Ethical Standards & Professional Conduct Flashcards

An ombuds discovers during a visitor conversation that the visitor has been falsely accused. The visitor asks the ombuds to contact HR directly and set the record straight. What should the ombuds do?

Answer: Decline to act on the visitor's behalf while exploring options the visitor can pursue

The informality standard prohibits the ombuds from acting as an advocate; the ombuds helps the visitor identify options rather than intervening directly.

Which IOA Standard of Practice requires that the ombuds not reveal records identifying visitors without consent?

Answer: Confidentiality

The Confidentiality standard requires that the ombuds not reveal identifying information about visitors or their communications without permission.

A senior executive asks the ombuds to confirm whether a specific employee has visited the office. What is the correct response?

Answer: Decline to confirm or deny whether any particular person has visited

Confidentiality requires the ombuds to neither confirm nor deny that any specific individual has visited, even to senior leadership.

An ombuds serves on a university campus. A faculty member is their close personal friend and files a complaint. What is the most ethical course of action?

Answer: Recuse from the case and refer the visitor to another resource

Impartiality requires the ombuds to recuse when a personal relationship could reasonably compromise neutrality.

Under the IOA Code of Ethics, what does the principle of 'independence' primarily protect?

Answer: The ombuds' ability to operate free from organizational interference in handling matters

Independence ensures the ombuds can operate without control or interference from any part of the organization, preserving impartial functioning.

An ombuds is subpoenaed to testify in court about a visitor's communications. Which action best aligns with ethical obligations?

Answer: Assert the ombuds' privilege and work with legal counsel to resist disclosure

The ombuds should assert the confidentiality privilege and work with counsel to resist compelled disclosure, even when subpoenaed.

Which behavior would MOST undermine an ombuds' impartiality when dealing with a complaint against management?

Answer: Privately expressing agreement with the visitor that management acted wrongly

Privately taking sides and expressing agreement with one party violates the impartiality standard, even if done informally.