OACETT IEPPE - Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam

Technology professionalsmust be able to recognize ethical issuesin their field tomake responsible decisionsandmaintain professional integrity.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Why Recognizing Ethical Issues Matters:

Ethical dilemmas oftenarise in complex work environments.

Example:A construction technologist notices a safety violationbut facespressure from management to ignore it.

Recognizing the ethical issue is the first step in addressing it responsibly.

Real-World Examples of Ethical Issues in Technology:

Privacy concerns in IT & cybersecurity.

Environmental impacts of engineering projects.

Conflicts of interest in corporate decision-making.

Why Option A Is Correct:

Recognizing ethical issuesallows professionals to act responsibly and protect public safety.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B (Making decisions palatable to shareholders)– Ethics should focus onintegrity and fairness, not shareholder satisfaction.

C (Identifying unethical individuals)– Ethics isabout professional responsibility, not policing others.

D (Understanding ethical theories in daily life)– Ethics should bepractical, not just theoretical.

A strong understanding of ethicsenhances problem-solving skillsand helps professionalsnavigate complex moral dilemmasby thinkingcreatively and responsibly.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Why Ethics Matter for Technology Professionals:

Ethics guidefair and responsible decision-making.

Understanding ethical frameworks allows professionals toanalyze multiple perspectives before acting.

Ethical Imagination – Thinking Outside the Box:

Ethical challengesoften require innovative solutionsthat balance:

Business interests

Regulatory compliance

Public safety & environmental responsibility

Example: A technologist mustredesign a product to meet environmental standardswhile ensuringcost efficiency.

Why Option D Is Correct:

Ethical knowledgeexpands problem-solving abilitiesbeyond standard decision-making frameworks.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A (More efficient decision-making)– Ethical reasoning is not always aboutspeed, but aboutcareful analysis.

B (Perceived authority)– Ethical knowledgestrengthens actual decision-making, not just perceptions of authority.

C (Avoiding management mistakes)– Ethicsis not just about avoiding mistakes, but about makingmorally sound choices.

Moonlightingrefers to working asecond job or side businessoutside of full-time employment. While not always unethical, it can createconflicts of interest, productivity concerns, and legal risks.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. When is Moonlighting Acceptable?

Iffully disclosed and approved by the employer.

Ifit does not interfere with job performance.

Ifit does not create a direct conflict of interest.

2. Example of Ethical Moonlighting:

Asoftware developer employed full-timemay providefreelance IT training to a corporate customer of their employer, with the employer’s consent.

Thisaligns with the employer’s business goalsrather than competing with them.

3. Why Option A Is Correct:

Employer-approved moonlighting can strengthen business relationships.

Transparency and consent eliminate ethical concerns.

4. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B (Setting up a competing business)– This is aclear conflict of interestandviolates ethical standards.

C (Taking on too many clients)–Work performance must not be compromisedby outside jobs.

D (Accepting a gift instead of payment)– Thisraises ethical concerns about bribery and fairness.

When faced withan ethical dilemma, professionalsmust rely on formal guidelines and codes of conductto ensuretheir decisions align with industry standards and legal requirements.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Ethical Decision-Making in a Professional Setting:

Ethical dilemmas in engineering and technologyoften involve conflicts between business interests, safety concerns, and regulatory compliance.

Professionalsmust use structured ethical frameworks(e.g.,OACETT Code of Ethics, employer’s Code of Conduct) rather than personal opinions or informal advice.

2. Why an Organization’s Code of Conduct Is the Best Resource:

A company’sCode of Conductis designedto address ethical situations specific to that organization.

These codesalign with provincial and national laws, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Example:

ACET working in environmental engineeringis asked to approve awaste disposal method that violates sustainability guidelines.

Consulting the company’sCode of Conductensures they followproper reporting procedureswithout violating professional obligations.

3. Why Option B Is Correct:

A Code of Conduct provides structured guidelines for ethical decision-making.

Ensures consistency and alignment with professional expectations.

4. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A (Non-professional peers)– Friendsmay not understand industry-specific ethics.

C (News clips)– News reportsare not a legal or professional standard.

D (Family members)– Familymay provide moral supportbutcannot provide professional guidance.

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.