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Quizzes > Business & Finance

Work Ethic Test: Make the Right Call at Work

Quick, free workplace ethics quiz with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Chris MasonUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of office scenes with cash tally sheets and employees debating ethics on golden yellow background

This work ethic quiz helps you judge tough calls at work, from cash discrepancies to conduct and accountability. Get instant results and simple tips you can use today. If you want more practice, try our business ethics quiz or explore the corporate true or false quiz for a broader view.

What is the primary purpose of a company's code of ethics?
To increase quarterly profits
To attract new investors
To guide employee behavior and decision-making
To replace government regulations
A company's code of ethics provides a framework for employees to follow when making decisions, promoting consistent behavior aligned with the organization's values and standards. It helps prevent misconduct by setting clear expectations for acceptable actions. By outlining principles and standards, it supports a culture of integrity and accountability. For more information, see .
Which action best demonstrates employee accountability?
Taking credit for a colleague's work
Delegating tasks to others
Admitting and correcting a mistake
Avoiding responsibilities when busy
Admitting errors and taking steps to correct them shows responsibility for one’s actions, reinforcing trust and transparency. This behavior supports a culture where employees own outcomes, both positive and negative. Encouraging accountability can reduce repeat errors and improve team performance. For further reading, see .
What is the first step a manager should take upon discovering a cash discrepancy in a register?
Ignore and assume it's a one-time error
Review transaction records and receipts
Fire the cashier immediately
Refund customers for missing amounts
Investigating transaction records and receipts helps determine the source and cause of a discrepancy before taking further action. This step ensures that decisions are based on facts rather than assumptions. Proper review can reveal procedural gaps or errors in handling. More details can be found at .
Which control measure is most effective in preventing workplace fraud involving cash handling?
Allowing single-person cash drawer access
Implementing dual control over cash handling
Increasing petty cash without oversight
Eliminating cash audits
Dual control ensures that two employees share responsibility for handling and reconciling cash, reducing the opportunity for misappropriation. This segregation of duties is a foundational anti-fraud measure. It creates checks and balances by requiring oversight at every step. For more on fraud prevention, see .
Who is considered a whistleblower in a corporate setting?
A manager enforcing compliance rules
A person who handles customer complaints
An employee who reports organizational wrongdoing to authorities
A staff member receiving a performance bonus
A whistleblower is someone within an organization who exposes illegal, unethical, or incorrect practices to internal or external parties. This role is vital for transparency and accountability. Many laws protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Learn more at .
Under most company policies, gifts exceeding which value must typically be disclosed to management?
$100
$10
$500
$50
Many organizations set a disclosure threshold around $100 to prevent conflicts of interest and undue influence. Employees must report gifts above this value to maintain transparency. This policy helps uphold fairness and ethical decision-making. For policy guidelines, see .
Which regulation primarily governs the protection of personal data for individuals in the European Union?
GDPR
FCRA
HIPAA
SOX
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict requirements for collecting, processing, and storing personal data of EU residents. It grants individuals rights over their data and imposes heavy fines for non-compliance. Companies worldwide must comply when handling EU citizens' information. For official text, visit .
Copying proprietary software code without permission is an example of what unethical practice?
Intellectual property theft
Conflict of interest
Time theft
Asset misappropriation
Unauthorized copying of proprietary code violates intellectual property rights, undermining innovation and trust. Such theft can lead to legal penalties and reputational damage. Protecting IP is critical for competitive advantage and ethical conduct. More information is available at .
What does the term 'tone at the top' refer to in organizational ethics?
The structure of employee pay scales
The quality of workplace music
Leadership's commitment to ethical conduct
The company's revenue targets
Tone at the top describes how leaders model and communicate ethical values throughout an organization. A strong ethical tone from executives fosters a culture of integrity and compliance. It guides employee behavior and shapes corporate culture. Learn more at .
When an employee faces two conflicting ethical obligations and struggles to decide, this situation is known as a:
Ethical dilemma
Performance review
Risk assessment
Compliance issue
An ethical dilemma occurs when two moral imperatives collide and adhering to one would transgress the other. Recognizing such conflicts is the first step toward ethical decision-making. Ethical frameworks can help resolve these situations. For decision-making guidance, see .
Favoring a family member for a job position over more qualified candidates is an example of:
Workplace harassment
Asset misappropriation
Insider trading
Conflict of interest
Nepotism creates a conflict of interest by allowing personal relationships to influence professional decisions. It can undermine fairness and employee morale. Organizations typically have policies to prevent such favoritism. For an overview, see .
Using company email and resources to run a personal side business violates which policy category?
Diversity policy
Conflict of interest policy
Data privacy policy
Acceptable use policy
Acceptable use policies define proper use of company IT resources. Running a personal business using corporate email breaches those guidelines and can expose the organization to risk. Clear policies help protect assets and data. See an example policy at .
Trading company shares based on nonpublic information is known as:
Insider trading
Price fixing
Market speculation
Money laundering
Insider trading involves buying or selling securities based on material, nonpublic information. It is illegal and undermines market integrity. Regulatory bodies impose penalties to deter such behavior. For more, see .
Which U.S. law protects employees with disabilities from workplace discrimination?
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment. It ensures reasonable accommodations and equal opportunities. Employers must comply or face legal action. For details, visit .
Upon receiving a harassment complaint, an employer's best immediate action is to:
Transfer the complainant
Conduct a prompt and thorough investigation
Schedule performance reviews
Wait for multiple complaints
Promptly investigating harassment allegations ensures a fair process and can prevent further incidents. Delays may exacerbate harm and increase legal risk. Thorough inquiries support a respectful workplace. Reference policy guidelines at .
Which approach reflects an ethical commitment to environmental sustainability in business?
Ignoring environmental regulations
Prioritizing short-term profits over all else
Greenwashing marketing tactics
Corporate social responsibility initiatives
CSR involves voluntary actions companies take to address social and environmental impacts. Genuine CSR initiatives integrate sustainability into operations and strategy. They build trust and long-term value. See the ISO guidance at .
Which ethical theory advocates choosing actions that result in the greatest good for the greatest number?
Rights theory
Virtue ethics
Deontological ethics
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism evaluates actions based on their outcomes, aiming to maximize overall happiness or benefit. It is widely applied in policy and organizational decision-making. Critics note it may overlook individual rights. For a deeper dive, see .
In cash handling controls, segregation of duties typically separates which two functions?
Sales and marketing
Payroll and benefits
Hiring and training
Cash handling and record reconciliation
Separating cash handling from reconciliation duties reduces the risk of theft and errors going undetected. It ensures that the person who records transactions is not the one who processes them. This is a key internal control recommended by COSO. More at .
Which section of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act mandates management assessment of internal controls over financial reporting?
Section 802
Section 906
Section 404
Section 302
Section 404 requires management and auditors to report on the adequacy of a company's internal control over financial reporting. It aims to increase transparency and reduce corporate fraud. Compliance has driven improvements in control environments. Details at .
When drafting a social media policy, which element is most critical to include?
Guidelines on representing the company's brand and values
Requirements for personal opinions disclosure
Prohibition of any private usage
Instructions on using personal accounts only
Employees must understand how their online conduct reflects on the organization’s reputation. Clear brand guidelines ensure consistent messaging and protect corporate image. A good policy balances freedom with responsibility. For sample frameworks, see .
Under the Defend Trade Secrets Act, an employer can pursue what type of remedy against a former employee who misappropriated trade secrets?
Civil lawsuit in federal court
No legal remedies
Arbitration without disclosure
Criminal prosecution only
The Defend Trade Secrets Act allows companies to bring civil actions in federal court for trade secret misappropriation. This provides a national remedy in addition to state laws. Remedies can include injunctions and damages. Visit for more.
Breach of a confidentiality agreement by disclosing sensitive client information can lead to:
Extended probation
Mandatory vacation
Civil damages and injunctions
Loss of health benefits
Violating confidentiality agreements often results in legal action, including monetary damages and court orders to prevent further disclosures. It can also damage professional reputations and client trust. Strong NDAs protect sensitive information. Read more at .
If a vendor offers an executive an all-expenses-paid vacation without disclosure, this most directly violates the organization's policy on:
Data security
Confidentiality
Gift and hospitality
Harassment prevention
Accepting significant gifts or hospitality from vendors without disclosure breaches ethical guidelines intended to prevent conflicts of interest. Organizations maintain gift policies to ensure impartiality. Proper reporting and approval are required. For policy templates, see .
How does corporate social responsibility (CSR) extend beyond traditional business ethics frameworks?
Emphasizes voluntary environmental and social initiatives alongside profit
Eliminates legal compliance requirements
Prioritizes short-term gains over sustainable practices
Focuses exclusively on maximizing shareholder profits
CSR broadens ethical obligations to include sustainable environmental and social outcomes, not just financial returns. It encourages businesses to invest in community well-being and ecological responsibility. Many corporations publish CSR reports to demonstrate impact. Read the Business Roundtable’s stakeholder commitment at .
A company is considering cost-cutting measures that may compromise product safety standards. According to ethical best practices, management should prioritize:
Immediate cost savings
Maximizing shareholder returns
Outsourcing quality checks
Upholding product safety and ethical standards
Ethical decision-making requires safeguarding consumer well-being and product integrity above financial considerations. Sacrificing safety can lead to legal liabilities, reputational damage, and harm to stakeholders. Quality management systems like ISO 9001 support these priorities. For guidance, see .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand core ethics principles -

    After completing the workplace ethics quiz, you'll grasp foundational concepts of personal conduct, legal obligations, and company resource stewardship.

  2. Analyze accountability scenarios -

    Evaluate questions in the employee accountability quiz to see how employees are held accountable for cash discrepancies and financial miscounts.

  3. Apply ethical decision-making -

    Use insights from this workplace ethics test to make informed choices when faced with real-world dilemmas at work.

  4. Differentiate acceptable behaviors -

    Identify the line between proper and improper use of company resources to uphold standards of professional conduct.

  5. Evaluate quiz performance -

    Interpret your results in the ethical behavior at work quiz to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement in workplace integrity.

  6. Recognize legal stakes -

    Understand the potential legal consequences of unethical actions and how employee accountability insights can guide risk mitigation.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Core Ethical Principles -

    Review foundational values like integrity, honesty, and fairness that underpin any workplace ethics quiz and guide daily decisions (SHRM). Remember Kohlberg's levels of moral development - pre-conventional to post-conventional - as a mnemonic to assess how personal values shape behavior.

  2. Accountability for Cash Discrepancies -

    Understand how employees are held accountable for cash discrepancies over quiz scenarios by learning about variance reports and internal audit controls (Journal of Business Ethics). Real-world examples from retail and hospitality show how daily cash reconciliations prevent losses and build trust.

  3. Responsible Use of Company Resources -

    Master principles of ethical behavior at work quiz questions on asset management, including policy distinctions between personal and professional use of equipment. A simple mnemonic - CLOUD (Confidentiality, Liability, Ownership, Use, Disposal) - helps you remember key resource-handling rules (Harvard Business Review).

  4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance -

    Familiarize yourself with statutes like Sarbanes-Oxley and FCPA that often feature in a workplace ethics test to illustrate the stakes of non-compliance. Case studies from the SEC demonstrate how failing to report can lead to hefty fines and reputational damage.

  5. Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks -

    Apply structured models like PLUS (Policies, Legal, Universal, Self) to navigate complex dilemmas in the employee accountability quiz. Practice with sample scenarios using the RACE mnemonic (Recognize, Assess, Code, Execute) to sharpen judgment and boost confidence.

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