Question 1

Jane Smithson's 13-year-old son has an essay due in school tomorrow. Her son has been ill and unable to finish the essay. Jane felt it best to let her son go to sleep so that he could return to school tomorrow. Jane writes the essay for her son. Jane has concluded her writing the essay was justified and necessary. Into which school of ethical theories would Jane fall?
A) Virtue ethics
B) Categorical imperative and Kant
C) Moral relativism
D) Divine command

Accepted Answer

Jane's decision is based on the context and circumstances, aligning with moral relativism, which suggests that what is considered morally right or wrong can vary depending on the situation, rather than adhering to absolute moral laws.

Question 2

Professor Reba McGintry is the head of the Student Conduct Board. Charges have been brought against three students who are also members of the university basketball team. The charges are based on the criminal charges brought by the local district attorney against the three men for sexual assault. Professor McGintry's husband was one of the staff attorneys in the DA's office who made the decision to go forward with the prosecution. Professor McGintry:
A) Can proceed with the hearing because the two matters are unrelated.
B) Can proceed with the hearing because of marital privilege.
C) Must excuse herself from the students' hearing because of a conflict of interest.
D) Has no conflict, but her husband does.
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Professor McGintry has a conflict of interest due to her husband's involvement in the prosecution of the case. This could potentially affect her impartiality and the fairness of the hearing. Therefore, it would be best for her to recuse herself from the hearing to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Question 3

Jeff Sanders, head of finance for Components, Inc. has just interviewed Laura Dern, an employee from the finance department of InChip, Components' chief competitor. Laura has explained that she has been passed over one too many times for a promotion at InChip and is thus in the job market. As Laura is leaving she whispers to Jeff, "Look, I have no contract at InChip that obligates me in anyway. I can begin immediately. Further, I have been able to obtain copies of our newest computer chip designs. You'll have them before InChip even begins production."
A) Jeff should hire Laura on the spot without any worries about ethical breaches since Laura is not under contract.
B) Jeff's hiring of Laura may constitute an ethical breach, but would not constitute illegal conduct.
C) Jeff should not hire Laura, and must analyze the issue of whether to disclose Laura's conduct to InChip.
D) Jeff should not hire Laura and need not worry about Laura's conduct and its impact on InChip.

Accepted Answer

Jeff should not hire Laura because her offer to provide him with confidential information about InChip's newest computer chip designs would violate the principle of honesty and trustworthiness. The information would be considered a trade secret and is protected under intellectual property laws, and any disclosure or use of such information without InChip's consent could lead to legal action against Jeff and Components, Inc. Additionally, Jeff should consider the potential harm to his company's reputation if they become known for unethical behavior.

Jeff may also have an obligation to disclose Laura's conduct to InChip, as failing to do so could be seen as aiding and abetting in the misappropriation of trade secrets, and may also constitute a breach of fiduciary duty. However, the decision to disclose should be made after carefully considering the legal and ethical implications, especially if Jeff has evidence to back up Laura's offer.

Question 4

A radar detector:
A) If purchased legally, is not an unethical device.
B) If used only in those states in which they are permitted is an ethical device.
C) Is a legal and ethical tool for circumventing speed limits.
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The use of a radar detector is illegal in some states and/or countries and can contribute to reckless driving behavior. Therefore, it is not an ethical tool. While it may not be illegal in certain locations, it still goes against the spirit of following traffic laws and safety.

Question 5

A professor for one of your courses has assigned reading materials from various publications. He tells you that the materials are on reserve and that each student should go and copy the materials individually. He notes that for him to copy the materials for students and then sell them or distribute them would be a violation of copyright law. The professor's conduct:
A) Is unethical and violates copyright law as well.
B) Is something everyone does and is accepted behavior.
C) Does not really harm anyone.
D) Is acceptable in an academic setting.

Accepted Answer

The professor's conduct is unethical and violates copyright law. Copying and distributing copyrighted materials without permission is illegal and can result in legal consequences. It is the responsibility of the students to access the materials on reserve individually or through legal means. The fact that others may engage in this behavior does not make it acceptable or legal. As an academic setting, it is important to prioritize ethical and legal conduct.

Question 6

An ad contains the following: "Restaurant Critic, Jose Winfrey, on Mama Leone's Italian Eatery, 'Mama Leone's is simply the best. It is a surprising new entrant into the competitive Italian bistro market and it is a mighty one.'"   Jose Winfrey is the cousin of the owner of Mama Leone's and knows restaurants, but is not a critic for any publication or other media outlet. The ad:
A) Creates a false impression.
B) Raises no ethical questions.
C) Is legal and ethical because it doesn't state where he is a critic.
D) Both b and c
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The ad creates a false impression by presenting Jose Winfrey as a legitimate restaurant critic when in fact he is not affiliated with any media outlet or publication. This misleads the audience and may influence their decision to dine at Mama Leone's.

Question 7

The use of the HOV or car pool lane has shifted with pregnant women, toddlers in car seats, and use of the lane if no one is in it even during prohibited hours. Which of the following best describes the evolution of the HOV or car pool lane?
A) The norm has shifted
B) The purpose of the rule is not clear, so there is no ethical issue on interpretations by individual drivers on use
C) The car pool lane is an arbitrary regulation that can be disregarded
D) Both b and c

Accepted Answer

The statement implies that the use of the HOV or car pool lane has evolved from its original purpose of reducing traffic congestion by promoting carpooling to a more flexible and inclusive norm that accommodates pregnant women, toddlers in car seats, and drivers who use the lane outside of prohibited hours. This suggests that the norm has shifted over time, indicating that the evolution of the HOV or car pool lane is best described by choice A. Choices B and C are incorrect because they suggest that the rule is either unclear or arbitrary, which is not supported by the information provided.

Question 8

Stephen Ambrose, a popular historian with many books to his credit, admitted that some segments of one of his recent books had language taken from the books of other historians that was not in quotes. Mr. Ambrose did footnote the work of authors he relied upon in doing his book.
A) The work of an author is protected by copyright laws.
B) The use of quotes without attribution is not a violation of the law.
C) The use of the material is fair use and need not be footnoted.
D) Both b and c
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The work of an author is protected by copyright laws, which means using someone else's language without proper quotation and attribution can be a violation, even if the source is footnoted.

Question 9

An application for graduate school admission at Arizona State University includes the following request for information: Please list all institutions attended since graduation from high school. Marie Davis, a returning student, is applying for admissions to the Masters in Architecture program. Marie attended the University of Arizona for one semester in 1976. Marie had a substance abuse problem and did not attend many of her classes. She left the University of Arizona before classes ended that semester. She did not take her final exams and earned 15 credit hours of "E" for that semester. After 8 years, the policy of the University of Arizona is to expunge the records of non-matriculating students. Marie's record was expunged in December 1994.
A) Marie need not disclose her attendance at the University of Arizona.
B) Marie should disclose her attendance at the University of Arizona.
C) Since Marie did not matriculate according to the University, she did not attend the University of Arizona.
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Marie should disclose her attendance at the University of Arizona. Although her record was expunged after 8 years, she still attended the institution and earned credit hours. It is better to disclose all institutions attended since high school, even if the records were expunged. It shows honesty and transparency in the application process. Not disclosing this information could potentially harm Marie's credibility and chances of admission if it is later discovered.

Question 10

Which of the following is not a conflict of interest?
A) A doctor's referral of a patient to an x-ray lab that he owns for a full work-up without disclosing his ownership interest
B) A purchasing agent's failure to disclose a 22% ownership interest in a supplier that would be chosen anyway
C) A bank officer's solicitation of a charitable contribution for a non-profit organization of which he is a member from a customer with a large line of credit up for renewal in 30 days
D) All of the above are conflicts of interest

Accepted Answer

Each scenario involves a situation where personal interests could improperly influence, or appear to influence, professional decisions or actions, which defines a conflict of interest.

Question 11

James Dodgsen is a student in a graduate course in business. The professor in the course has given Dodgsen and his classmates a surprise quiz in class. Dodgsen did not do the reading for class that day because he had been grading papers as part of his TA position. He has been prepared for every other class that semester. As he glances as the quiz questions, he realizes that he does not know any of the answers. However, he sees that Jane Frampton, the student who sits next to him, is well prepared and answering the questions with great ease. He can see her answers because of her large, block-style printing. Dodgsen copies her answers.
A) Dodgsen is justified in using the answers because the pop quiz was unfair.
B) Dodgsen is justified in using the answers because he was fulfilling his TA responsibilities instead of preparing for class.
C) Dodgsen is justified in using the answers if he intends to read the material eventually.
D)   Dodgsen has been dishonest.
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Dodgsen has engaged in dishonest behavior by copying Jane's answers without her knowledge or consent. It is his responsibility to come to class prepared, and his failure to do so does not excuse his actions. Additionally, his TA responsibilities do not justify cheating. It is important for Dodgsen to take responsibility for his actions and make a plan to ensure he is adequately prepared for future classes.

Question 12

Which of the following would be a breach of trust and ethics?
A) Sharing a new product idea with a prospective employer
B) Leaving your current employment for a higher paying job
C) Leaving your current employment for a job with more flexibility
D) Taking the skills you have learned at a current job to a new job
E) All of the above are breaches of trust and ethics

Accepted Answer

Sharing a new product idea with a prospective employer without permission can be considered a breach of trust and ethics, as it may involve disclosing confidential information that belongs to the current employer.

Question 13

Beth Williams is an exercise physiologist who serves as an expert consultant for Women's Walkers, Inc., a shoe company specializing in manufacturing walking shoes for women. Dr. Williams is paid an annual consulting fee along with additional fees for drafting reports and making media and public appearances for the company. Executive Woman , a national magazine, has asked Dr. Williams to serve as one of three experts on a panel that will evaluate the full market range of women's walking shoes. Dr. Williams will be paid a consulting fee by Executive Woman as well.
A) Dr. Williams has a conflict of interest and should decline the Executive Woman offer.
B) Dr. Williams can participate in the Executive Woman panel so long as her affiliation with Women's Walkers is disclosed.
C) Dr. Williams can participate in the Executive Woman panel if she waives her fee.
D) Dr. Williams is an academic with no conflict of interest and can participate in the Executive Woman panel.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Beth Williams is an exercise physiologist who...

Question 14

Mary Pickford is an analyst for Munford Stanley, an investment banker. She has touted the stock, an initial primary offering (IPO), of an obscure biotech firm as a "must buy." Munford Stanley is the underwriter for the IPO. Pickford:
A) Does not have a conflict of interest.
B) Has a conflict of interest, but it is acceptable in IPOs.
C) Has a conflict of interest that must be disclosed to all purchasers.
D) Does not have a conflict of interest, but Munford Stanley does.
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Mary Pickford has a conflict of interest because she is an analyst for Munford Stanley, which is the underwriter for the IPO. Her recommendation to buy the stock may be biased due to her employer's involvement in the offering. Therefore, she must disclose this conflict of interest to all purchasers.

Question 15

Mary Pickford is an analyst for Munford Stanley, an investment banker. She has touted the stock, an initial primary offering (IPO), of an obscure biotech firm as a "must buy."  Suppose that Pickford already owns an interest in the biotech firm, but Munford Stanley is not the underwriter. Pickford:
A) Does not have a conflict of interest.
B) Has a conflict of interest, but it is acceptable in IPOs.
C) Has a conflict of interest that must be disclosed to all purchasers.
D) Does not have a conflict of interest, but Munford Stanley does.
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Mary Pickford has a conflict of interest since she already owns an interest in the biotech firm and is recommending it to others. She must disclose this conflict of interest to all purchasers to ensure transparency and fair dealing. Munford Stanley may or may not have a conflict of interest depending on their relationship with the biotech firm.

Question 16

You had quite a night last night of partying. Because of excessive drinking, you are unable to get to work today. When you call your supervisor you:
A) Should just say you have the flu.
B) Should just say you are sick.
C) Should disclose the prior night's activity.
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

It's always best to be honest in the workplace. Your supervisor deserves to know the truth and the reason for your absence. Additionally, if your behavior impacts your job performance or the company, it's better to address it upfront instead of trying to hide it. However, it's important to be professional and respectful when disclosing this information.

Question 17

Which of the following is not a question in the Laura Nash model for resolution of ethical dilemmas?
A) Could I discuss this issue with the parties affected?
B) What are my intentions in taking this action?
C) Could I discuss this action with my family and friends?
D) Is it legal?
E) All of the above are part of the Nash model.

Accepted Answer

"Is it legal?" is not a question in the Laura Nash model for resolution of ethical dilemmas. The other options listed are all part of the model.

Question 18

Into which of the following categories do patent and copyright infringement fall?
A) Conflict of interest
B) Balancing ethical dilemmas
C) Organizational abuse
D) Interpersonal abuse
E) Taking things that don't belong to you

Accepted Answer

Patent and copyright infringement fall under the category of "Taking things that don't belong to you" because they involve using someone else's intellectual property without permission.

Question 19

Medical Purchasing Agents (MPC) is a company that represents groups of hospitals as their agents for purchasing medical supplies. MPC is able to obtain discounts for the hospital group because of their sheer volume needs when they are grouped together. MPC's CEO, CFO and general counsel own 51% of the stock of a company called Medi-Pump. Medi-Pump is the sole supplier to the hospitals for feeding pumps, IV pumps and other forms of hi-tech medical pumps and supplies. MPC has negotiated a low-cost supply contract from Medi-Pump to the hospitals. MPC:
A) Has served its customers well with the Medi-Pump contract.
B) Has a conflict because of its ownership of Medi-Pump.
C) Cannot have a conflict so long as the Medi-Pump price is lowest.
D) Cannot have a conflict because it represents groups of hospitals.
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

MPC has a conflict of interest because its CEO, CFO, and general counsel own 51% of Medi-Pump, the sole supplier to the hospitals for hi-tech medical pumps and supplies. This ownership could influence MPC's negotiations and decision-making processes, potentially resulting in higher profits for Medi-Pump at the expense of the hospital group. Even if the Medi-Pump contract currently provides low-cost supplies, the conflict remains a concern.

Question 20

When answering the question, "What did you do in the past year that bothers you?", most people respond:
A) Nothing.
B) With an example of an ethical issue.
C) With an example of violation of the law.
D) With an explanation that they do not understand the question.

Accepted Answer

It is more likely that people will remember and feel guilty about ethical issues they faced in the past year rather than violating the law. It is also a common question asked in job interviews to assess a person's ethical values and decision-making skills.

Quiz 1: Ethical Theory, Philosophical Foundations, Our Reasoning Flaws, and Types of Ethical Dilemmas

A radar detector:

The use of the HOV or car pool lane has shifted with pregnant women, toddlers in car seats, and use of the lane if no one is in it even during prohibited hours. Which of the following best describes the evolution of the HOV or car pool lane?

Stephen Ambrose, a popular historian with many books to his credit, admitted that some segments of one of his recent books had language taken from the books of other historians that was not in quotes. Mr. Ambrose did footnote the work of authors he relied upon in doing his book.

Which of the following is not a conflict of interest?

Which of the following would be a breach of trust and ethics?

Mary Pickford is an analyst for Munford Stanley, an investment banker. She has touted the stock, an initial primary offering (IPO) , of an obscure biotech firm as a "must buy." Munford Stanley is the underwriter for the IPO. Pickford:

Mary Pickford is an analyst for Munford Stanley, an investment banker. She has touted the stock, an initial primary offering (IPO) , of an obscure biotech firm as a "must buy." Suppose that Pickford already owns an interest in the biotech firm, but Munford Stanley is not the underwriter. Pickford:

You had quite a night last night of partying. Because of excessive drinking, you are unable to get to work today. When you call your supervisor you:

Which of the following is not a question in the Laura Nash model for resolution of ethical dilemmas?

Into which of the following categories do patent and copyright infringement fall?

When answering the question, "What did you do in the past year that bothers you?", most people respond: