Question 1

The question, "What are your personal and professional goals?" describes which set of self‐assessment questions students are encouraged to consider as part of the Giving Voice to Values program?

Accepted Answer

The question, "What are your personal and professional goals?" falls under the category of "Questions of purpose" in the Giving Voice to Values program, which encourages students to reflect on their values, beliefs, and goals before deciding how to act in complex ethical scenarios.

Question 2

As a senior executive, it makes sense for you to use the firm's corporate letterhead to write references for employees leaving the firm who have previously served the firm well.

Accepted Answer

Using the firm's corporate letterhead for personal references can imply that the reference is an official endorsement by the company, which may not be appropriate or authorized.

Question 3

Your friend recently discovered that he has HIV infection. He is worried about the discrimination at work. You should tell him that he is protected against discrimination under which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 protects individuals with disabilities, including those with HIV, from discrimination in various areas including employment.

Question 4

Groups specifically protected by Title VII include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Indian Americans, as a specific national or ethnic group, are not explicitly listed; however, discrimination against them could fall under the national origin category. The other groups mentioned (Women, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Pacific Islanders) are directly or indirectly protected under the categories specified in Title VII.

Question 5

Which legislation specifically prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, color, and national origin?

Accepted Answer

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 specifically prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, color, and national origin in employment practices. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, the ADE Act of 1967 prohibits age discrimination, and the ADA of 1990 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations and employment.

Question 6

Transparency is the best policy in holding more than one employment option. Thus, so long as you tell both employers about the work you are doing, the work you perform at either firm is not relevant.

Accepted Answer

Transparency about holding multiple employment positions is important, but the nature of the work performed at each firm is relevant to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure compliance with contractual obligations and industry regulations.

Question 7

Lisa is a 54 year old employee at M and N Services. She has worked at this company for the past 30 years. However, she believes that she is a victim of discrimination at the company and has been passed over for promotion due to her age. Lisa can bring suit under which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits discrimination against employees who are age 40 or older. Lisa, who is 54, falls under the protection of this act and can bring suit against M and N Services for age discrimination. The Rehabilitation Act applies to individuals with disabilities, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, and the ADA of 1990 applies to individuals with disabilities as well. None of these acts apply to Lisa's situation.

Question 8

___________ refers to the fairness of exchanges: "You did this for me and I'll do that for you."

Accepted Answer

Reciprocity refers to the idea that people are willing to help others who have helped them in the past or who they believe will help them in the future. This concept is based on the idea of fairness in exchanging goods, services, or favors. It is often seen as a social norm that governs relationships between individuals, groups, and even nations.

Question 9

Common conflicts of interest include overt or covert bribes and the trading of influence or privileged information.

Accepted Answer

Conflicts of interest can include overt or covert bribes, which are clear violations of ethical and legal standards, as well as the trading of influence or privileged information, which may not be as overtly illegal but can still lead to ethical concerns and compromised decision-making.

Question 10

Which of the following is false?

Accepted Answer

Sexual harassment is subjective and is determined by the perspective of the person experiencing it, not an objective standard.

Question 11

Which of the following means treating people equally while incorporating their diverse ideas?

Accepted Answer

Valuing diversity means recognizing and appreciating the differences among people and incorporating their diverse ideas while treating them equally. Discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on factors such as race, gender, or age. Quid pro quo refers to a situation in which one person offers something in exchange for something else. Cognitive bias refers to the tendency to make judgments and decisions based on personal beliefs and experiences rather than objective facts.

Question 12

Conflicts of interest erode trust by making it look as if special favors will be extended for special friends.

Accepted Answer

Conflicts of interest create a perception of bias and favoritism, leading to a loss of trust in the fairness and impartiality of the decision-making process.

Question 13

When something is divided between two people according to the worth and inputs of the two individuals, it is said to be ___________ and represents one component of "fairness."

Accepted Answer

Equitable means fair and just, taking into account the contributions and worth of each individual. This ensures that both parties are treated equally, and the distribution is balanced according to their respective efforts.

Question 14

Your roommate interested in learning more about the Giving Voice to Values program. If he asks about dealing well with conflict, or being non-confrontational, you should tell him that it is part of ______ self‐assessment questions one is encouraged to consider.

Accepted Answer

Dealing well with conflict or avoiding being confrontational is often related to personal communication style or preference. Giving Voice to Values encourages individuals to consider their own communication style and preferences through self-assessment questions.

Question 15

You should guard your reputation as it is built slowly with countless actions but it can be destroyed in an instant by one foolish mistake.

Accepted Answer

Your reputation is built over a long period of time with consistent actions, behavior, and choices. However, it can be easily ruined by one wrong move or mistake. People tend to remember the negatives more than the positives, and a single mistake can overshadow all the good things you have done in the past. Therefore, it is crucial to guard and protect your reputation by making wise decisions and staying accountable for your actions.

Question 16

Identify the three components that are used to define "fairness."

Accepted Answer

Reciprocity refers to the idea that one should treat others as they wish to be treated. Equity refers to the idea that individuals should receive benefits and burdens based on their individual circumstances. Impartiality refers to the idea that decisions should be made without bias or favoritism. Together, these three components form the basis for defining fairness.

Question 17

Accepting discounts on personal items from a vendor is acceptable as it enriches the relationship between the parties.

Accepted Answer

Accepting discounts on personal items from a vendor is not acceptable as it can create a conflict of interest and raise ethical concerns. It may also compromise the vendor's impartiality when dealing with the company. Accepting gifts or favors can also be considered a form of bribery and can damage the reputation of both parties involved.

Question 18

The broad categories of typical ethical problems individuals face in the workplace include all of the following except

Accepted Answer

Leadership concerns are not typically categorized as a broad ethical problem in the workplace, unlike the other options which directly relate to common ethical dilemmas.

Question 19

Facebook, LinkedIn and other social networking sites are immune from ethical challenges as that which you post on these sites is personal and may not be examined by your firm.

Accepted Answer

While social networking sites may involve personal information, employees should be aware that their actions and behavior on these sites can still reflect on their employer and could potentially lead to ethical violations or conflicts of interest. It is important for employees to use good judgment and discretion when posting on social networking sites, and to be aware of any company policies or guidelines regarding social media use.

Question 20

Which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly or differently due to characteristics such as race, gender, age, or religion, rather than their qualifications or performance. It can be intentional or unintentional and can manifest in various ways, including hiring, pay, promotions, and terminations. Discrimination is prohibited by law in various forms, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, discriminatory behavior can sometimes be subtle and difficult to detect, making it crucial to be aware of unconscious biases and strive for inclusive and fair practices.

Quiz 4: Addressing Individuals Common Ethical Problems