manager over a policy

Answer

A legal dispute between two employees that HR must mediate

Answer

A difference of opinion between HR and senior leadership on compensation strategy

Question 5

Under the principle of professional integrity, which behavior is most appropriate for an HR professional?

Accepted Answer

Accurately representing HR policies to employees even when the policies are unpopular

Answer

Sharing confidential salary data with employees who request it to promote pay transparency

Answer

Telling a job applicant they were rejected because management preferred a younger candidate

Answer

Adjusting a performance review score at a manager's request to avoid conflict

Question 6

An HR professional discovers that a senior manager is inflating performance ratings for their favorite employees. The most ethical first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the findings and report the concern through appropriate internal channels

Answer

Immediately terminate the manager's employment

Answer

Alert the affected employees so they know their ratings are inaccurate

Answer

Ignore the issue because performance ratings are the manager's sole responsibility

Question 7

The SHRM ethical principle of 'Professional Development' requires HR practitioners to:

Accepted Answer

Continuously expand their HR knowledge and competencies to stay current and effective

Answer

Develop training programs for all employees annually

Answer

Obtain a minimum of two HR certifications during their career

Answer

Mentor at least one junior HR professional per year