CCP CCP Ethics & Professional Standards in Communications 2

Question 1

Astroturfing in public relations refers to:

Accepted Answer

Creating the false appearance of widespread public support for a cause that is actually orchestrated by a hidden sponsor

Answer

Astroturfing is an unethical practice that deceives the public by disguising organized, funded campaigns as spontaneous citizen movements.

Question 2

Which federal body has regulatory authority over truth-in-advertising and disclosure requirements for sponsored content in the US?

Accepted Answer

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Answer

The FTC enforces rules requiring clear and conspicuous disclosure of material connections between advertisers, brands, and content creators.

Question 3

A communications professional who coaches a spokesperson to give technically true but misleading statements to media is violating which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding deception

Answer

Ethics codes prohibit not only outright falsehoods but also deliberately misleading statements, even when each word is technically accurate.

Question 4

The IABC standard of 'professional development' as an ethical obligation means communicators should:

Accepted Answer

Continuously update their skills and knowledge to maintain competence in their field

Answer

Professional development as an ethical duty requires communicators to remain competent as the field evolves, ensuring they can serve clients and employers effectively.

Question 5

When representing an organization in a public controversy, a communicator discovers leadership is concealing material facts. The ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Internally advocate for full disclosure and, if refused, assess whether continued representation is ethically tenable

Answer

Ethical communicators must advocate for transparency internally and, if the organization refuses, must consider whether they can continue to represent it with integrity.

(CCP) Certified Communications Professional Practice Test

(CCP) Certified Communications Professional Practice Test

CCP CCP Ethics & Professional Standards in Communications 2