Ethical Standards & Professional Conduct Flashcards

A visitor tells the ombuds about conduct that, if true, constitutes a serious safety hazard. The visitor insists on strict confidentiality. What should the ombuds do?

Answer: Urge the visitor to report and explain options, while disclosing only in an imminent-serious-harm situation

The IOA standards allow disclosure only when the ombuds perceives imminent risk of serious harm; otherwise, the ombuds encourages the visitor to self-report.

What is the primary purpose of the ombuds maintaining 'informality' in the IOA standards?

Answer: To ensure that using the ombuds does not initiate or constitute formal notice to the organization

The informality standard means that contact with the ombuds does not constitute formal notice to the organization and the ombuds does not make binding decisions.

An ombuds' charter is being revised and leadership wants to add a requirement that the ombuds report all harassment complaints to HR. How should the ombuds respond?

Answer: Oppose the change because it violates the confidentiality and independence standards

Mandatory reporting requirements undermine confidentiality and independence, which are foundational IOA standards that cannot be waived by charter language.

Which of the following is an appropriate action for an ombuds when a visitor requests help drafting a formal grievance letter?

Answer: Decline to draft the letter but offer to explain the grievance process and options

Drafting or filing formal documents on a visitor's behalf crosses into advocacy and bypasses the informality standard; the ombuds can explain processes.

According to IOA ethical standards, the ombuds should keep records in a way that:

Answer: Minimizes identifying information and ensures confidentiality protection

The ombuds must keep records (if any) in a manner that protects confidentiality, minimizing identifying details and controlling access strictly.

A new ombuds is pressured by the CEO to provide a list of the departments from which complaints have originated. What is the correct response?

Answer: Provide aggregate data only if it cannot identify individuals

Truly aggregate, trend-level data that cannot reasonably identify individuals may be shared; however, department-level data in small units can be identifying and must be withheld.

An ombuds who also serves on the organization's ethics committee would be in violation of which IOA standard?

Answer: Independence

Serving on a body that makes organizational decisions violates independence, as the ombuds must remain structurally separate from management decision-making.