1.
Conducting personal business on company time (sending personal messages on company email; taking a longer lunch break to run errands).
Correct Answer
C. Clearly Unethical (the wrong thing to do)
Explanation
Conducting personal business on company time, such as sending personal messages on company email or taking a longer lunch break to run errands, is clearly unethical and the wrong thing to do. It goes against the principles of professionalism and respect for the employer's time and resources. Engaging in personal activities during work hours can negatively impact productivity and can be considered a breach of trust. It is important to prioritize work responsibilities and use company resources solely for work-related purposes.
2.
Using or taking company supplies for personal purposes (tape for gift wrapping, making Xerox copies for your child's schoolwork)
Correct Answer
C. Clearly Unethical (the wrong thing to do)
Explanation
Using or taking company supplies for personal purposes is clearly unethical and the wrong thing to do. It is an abuse of company resources and goes against ethical principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for property. Employees should use company supplies only for work-related purposes and not for personal gain or convenience. Taking supplies for personal use can lead to wastage, increased costs for the company, and potential disciplinary actions. It is important to prioritize ethical behavior and respect the boundaries between personal and professional use of company resources.
3.
Calling in sick when you are heading for a day at the beach to swim.
Correct Answer
C. Clearly Unethical
Explanation
Calling in sick when you are heading for a day at the beach to swim is clearly unethical. It involves dishonesty and deception towards one's employer. By falsely claiming to be sick, the individual is betraying the trust placed in them and potentially causing inconvenience or disruption to their colleagues and workplace. This behavior goes against ethical principles such as honesty, integrity, and respect for others. It is important to prioritize transparency and honesty in professional relationships, and calling in sick for personal leisure is a breach of those values.
4.
Telling or passing along an ethnically or sexually-oriented joke.
Correct Answer
C. Clearly Unethical
Explanation
Telling or passing along an ethnically or sexually-oriented joke is considered clearly unethical. This behavior promotes discrimination, stereotypes, and can offend or harm individuals based on their ethnicity or gender. It goes against the principles of respect, equality, and inclusivity, and contributes to a negative and harmful environment. Such jokes perpetuate harmful attitudes and can create a hostile atmosphere for those targeted. Therefore, it is important to refrain from engaging in or promoting such behavior.
5.
Bad-mouthing the company or management to people outside the company.
Correct Answer
C. Clearly unethical
Explanation
Bad-mouthing the company or management to people outside the company is considered clearly unethical. This behavior undermines the reputation and trust of the company, creating a negative image. It shows a lack of loyalty and professionalism, as well as a disregard for confidentiality. Sharing negative information about the company or management with external parties can harm relationships and potentially lead to legal consequences. Therefore, engaging in such behavior is clearly unethical.
6.
Calling a customer to report a small billing error that will require your company to give them a refund.
Correct Answer
A. Clearly Ethical
Explanation
Calling a customer to report a small billing error and offering them a refund is clearly ethical. It shows honesty, transparency, and a commitment to rectifying mistakes. By taking responsibility for the error and proactively reaching out to the customer, the company demonstrates integrity and a customer-centric approach. This action helps to build trust and maintain a positive relationship with the customer.
7.
Which of the following actions is considered a violation of business ethics?
Correct Answer
B. Offering bribes to secure a business contract
Explanation
Offering bribes to secure a business contract: This is clearly unethical as it undermines fair competition and integrity.
8.
Explaining behavior on the job with "nobody told me not to do this".
Correct Answer
B. Clearly unethical
Explanation
That's why they have "New Hire Training" and a company policy handbook -- you are responsible for understanding everything in the handbook.
9.
Failing to follow through on something promised by a date and time, without negotiating the deadline.
Correct Answer
C. Clearly unethical
Explanation
Failing to follow through on something promised without negotiating the deadline is considered clearly unethical. This behavior shows a lack of integrity and respect for others' time and expectations. It can lead to broken trust and damage relationships. Honoring commitments and communicating any challenges or changes in a timely manner is essential for maintaining ethical behavior in personal and professional settings.
10.
Engaging in negative gossip or spreading rumors about someone you work with.
Correct Answer
C. Clearly unethical
Explanation
Engaging in negative gossip or spreading rumors about someone you work with is clearly unethical. It goes against professional conduct and can harm the reputation and relationships within the workplace. Such behavior creates a toxic work environment, undermines trust, and can lead to negative consequences for both the person being gossiped about and the person engaging in the gossip. It is important to maintain a respectful and supportive work environment, and spreading rumors goes against these principles.