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
An HR professional receives a subpoena for employee records in a lawsuit. The correct ethical and legal action is to:
Answer: Consult with legal counsel and follow proper legal procedures before releasing records
When served with a subpoena, HR must consult legal counsel and follow proper legal procedures to balance confidentiality obligations with lawful disclosure requirements.
Which of the following actions by an HR professional represents a breach of professional ethics?
Answer: Using confidential employee health information to influence a promotion decision
Using confidential health information to affect employment decisions violates both confidentiality principles and federal law (ADA/HIPAA), constituting a clear ethical breach.
What is the concept of 'dual loyalty' as it applies to HR professionals?
Answer: The tension between serving employer interests and advocating for employee rights and well-being
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.
When developing an HR policy, the principle of 'fairness' requires that the policy:
Answer: Apply consistently to all similarly situated employees without arbitrary distinction
Fairness in HR policy means consistent application to all similarly situated employees, preventing arbitrary or preferential treatment while allowing legitimate role-based distinctions.
An employee approaches HR to report a concern in confidence. HR later determines the concern describes illegal activity. What should HR do?
Answer: Acknowledge that some concerns cannot remain fully confidential when legal violations are involved, and proceed appropriately
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.
The ethical principle of 'stewardship' in HR practice means HR professionals should:
Answer: Act as responsible caretakers of the organization's human capital and resources for its long-term benefit
Stewardship means HR professionals are trusted caretakers who manage people, resources, and practices in ways that serve the organization's long-term health and the well-being of its workforce.
Which behavior by an HR professional demonstrates the ethical principle of 'professional responsibility'?
Answer: Acknowledging the limits of one's own expertise and seeking qualified guidance when needed
Professional responsibility includes recognizing the boundaries of one's knowledge and competence, and seeking expert assistance when a situation exceeds one's expertise.