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Lesson 4: Writing Reports, Proposals, and Ethical Considerations

Ethical Standards

Confidentiality, conflict of interest, and data representation are all important ethical issues when conducting a needs assessment and should be considered before submitting any proposal for services. Professional organizations such as the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), Association for Talent and Development  (ATD)—previously ASTD, and Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) have conducted research and come up with ethical standards for the profession. These ethical standards serve as guidelines or standards or a compass to guide the WLP professional.

Many times the WLP professional may find themselves in confidential or sensitive situations; people may divulge confidential information, or the WLP professional might find out sensitive information or news before anyone else in the organization. How the WLP professional maintains confidentiality, understands their role, and calls out unethical situations can build trust and better relationships throughout the organization.

Self-Check

Check your understanding of the materials covered so far. Select the correct answer.

  1. Before agreeing to submit a needs assessment proposal, what should a WLP analyst consider?

    1. Whether the required resources are available
      Incorrect. The correct answer is (d) All of the above. A WLP analyst should consider whether they have the appropriate competencies and experience to conduct the assessment, whether the required resources are available, and whether the client is trustworthy.
    2. If the client can be trusted
      Incorrect. The correct answer is (d) All of the above. A WLP analyst should consider whether they have the appropriate competencies and experience to conduct the assessment, whether the required resources are available, and whether the client is trustworthy.
    3. Whether the analyst has the appropriate competencies for the assessment
      Incorrect. The correct answer is (d) All of the above. A WLP analyst should consider whether they have the appropriate competencies and experience to conduct the assessment, whether the required resources are available, and whether the client is trustworthy.
    4. All of the above.
      Correct. A WLP analyst should consider whether they have the appropriate competencies and experience to conduct the assessment, whether the required resources are available, and whether the client is trustworthy.
    5. None of the above.
      Incorrect. The correct answer is (d) All of the above. A WLP analyst should consider whether they have the appropriate competencies and experience to conduct the assessment, whether the required resources are available, and whether the client is trustworthy.

  2. Which of the following ethical issues are important when conducting a needs assessment?

    1. Confidentiality
      Incorrect. The correct answer is (d) All of the above. Confidentiality, conflict of interest, and data representation are all important ethical issues when conducting a needs assessment.
    2. Conflict of interest
      Incorrect. The correct answer is (d) All of the above. Confidentiality, conflict of interest, and data representation are all important ethical issues when conducting a needs assessment.
    3. Data representation
      Incorrect. The correct answer is (d) All of the above. Confidentiality, conflict of interest, and data representation are all important ethical issues when conducting a needs assessment.
    4. All of the above
      Correct. Confidentiality, conflict of interest, and data representation are all important ethical issues when conducting a needs assessment.
    5. None of the above
      Incorrect. The correct answer is (d) All of the above. Confidentiality, conflict of interest, and data representation are all important ethical issues when conducting a needs assessment.

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