Q21– Q30 Tricky Professional Judgment

Q21

An engineer has financial interest in a project they are evaluating.

A. Ignore

B. Disclose conflict

C. Withdraw only if asked

D. Continue silently      Ans. B

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Q22

An engineer witnesses discrimination in workplace.

A. Ignore

B. Address/report

C. Accept

D. Avoid involvement        Ans. B

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Q23

An engineer is asked to cut corners to reduce costs.

A. Agree

B. Refuse

C. Negotiate unsafe compromise

D. Delegate   Ans. B

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Q24

An engineer gives biased advice to benefit employer.

A. Acceptable

B. Ethical violation

C. Legal only

D. Client decides Ans. B

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Q25

An engineer signs documents prepared without review.

A. Acceptable

B. Misconduct

C. Efficient

D. Client responsibility Ans. B

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Q26

An engineer withholds information to avoid project delay.

A. Acceptable

B. Ethical violation

C. Client issue

D. Contractor issue Ans. B

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Q27

An engineer publicly criticizes employer unfairly.

A. Acceptable

B. Unprofessional

C. Legal only

D. Client issue Ans. B

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Q28

An engineer reports colleague misconduct without evidence.

A. Ethical

B. Risky/unprofessional

C. Required

D. No issue

The correct answer is:

B. Risky / unprofessional

Explanation:

Reporting misconduct without evidence is problematic because it can unfairly damage a colleague’s reputation and violates principles of fairness and integrity. Engineers are expected to act responsibly and base allegations on reasonable grounds and factual support, not speculation or assumptions.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• A. Ethical
  Not necessarily. Reporting misconduct can be ethical—but only when it is based on credible evidence or reasonable suspicion. Without that, it becomes irresponsible.

• C. Required
  Engineers do have a duty to report unethical or unsafe conduct, but this duty applies when there is valid evidence or reasonable belief, not baseless claims.

• D. No issue
  Incorrect. False or unsupported reporting can lead to serious professional consequences, including disciplinary action.

Key principle:

Engineers must balance two duties:

• Protect the public and profession (by reporting real misconduct)

• Act fairly and truthfully (by avoiding unsupported accusations)

If unsure, the proper first step is usually to verify facts or raise concerns through appropriate internal channels carefully, rather than making unsupported claims.

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Q29

An engineer refuses to cooperate with investigation.

A. Acceptable

B. Misconduct

C. Optional

D. Legal only  Ans. B

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Q30

An engineer prioritizes profit over safety.

A. Acceptable

B. Ethical violation

C. Business decision

D. Client responsibility  Ans.. B

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