LITUK Professional Standards and Ethics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'unconscious bias' mean in the context of UK workplace ethics?
- Deliberate discrimination against a colleague
- Attitudes or stereotypes that affect decisions without conscious awareness (Correct answer)
- A formal complaint process in HR departments
- A type of workplace injury claim
Correct answer: Attitudes or stereotypes that affect decisions without conscious awareness
Unconscious bias refers to prejudices and stereotypes that influence professional decisions without a person being aware of them.
Question 2: Under the UK Equality Act 2010, which of the following is NOT listed as a protected characteristic?
- Age
- Disability
- Socioeconomic background (Correct answer)
- Sexual orientation
Correct answer: Socioeconomic background
Socioeconomic background is not one of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, though some organisations voluntarily address it.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'code of conduct' in a UK professional organisation?
- To set dress code requirements for staff
- To outline the ethical standards and behaviours expected of members (Correct answer)
- To define salary structures and pay grades
- To establish pension contribution rates
Correct answer: To outline the ethical standards and behaviours expected of members
A professional code of conduct sets out the ethical principles and standards of behaviour that members of an organisation are expected to uphold.
Question 4: Which legal concept protects UK employees who report illegal activity by their employer from being dismissed?
- Habeas corpus
- Whistleblower protection under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (Correct answer)
- The Data Protection Act 2018
- Employment tribunal arbitration
Correct answer: Whistleblower protection under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects employees (whistleblowers) from retaliation when they report wrongdoing in the public interest.
Question 5: In UK professional ethics, what is meant by 'conflict of interest'?
- A dispute between two employees over the same promotion
- A situation where personal interests could improperly influence professional duties (Correct answer)
- Disagreement between management and trade unions
- Two companies competing for the same contract
Correct answer: A situation where personal interests could improperly influence professional duties
A conflict of interest arises when a professional's personal interests could improperly influence their judgment or actions in their professional role.
Question 6: What does 'reasonable adjustment' mean for employers under the Equality Act 2010?
- Reducing wages to accommodate workplace changes
- Changing working conditions to remove disadvantages faced by disabled employees (Correct answer)
- Allowing all staff to change their working hours
- Providing extra holiday entitlement for older workers
Correct answer: Changing working conditions to remove disadvantages faced by disabled employees
Reasonable adjustments are changes an employer must make to remove or reduce disadvantages experienced by disabled employees or job applicants.
Question 7: Which of the following best reflects the principle of 'integrity' in UK professional standards?
- Completing tasks quickly regardless of quality
- Acting honestly and with strong moral principles even under pressure (Correct answer)
- Following management instructions without question
- Prioritising profit over ethical considerations
Correct answer: Acting honestly and with strong moral principles even under pressure
Professional integrity means consistently acting honestly and morally, even when it is difficult or when dishonesty might go unnoticed.
LITUK Professional Standards and Ethics 3
What does 'unconscious bias' mean in the context of UK workplace ethics?