Professional Responsibility

Answers and Explanations

A1:	Answer A is correct. Answers B, C, and D are subcategories of the professional obligations category.
A2:	Answer B is correct. Although it is tempting to believe Answers A and D, as a PMI member or candidate, you have a responsibility to report possible violations of the code of professional conduct. Answer C is incorrect because you need to first discuss the situation with Jim, exercising the "reasonable and clear factual basis" rule.
A3:	Answer B is correct. Answer A is tempting, but would be submitting a false report. Answer C is incorrect; you must attend and attain the learning objectives to count PDUs. Answer D is tempting but incorrect because a false report is a violation of the Code of Ethics, but it might not necessarily result in permanent barring from PMI.
A4:	Answer D is correct. Answers A, B, and C are all parts of the Code of Ethics. There is no provision for the evaluation of profits.
A5:	Answer B is correct. Although Answers A and D might be tempting, the appearance of impropriety (A4) is important, and should be disclosed or avoided. Answer C is not necessary unless the cartridge company has done something illegal.
A6:	Answer B is the best answer. Answer A is incorrect because Bob definitely has a conflict of interest. Answers C and D are tempting, and could be options, if the manufacturer feels the conflict is too big. Bob's first step, however, should be to disclose the conflict, and then decisions on actions can be made.
A7:	Answer D is correct. Approaching Ralph is the first step. Answers A and B might be necessary if Ralph refuses to correct the error. Answer C is incorrect because intellectual property needs to be protected in-house as well as in public realms.
A8:	Answer C is correct. Answer A is incorrect because this situation is not a conflict of interest. Answer B might be true, but you are taking credit for someone else's work. Answer D is incorrect because you don't know whether the research was done properly.
A9:	Answer D is correct. Jerry needs to represent his qualifications to the public accurately. This is stated in both the Professional Practices section and Responsibilities to the Public section of the Code of Ethics. Answer A is incorrect; lying is not exaggeration, regardless of how badly Jerry needs a job.
A10:	Answer C is correct. Although Answers A and B might seem to be true, they are not. Answer D is incorrect because applicable laws are not part of the section on responsibilities to the public or customers.
A11:	Answer C is correct. This type of problem occurs often in business and is tricky because it can end with a confrontation and possible job loss. No job, however, is more important than your integrity. Answer A is incorrect unless his boss has new data that would change the ROI significantly. Answer B is incorrect because it is not the best approach to a situation. Answer D is also incorrect because it is unlikely that any disclaimer will be allowed into a project proposal.
A12:	Answer D is correct. This is in the preamble to the Member Code of Ethics. Answers A, B, and C are byproducts of ethical behavior.
A13:	Answer B is correct. Although opportunities arise often in which we have industry information without causing confidentiality problems, this is a case in which a competitor wants a similar product. The likelihood that confidentiality will be breached is very high. Answers A and D are tempting because we are often asked as PMs to do projects within the same industry. Answer C is possible, but not likely.
A14:	Answer B is correct. Answers A and C are incorrect because you are taking financial advantage of confidential information, which is considered an ethics violation. Answer D is incorrect and tricky because it is an alternative use of the word sanction. The question asks whether PMI would sanction the behavior, using the verb, meaning approve. Answer D talks about sanctions, (nouns) or punishments.
A15:	Answer A is correct. Under professional behavior, A1 timely and full disclosure is a requirement of members. Answer B is incorrect because a 10% ownership is significant and can affect stock values. This is also a conflict of interest for Richard to be working for a competing company. Answers C and D are not correct in any way. Neither employment nor the strategic nature of a project are factors in disclosure decisions.
A16:	Answer C is correct. Answer A is incorrect because, although PMI approves of obeying local customs, it does not approve of breaking the law. Because Iman works for a U.S. company, he is subject to U.S. laws. Answers B and D are incorrect because they are trying to use other ways to justify the bribe.
A17:	Answer C is correct. To use rebar that has a risk of failure could put the public in danger. This is a violation of Member Standards of Conduct C2: relationship to the public and global community for PMI members to perform their work in conformance to professional standards to ensure the public is protected from harm. Answer A is incorrect because the cost benefit is not detailed in the question. Answer B is incorrect because it is improper to do the wrong thing, even when the sponsor wants it. Answer D is incorrect because it does not absolve Ben of his responsibilities.
A18:	Answer D is correct. Although Answers A and C might be true, Joe is still misrepresenting his research, and is violating A3 of the member standards. Answer B is incorrect because it is not true. The research should not be considered valid for the pool industry.
A19:	Answer D is correct. Although this can happen, meeting your financial goals should be considered in your rate and contract type negotiations. Answers A and B are incorrect because they are not accurately reporting the time worked. Answer C is incorrect because you were not contracted to provide additional workyou should not do it, nor should you bill for it. Answers A, B, and C are violations of Member Standards of Conduct B1.
A20:	Answer A is correct. Due to confidentiality of assignments undertaken and identities (B2), Randy would have to get permission to mention or use them. Answers B and C are probably things an editor would do after permission is granted. Answer D is incorrect because it would be the last resort.
A21:	Answer C is correct. This type of gift could provide an unfair advantage to the supplier. Answer A is incorrect because, even if other customers go, you still have a responsibility not to. Answer B is incorrect because an event can be a gift. Answer D is incorrect because your predecessor should not have gone either.
A22:	Answer D is correct and the best answer. Conventions are venues for sharing information. Because the dinner is not specific to you individually, and you will be seeing a demo, there is no ethics violation. Answer C might be true, but it is not the best answer. Answers A and B are incorrect because there is no impropriety in attending events such as this when attending a convention.
A23:	Answer D is correct. See A5 of the Member Standards of Conduct. Answers A, B, and C might be true, but they are not the best answers.
A24:	Answer D is correct. Ron is actually violating B1 of the Member Standards of Conduct. He is not accurately providing complete information in his estimates. Ron is factoring in contingency by ballparking an additional 300%. Ron might have used a bottom-up approach, but we don't know. In any case, he should provide a plus or minus % in his estimate.
A25:	Answer A is correct. By implying Havert is having financial difficulties, Ellen has crossed the line and violated PMI member ethics. Answer B is not true. Answers C and D are incorrect because Havert's confidentiality has not been violated.
A26:	Answer C is correct. Gregg has performed his work consistently with Professional Standards C2, and therefore is not in violation of the ethics code. This is a fine line because there was the potential to cause harm. However, because he had the findings reviewed and the risk was considered negligible, he is in compliance. Answer A is incorrect because there is adequate information. Answer B is not possible because due diligence was done and the circuit was approved. Answer D is incorrect because Gregg conformed to professional standards.
A27:	Answer B is correct. According to the PMI member ethics case procedures general provisions, only PMI has the authority to resolve and end an ethics matter.
A28:	Answer B is correct. The ethics policy is designed to operate without the assistance of attorneys (general provisions 1, second paragraph).
A29:	Answer B is correct. PMI reserves the right to continue a matter to a final binding resolution (general provisions A9).
A30:	Answer A is correct. Answers B, C, and D are not requirements of submitting an ethics complaint.
A31:	Answer D is correct. PMI can use these and several other disciplinary actions for violations of the ethics code (D8 of the Member Code of Ethics).
A32:	Answer D is correct. Answers A, B, and C all have elements of the definition, but not the complete definition. See the PMI Confidentiality Operations policy.
A33:	Answer A is the best answer. This is a difficult question. PMI only governs PMI members and applicants. Answer B could possibly be construed as correct too, but because the question was not clear about his PMI membership status, Answer A is the best choice. Answers C and D pose possible actions but, again, his PMI status is in question, thus making Answer A the better answer here, as well.
A34:	Answer A is correct. See the PMI Conflict of Interest policy. Answers B, C, and D are all legitimate transactions.
A35:	Answer C is correct. Although Answer A is correct, B.J. can still consider her company as long as full disclosure and fair assessment is done. Answer B is incorrect because B.J.'s financial position in his sister's company is irrelevant. Answer D is incorrect.
A36:	Answer B is correct. Answers A and C are incorrect because Robert has no responsibility to Jeff, even though they are friends. Answer D is tempting because that is what Robert should do if he receives an inquiry, but it is not the best answer because the question does state that Jeff asked for the information.
A37:	Answer A is correct from a PMI perspective. Answer B is incorrect because the question does not state whether the information is public. Answer C is incorrect because confidentiality does not depend upon the public or private status of a company. Answer D is not the best answer.
A38:	Answer C is correct and the best answer. Answer A is incorrect because even though her team gave her input, Joan made the decision. Answers B and D are not the best answers. Joan needs to accept responsibility for her decisions and actions.
A39:	Answer A is the best answer. Answers B and C are incorrect and bad practices, although they are often used as justification. Answer D might be true, but it is not part of the question information.
A40:	Answer A is the correct answer. Even though Jane is complying to the letter of the policy, the intent is clearly not to allow for double reimbursement of expenses. This is a violation of B1 of the ethics code.
A41:	Answer A is correct. Answer B is incorrect because, although this behavior is often typical, and considered no big deal, it costs corporations millions. Answer C is tempting, but not realistic. To report him to PMI, you would have to have factual documentation. Answer D is tempting because you don't know whether he really took them for himself, but the question states otherwise.
A42:	Answer B is correct. When workers feel undervalued or their perception of the organization's requirements is out of sync with their personal values, they can engage in retaliatory behavior such as stealing, lying, and cheating. Answer A is incorrect and is a term associated with grown children returning to live with their parents. Answers C and D are incorrect because Theories X and Y are about types of organizational behaviors.
A43:	Answer C is correct. Answer A is incorrect because when two sets of ethics collide, you have incongruence. Answer B is incorrect because developing a code of ethics is simply a starting point for developing organizational ethics. Answer D is incorrect for the same reason.
A44:	Answer A is correct. Answer B is incorrect because behaving honestly and following organizational policies is part of the PMI Code of Ethics. Answer C cannot be determined because we do not know what sites interest her personally. Answer D is not correct because we know she is simply noting them, and not using them during work hours.
A45:	Answer C is correct. Answers A, B, and D are all incorrect because Carol is using a project resource (worker time) for her personal gain.
A46:	Answer B is correct. Dwayne has no conflict of interest as long as he is not speaking for a specific supplier. Honorariums and expenses are a common incentive for speakers. Answer A is incorrect because there is no conflict of interest. Answer C is also incorrect because accepting an honorarium and expenses is neither illegal nor unethical. Answer D is incorrect for the same reasons.
A47:	Answer B is correct. An ordinal scale is rank-ordered values. Answer A is incorrect because a probability scale is between 0 and 1. Answer C is incorrect because a cardinal scale assigns values to impacts. Answer D is incorrect because linear and nonlinear values are used in cardinal scales.
A48:	Answer A is correct. By aggregating the data, Lawrence is not disclosing personal information. Further, keeping the source data records of the research is good practice and encouraged. Answer B is incorrect. You might do it and find out you are wrong. Answer C is incorrect because Lawrence is not violating the privacy concerns of the individuals. Answer D is incorrect because privacy is of concern to PMI (Standards of Ethics B2).
A49:	Answer C is correct. Answer A is incorrect because the friendship does not create a conflict of interest. There might be an appearance of impropriety depending on the depth of the relationship between Mike and Jack, but not a conflict of interest. This could be a gray area if the relationship was very strong. Answer B is incorrect because friendship does not pose a conflict of interest. Answer D is incorrect for the same reason.
A50:	Answer C is correct. Gordon has properly given Jeff credit for his work. Answer A is incorrect because verbal permission is sufficient. Answer B is incorrect because the font size of the attribution is not defined by PMI. Answer D is incorrect because permissions do not have to be in writing.
A51:	Answer C is correct. Peter clearly has experience in systems security, or he would not have been running a project for two years in the field. The amount of information learned in that two years could indeed have made him an expert. Therefore, Peter is fully within his rights to advertise as an expert. Answer A is incorrect because the CISSP certification is an indication of expertise, but not necessarily the only qualification for it. Answer B is incorrect because we do have adequate information. Answer D is incorrect because what Peter thinks is immaterial to the issue.
A52:	Answer D is correct. Just because Nick doesn't take classes for two years doesn't mean he hasn't put the effort into enhancing his professional capabilities. Therefore, Answer A is incorrect. Answer B is true, but not the best answer. Answer C is incorrect because Nick is meeting PMI requirements.
A53:	Answer A is correct. Charlie did not fully disclose the nature of how his services would be performed. This is truly the difference between legally correct and ethically correct. Answer B is incorrect because, although Charlie has done nothing wrong legally, he has ethically. Answer C is incorrect because Charlie clearly implied he would be the project manager. Answer D is incorrect because the timing of the project is not at issue, just the fact that Charlie substituted someone else without telling AAA Lock Company.
A54:	Answer C is correct. Answers A and D are incorrect because the information was public; therefore, Kyle could have accessed it himself. Answer B is tricky because we do not know whether Steve got the information from an intranet or extranet website. Therefore, it is not the best answer.
A55:	Answer A is correct. If there is no ethics policy, Jennifer could still confront Isaac and try to educate him on conflicts of interest and kickbacks. Answer B is incorrect because Jennifer should confirm the facts with Isaac first. Answer C is incorrect because PMI has no advisory personnel for this type of issue. Answer D is incorrect for the same reason as Answer B.
A56:	Answer D is correct. Answers A and B are incorrect because they are citing the wrong section of the Member Standards of Conduct. Answer C is incorrect because if Don did see inadequacies in Frank's work, he should work with Frank to help Frank to improve.
A57:	Answer B is correct. A complainant must cooperate with PMI requests during an ethics review. Answer A is incorrect for the same reason. Answer C is incorrect because PMI can pursue an ethics violation review to completion. Answer D is incorrect because Henry is not violating anyone's privacy.
A58:	Answer D is correct. The member standard of conduct is not meant to be misused. A test of reasonableness and a review of intent with any ethics matter is crucial.
A59:	Answer C is correct and hinges on the definition of a community. A business organization can be considered a community. Answer A may or may not be truewe do not know, so therefore it is incorrect. Answer B is incorrect because the organization prohibits it. Answer D is incorrect because we do not know the nature of Larry's job or whether he is putting the public in jeopardy.
A60:	Answer A is correct. PMI requires that members honor all legal and ethical obligations. Answer B is correct legally, but not ethically. Answer C might be true, but does not answer the ethical question. Answer D is not true because a truly savvy business person knows that ethical behavior pays off far better in the long run.