CEA Professional Conduct & Organizational Ethics 3

Question 1

Which term describes the gradual erosion of ethical standards within an organization over time?

Accepted Answer

Ethical drift

Answer

Ethical drift occurs when small, incremental compromises accumulate over time, shifting organizational norms away from ethical standards.

Question 2

An employee refuses to follow a supervisor's instruction because it violates company policy. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Ethical courage

Answer

Ethical courage involves standing firm on ethical principles even when facing pressure from authority figures.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key component of an effective organizational ethics program?

Accepted Answer

A confidential reporting mechanism for ethical violations

Answer

A confidential reporting mechanism (such as a hotline) is a foundational element of any effective ethics program.

Question 4

An employee who witnesses misconduct but does nothing because 'everyone does it' is exhibiting which cognitive bias?

Accepted Answer

Social proof

Answer

Social proof is the tendency to assume behavior is acceptable because others are engaging in it, which can normalize unethical conduct.

Question 5

A manager rewards employees based on results alone without regard to how those results were achieved. What ethical concern does this create?

Accepted Answer

It may incentivize unethical means to achieve goals

Answer

When only outcomes are rewarded, employees may feel pressure to use unethical means to meet targets.

(CEA) Certified Ethics Associate Practice Test