Situational Judgment and Work Ethics Flashcards

Which of the following best demonstrates integrity in public service?

Answer: Maintaining consistent ethical conduct regardless of who is observing

True integrity in public service means behaving ethically at all times, not just when being observed, as it reflects genuine commitment to public trust.

A coworker consistently takes long lunch breaks, causing you to cover their work. What is the MOST appropriate first step?

Answer: Address the issue directly and professionally with your coworker first

Addressing issues directly with a coworker in a professional manner is the appropriate first step before escalating to management or HR.

You receive an email with a link claiming to be from your agency's IT department asking you to verify your password. What should you do?

Answer: Do not click the link; report it to your agency's IT security team as a potential phishing attempt

Legitimate IT departments never ask for passwords via email; this is a common phishing attack that should be reported to cybersecurity staff.

Which statement best describes the concept of 'conflict of interest' in government service?

Answer: When a personal interest could improperly influence an official decision

A conflict of interest occurs when a government employee's personal interests could compromise their impartiality and objectivity in making official decisions.

You finish your assigned tasks one hour before the end of your shift. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Inform your supervisor and ask if there are additional tasks that need attention

Checking with your supervisor when additional time is available demonstrates initiative and commitment to the team's goals.

A friend who is applying for a government job asks you to put in a good word with the hiring committee. You serve on that committee. What should you do?

Answer: Disclose the relationship to the committee and recuse yourself from evaluating that application

Disclosing personal relationships and recusing yourself from related decisions protects the merit system and demonstrates ethical conduct.