GGST - Global General Service UN Core Values and Competencies Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following actions best demonstrates the UN core value of 'Integrity'?
- Completing a task efficiently to meet a tight deadline.
- Voluntarily disclosing a potential conflict of interest in a procurement process. (Correct answer)
- Showing respect for the different working styles of colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.
- Proposing an innovative solution to a long-standing administrative problem.
Correct answer: Voluntarily disclosing a potential conflict of interest in a procurement process.
Integrity involves being honest and fair, and acting in the best interest of the organization. Voluntarily disclosing a potential conflict of interest is a clear demonstration of this value, as it prioritizes fairness and transparency over personal gain.
Question 2: A staff member in your team is struggling to use a new software essential for a joint project, causing delays. To best exhibit the competency of 'Teamwork', you should:
- Advise the team leader to assign the colleague to a different task.
- Complete the colleague's portion of the work yourself to ensure the project stays on schedule.
- Offer to spend some time with the colleague to help them understand the software and share any tips you have learned. (Correct answer)
- Focus on your own tasks and trust that the colleague will eventually learn the new software.
Correct answer: Offer to spend some time with the colleague to help them understand the software and share any tips you have learned.
Teamwork involves working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Offering to help a struggling colleague directly supports them, shares knowledge within the team, and contributes to the overall success of the project, which is the essence of this competency.
Question 3: A General Service staff member is responsible for responding to inquiries from various internal departments. Which of the following behaviors is the strongest example of 'Client Orientation'?
- Processing all requests in the order they are received, regardless of urgency.
- Creating a standard email template to answer all frequently asked questions quickly.
- Listening carefully to a colleague's complex request, asking clarifying questions to ensure full understanding, and providing a thorough and timely response. (Correct answer)
- Forwarding any difficult or unusual inquiries to a supervisor without attempting to find the information first.
Correct answer: Listening carefully to a colleague's complex request, asking clarifying questions to ensure full understanding, and providing a thorough and timely response.
Client Orientation is about identifying and meeting the needs of clients (both internal and external) effectively. Taking the time to fully understand a client's needs through active listening and clarification, and then providing a comprehensive response, is a hallmark of excellent client service.
Question 4: During a team discussion about a new office policy, a colleague makes a comment that could be interpreted as a negative stereotype about a particular nationality. As a staff member committed to 'Respect for Diversity', what is the most appropriate initial response?
- Ignore the comment to avoid creating conflict within the team.
- Immediately and publicly condemn the colleague's comment as discriminatory.
- Report the colleague to Human Resources for misconduct.
- Respectfully challenge the stereotype by saying, 'I think it might be unhelpful to generalize; let's focus on the policy's impact on all staff members.' (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Respectfully challenge the stereotype by saying, 'I think it might be unhelpful to generalize; let's focus on the policy's impact on all staff members.'
Respect for Diversity involves working effectively with people from all backgrounds and challenging stereotypes. The correct response addresses the issue constructively and without aggression, redirecting the conversation to be more inclusive and professional while avoiding personal attacks or escalating the conflict unnecessarily.
Question 5: Which statement best defines the UN competency 'Planning & Organizing'?
- The ability to work cooperatively and supportively with others.
- The ability to identify and prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and allocate resources to achieve goals. (Correct answer)
- The ability to speak and write clearly and effectively.
- The ability to take ownership of all responsibilities and honor commitments.
Correct answer: The ability to identify and prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and allocate resources to achieve goals.
The competency of 'Planning & Organizing' specifically relates to the ability to develop clear goals, prioritize activities, manage time and resources efficiently, and foresee risks to ensure work is completed effectively.
Question 6: A staff member notices that their supervisor has made a significant factual error in a report that is about to be sent to a senior manager. The supervisor is very busy and can sometimes be defensive about feedback. Demonstrating the UN core value of 'Professionalism', the staff member should:
- Correct the error themselves without informing the supervisor.
- Say nothing and assume the supervisor will notice the error later.
- Send an email to the senior manager pointing out the error.
- Privately and respectfully approach the supervisor, pointing out the potential error and offering to help correct it. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Privately and respectfully approach the supervisor, pointing out the potential error and offering to help correct it.
Professionalism includes being conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, showing persistence when faced with difficult problems, and demonstrating professional competence. Approaching the supervisor privately shows respect for their position while ensuring the accuracy and quality of the team's work, which is a core aspect of professionalism.
