85th Anniversary Of The ICMA Code Of Ethics
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Ethics has been fundamental to the local government profession and ICMA. During the 85th anniversary of the ICMA Code of Ethics, take this quiz to test your knowledge of the Code and the values it promotes.
(To see an explanation of the correct answer, please click 'View Answer' on the next question following your selction. )
- 1.
In what city was the ICMA Code of Ethics adopted?
- A.
Hygiene, Colorado
- B.
Second largest primarily French-speaking city in the world
- C.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
- D.
Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania
Correct Answer
B. Second largest primarily French-speaking city in the worldExplanation
It's true! The ICMA Code of Ethics was adopted in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Do you feel the history?Rate this question:
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- 2.
In the same year that the ICMA Code of Ethics was adopted, what other event took place?
- A.
Delaware becomes the first state
- B.
N’SYNC goes “Bye Bye Bye”
- C.
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is held
- D.
The discovery of what’s in a hotdog
Correct Answer
C. The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is heldExplanation
Both events happened in 1924. The jury is still out on what's really in a hotdog (but they still taste good).Rate this question:
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- 3.
What's the best way to seek ethics advice should you need it?
- A.
Ask your attorney
- B.
Shake a Magic 8 Ball
- C.
Crack open a fortune cookie
- D.
Call or email ICMA ethics staff
Correct Answer
D. Call or email ICMA ethics staffExplanation
While it is good to know the law, ethics sets a higher standard. ICMA’s advice is confidential and available whenever you need it.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following is NOT an inherent value of the Code of Ethics?
- A.
Integrity
- B.
Penmanship
- C.
Honesty
- D.
Equity
Correct Answer
B. PenmanshipExplanation
Penmanship is not an inherent value of the Code of Ethics because it pertains to the skill of handwriting and does not directly relate to ethical behavior or principles. The Code of Ethics typically focuses on values such as integrity, honesty, and equity, which guide individuals in making ethical decisions and conducting themselves ethically in various situations.Rate this question:
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- 5.
With whom does the ethics-enforcement process initiate?
- A.
ICMA Executive Board
- B.
ICMA ethics staff
- C.
ICMA Executive Director
- D.
ICMA Committee on Professional Conduct
Correct Answer
D. ICMA Committee on Professional ConductExplanation
Although the ICMA Executive Board has ultimate responsibility over the ethics-enforcement process, the ICMA Committee on Professional Conduct (CPC) initially reviews all complaints, determines whether a violation occurred, and makes recommendation on sanctions. No ICMA member can be publicly censured, barred, or expelled without the consent of the Executive Board.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What group of ICMA members is required to abide by all Tenets of the Code?
- A.
Those in service to a local government
- B.
Only Full (Corporate) members
- C.
All members
Correct Answer
A. Those in service to a local governmentExplanation
The correct answer is "Those in service to a local government." This group of ICMA members is required to abide by all Tenets of the Code because they are directly involved in serving the local government and are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards in their professional conduct. This includes upholding principles such as integrity, transparency, and accountability in their work. Only Full (Corporate) members and all members in general are not specifically mentioned as being required to abide by all Tenets of the Code.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following would be acceptable conduct under the Code?
- A.
Having a public works mechanic change the oil in your daughter's car
- B.
Wearing white shoes after Labor Day
- C.
Going to the Super Bowl with tickets you received from a city vendor
- D.
Resigning a position within a year because your commute is awful
Correct Answer
B. Wearing white shoes after Labor DayExplanation
Wearing white shoes after Labor Day would be acceptable conduct under the Code. The Code does not dictate or regulate personal fashion choices, so wearing white shoes after Labor Day would not be considered a violation. The Code is more concerned with ethical behavior, conflicts of interest, and abuse of power, rather than dictating fashion rules.Rate this question:
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- 8.
When a member violates the Code, it really means that one or more of the guidelines have been violated.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Members violate Tenets. Guidelines provide advice on how to apply the principles of the Tenets.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Rumor has it that the city council is thinking about raising the personal property taxes on motor vehicles. The budget analyst, who just bought a Vespa that she is already struggling to afford, is totally against the tax increase. Of the following, how can she voice her objections and still abide by the Code of Ethics?
- A.
Write a letter-to-the-editor denouncing those council members who favor the increase
- B.
Along with the 'Baby on Board' sign, put a "vote no tax increase" bumper sticker on her scooter
- C.
Run for city council on a no tax increase platform
- D.
Sign a recall petition that targets council members who are proponents of the increase
Correct Answer
B. Along with the 'Baby on Board' sign, put a "vote no tax increase" bumper sticker on her scooterExplanation
Other than voting for the candidates of their choice, ICMA members serving in a local government position are prohibited from participating in politics. This means they should not show public support for incumbent elected officials or candidates for elected offices. ICMA members are permitted to voice their opinions on issues.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A city manager is a finalist for two manager positions and has applications pending in other communities. One of the cities asks him to come in for a final interview. He goes to the interview, is offered the job, and given a draft employment agreement to review. As soon as he gets home, he calls the mayor to accept the position. Right after hanging up, the manager sees that he's missed a phone call. The call is from another city wanting to offer him its position. The second city is closer to his aging parents and the position pays 25% more than the position offered in the first city. Which of the following is the best ethical option for the manager?
- A.
Report to work in the first community
- B.
Withdraw his acceptance and negotiate with the second community
- C.
Turn down both communities and wait to hear news on the pending applications
- D.
Use the offer in the second community to rework the employment agreement in the first
Correct Answer
A. Report to work in the first communityExplanation
Tenet 3 requires members to honor their commitments. Verbal acceptance of an offer is binding. The only exception to this would be if the community made fundamental changes to the terms of employment.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A severe thunderstorm did extensive damage to the roof of the town manager’s house. Desperate to get it fixed, she called a local roofing company at the recommendation of a neighbor. The company came over the next day to begin the repairs which were to take approximately five days. Three days later, at the council meeting, the town opened sealed bids to tar and shingle the town hall’s roof. Low and behold, the roofing company working on the manager’s house submitted a bid and first glance, the company’s bid is the lowest. What’s the best option for the manager given the circumstances?
- A.
Halt the roofing work and pay the company for the time and materials utilized to date
- B.
Email the members of the governing body the next day to inform them about her roofing work
- C.
Let the work continue and pay the bill at the job’s completion
- D.
Publicly disclose her use of this contractor and recuse herself from any discussion and decision pertaining to the bid
Correct Answer
D. Publicly disclose her use of this contractor and recuse herself from any discussion and decision pertaining to the bidExplanation
To avoid any appearance impropriety or that the roofing company is performing work on the manager’s house for a favorable result on the bid, the manager should publicly disclose that the roofing company is currently doing work on her home and remove herself from any discussion and decision on which company is awarded the bid. She might consider terminating the company’s work for an extra layer of separation between her and the company. This is not required but if she did so, she should pay any bills for the materials and labor utilized to that date.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Each year, the county provides each staff member with professional development funds to use at their discretion for work or personal development. A recently hired project manager used his professional development money to attend a social media conference. After Tweeting this and Facebooking that, he was about to leave when his name was chosen to win a door prize – a Kindle, a device used to wirelessly download and read books and magazines. What is the best ethical solution for the project manager and the Kindle?
- A.
Keep it and enjoy book pages not blowing around in the wind
- B.
Sell it, repay the county for the conference fee, and keep any remaining money
- C.
Inform his supervisor about the situation and follow county policy devoted to prizes and gifts
Correct Answer
C. Inform his supervisor about the situation and follow county policy devoted to prizes and giftsExplanation
Check to see if there is a local government policy or state law that limits gifts or prizes. Absent a policy, the staff member should realize that public funds were used to pay for the conference and gifts/prizes awarded during the conference should be given to the local government. If a member hits the lottery played during their off hours at a conference, the member is entitled to keep the prize money.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Nov 24, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Aug 27, 2009Quiz Created by
Icmaethics