CEA Whistleblower Protection & Reporting 4

Question 1

Which of the following disclosures is NOT typically protected under federal whistleblower statutes?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing confidential information to a competitor to expose wrongdoing

Answer

Disclosing confidential or proprietary information to a competitor is not a protected disclosure and may itself constitute a legal violation.

Question 2

A manager who previously reported misconduct is later excluded from key meetings and given minimal assignments. This is an example of what?

Accepted Answer

Ostracism as a form of workplace retaliation

Answer

Excluding a whistleblower from meetings and reducing responsibilities is a recognized form of retaliatory ostracism and workplace marginalization.

Question 3

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), what type of employee activity related to reporting workplace concerns is protected?

Accepted Answer

Concerted activity where employees act together to address shared workplace concerns

Answer

The NLRA protects concerted activity—collective action by employees to improve their working conditions—including joint complaints about workplace issues.

Question 4

What remedies are typically available to a successful whistleblower retaliation claimant under SOX?

Accepted Answer

Reinstatement, back pay, and attorney's fees

Answer

SOX retaliation remedies include reinstatement to the same seniority, back pay with interest, and compensation for litigation costs including attorney's fees.

Question 5

Which best describes the 'burden-shifting' framework in a whistleblower retaliation case?

Accepted Answer

The complainant first shows protected activity and adverse action; the employer then must prove a legitimate non-retaliatory reason

Answer

In burden-shifting, the complainant establishes a prima facie case of retaliation, then the burden shifts to the employer to articulate a legitimate reason for the adverse action.

(CEA) Certified Ethics Associate Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Ethics Associate Practice Test

CEA Whistleblower Protection & Reporting 4