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

When served with a subpoena, HR must consult legal counsel and follow proper legal procedures to balance confidentiality obligations with lawful disclosure requirements.

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

Using confidential health information to affect employment decisions violates both confidentiality principles and federal law (ADA/HIPAA), constituting a clear ethical breach.

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

Dual loyalty describes the inherent tension HR professionals face between their responsibility to the organization and their ethical duty to protect employees' rights and well-being.

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

Fairness in HR policy means consistent application to all similarly situated employees, preventing arbitrary or preferential treatment while allowing legitimate role-based distinctions.

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

HR professionals cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality when information reveals illegal activity; employees should be informed that such disclosures may require action, and HR must follow required reporting obligations.

aPHR - Associate Professional in Human Resources Practice Test

aPHR - Associate Professional in Human Resources Practice Test

aPHR HR Ethics and Professional Standards 2