Ethics & Professional Conduct Flashcards
7 cards from real COA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethics & Professional Conduct flashcards as text
A coworker asks you to clock them in because they are running late. What is the ethical response?
Answer: Decline and explain it violates company policy
Clocking in for another employee is time fraud and violates workplace ethics policies.
Which behavior best demonstrates professional integrity in an office setting?
Answer: Admitting a mistake to your supervisor before it causes larger problems
Integrity means being honest and accountable, including proactively disclosing mistakes.
What should an office administrator do upon discovering a colleague is accessing confidential client files without authorization?
Answer: Report the incident to the appropriate supervisor or compliance officer
Unauthorized access to confidential files is a security and ethics violation that must be reported through proper channels.
Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest for an office administrator?
Answer: Recommending a vendor owned by a family member without disclosure
Recommending a vendor with undisclosed personal ties creates a conflict between personal gain and professional duty.
An administrator receives a gift from a vendor during the holidays. What is the most ethical action?
Answer: Check company policy on gift acceptance before deciding
Company gift policies vary, and reviewing them ensures compliance and transparency before accepting or refusing.
What does 'professional discretion' mean in an office administration context?
Answer: Handling sensitive information and situations with appropriate judgment and confidentiality
Professional discretion involves exercising sound judgment about what to share, with whom, and when, especially regarding sensitive matters.
If an office administrator suspects a colleague is engaged in embezzlement, what is the proper first step?
Answer: Report the suspicion to a supervisor, HR, or ethics hotline
Suspected financial misconduct should be reported to the appropriate authority rather than handled personally.