aPHR HR Ethics and Professional Standards 2

Question 1

An HR professional receives a subpoena for employee records in a lawsuit. The correct ethical and legal action is to:

Accepted Answer

Consult with legal counsel and follow proper legal procedures before releasing records

Answer

Refuse to provide any records to protect employee confidentiality

Answer

Provide all requested records immediately to the requesting party

Answer

Inform the affected employees and let them decide whether to comply

Question 2

Which of the following actions by an HR professional represents a breach of professional ethics?

Accepted Answer

Using confidential employee health information to influence a promotion decision

Answer

Recommending a policy change after consulting with department heads

Answer

Providing employees with information about their FMLA rights

Answer

Maintaining documentation of disciplinary actions in personnel files

Question 3

What is the concept of 'dual loyalty' as it applies to HR professionals?

Accepted Answer

The tension between serving employer interests and advocating for employee rights and well-being

Answer

The requirement to support both federal and state employment laws simultaneously

Answer

The obligation to belong to two professional HR associations

Answer

The need to balance short-term and long-term organizational goals

Question 4

When developing an HR policy, the principle of 'fairness' requires that the policy:

Accepted Answer

Apply consistently to all similarly situated employees without arbitrary distinction

Answer

Be identical for all employees regardless of job level or function

Answer

Be approved by a majority of employees before implementation

Answer

Favor protected class members to correct historical inequities

Question 5

An employee approaches HR to report a concern in confidence. HR later determines the concern describes illegal activity. What should HR do?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge that some concerns cannot remain fully confidential when legal violations are involved, and proceed appropriately

Answer

Keep the information confidential as promised since the employee requested it

Answer

Dismiss the concern to protect the confidentiality agreement

Answer

Report the information anonymously without telling the employee

Question 6

The ethical principle of 'stewardship' in HR practice means HR professionals should:

Accepted Answer

Act as responsible caretakers of the organization's human capital and resources for its long-term benefit

Answer

Manage the HR budget with maximum cost efficiency

Answer

Oversee all employee benefit programs personally

Answer

Report directly to the board of directors on all HR matters

Question 7

Which behavior by an HR professional demonstrates the ethical principle of 'professional responsibility'?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging the limits of one's own expertise and seeking qualified guidance when needed

Answer

Forwarding employee complaints to department managers without review

Answer

Completing all tasks assigned by senior leadership without questioning their legality

Answer

Delegating ethics investigations entirely to outside consultants to avoid bias