IEPPE Exam Questions Tutorials

Rights-based ethics prioritizes individual rights, but conflicts can arise when different people's rights come into tension.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Definition of Rights-Based Ethics:

This ethical framework argues thateach individual has certain fundamental rights, such as:

Right to safety

Right to freedom of speech

Right to privacy

The Challenge – Rights Can Conflict:

Example 1:Aconstruction companywants to build afactory near a residential area.

Residents have a right to clean air and quiet living conditions.

The company has a right to operate a legal business.

Aconflict arises, requiring ethical judgment.

Example 2:An employee has theright to refuse dangerous work, but an employer also has theright to expect productivity.

Why Option D Is Correct:

Rights oftenconflict, requiring ethical resolution.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A (Defining rights is difficult)– Sometimes true, butdefining rights is not the biggest challenge.

B (Conflict of interest in allocating rights)– Ethical challenges arise more fromcompeting rights, not allocation.

C (Avoiding harm to support rights)– Rights generallyprevent harm, not cause it.

Aconflict of interestoccurs when a professional'spersonal or financial interests interfere with their professional duties. Ethical professionalsmust disclose any real or perceived conflicts at the beginning of a projectto maintaintrust and integrity.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

What is a Conflict of Interest?

A situation wherea professional’s decision-making ability is compromised due to personal gain or relationships.

Example: A technologisthired to review tenders for a project has a relative bidding on the contract.

Why Full Disclosure is Necessary:

Avoids biasand ensuresfairness in business decisions.

Prevents legal risks and protects the reputation of professionals and companies.

Why Option D Is Correct:

Ethical standards requirefull transparencyat the beginning of a project.

Professionalsmust disclose even perceived conflictsto maintain public trust.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A (Only disclose significant conflicts)–ALL potential conflicts must be disclosed, not just the ones an individual deems significant.

B (Avoid projects with conflicts)–Conflicts can sometimes be managed if properly disclosed.

C (Disclose only if the client is concerned)–Conflicts should be disclosed proactively, not just when asked.

Anethical problem arises when valid concerns are ignored, leading to preventable failures.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Ethical Obligation to Address Issues:

Professionalsmust report and advocate for technical fixeswhen risks exist.

Ignoring problems can lead to system failures, data breaches, or unsafe operations.

Why Option D Is Correct:

Themanager dismissed concernsinstead of investigating.

Theorganization suffered negative consequences, proving the issue was valid.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A, B (No serious impact)– Ethical failuresmust lead to negative outcomesto be classified as unsuccessful attempts.

C (Managers addressed the concern)– If concerns are acted upon,this is a successful resolution.