HR Ethics and Professional Standards Flashcards
7 cards from real APHR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 HR Ethics and Professional Standards flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of the SHRM Code of Ethics for HR professionals?
Answer: To provide a framework of values and standards guiding ethical HR practice
The SHRM Code of Ethics provides a framework of core values and professional standards that guide HR professionals in ethical decision-making and conduct.
Which ethical principle requires HR professionals to handle employee personal information with discretion and limit access to those with a legitimate business need?
Answer: Confidentiality
Confidentiality obligates HR professionals to protect sensitive employee data and share it only with those who have a legitimate need to know.
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?
Answer: Disclose the relationship to a supervisor and recuse themselves from the hiring decision
Disclosing the relationship and recusing oneself removes the conflict of interest and ensures the hiring process remains fair and unbiased.
Which of the following best describes a 'conflict of interest' in HR practice?
Answer: A situation where an HR professional's personal interests could improperly influence their professional decisions
A conflict of interest arises when an HR professional's personal interests have the potential to improperly influence their objective professional judgment.
Under the principle of professional integrity, which behavior is most appropriate for an HR professional?
Answer: Accurately representing HR policies to employees even when the policies are unpopular
Professional integrity requires HR to honestly and accurately communicate policies, even when they are difficult or unpopular, rather than distorting information to avoid conflict.
An HR professional discovers that a senior manager is inflating performance ratings for their favorite employees. The most ethical first step is to:
Answer: Document the findings and report the concern through appropriate internal channels
Documenting the concern and reporting it through proper channels (such as to a supervisor, HR director, or ethics hotline) upholds the HR professional's duty to protect the integrity of organizational processes.
The SHRM ethical principle of 'Professional Development' requires HR practitioners to:
Answer: Continuously expand their HR knowledge and competencies to stay current and effective
The Professional Development principle obligates HR professionals to commit to ongoing learning and growth so they can serve their organizations with current, accurate expertise.