Public Relations Ethics and Law: Online Quizzes and Learning Resources

Question 1

Which ethical principle is NOT a core value in public relations practice?

Accepted Answer

Advocacy

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Social responsibility

Question 2

Which of these is NOT a core ethical principle in public relations?

Accepted Answer

Self-serving interests

Answer

Honesty and transparency

Answer

Objectivity and fairness

Answer

Accountability and responsibility

Question 3

Which ethical principle is NOT considered a core tenet in public relations practice?

Accepted Answer

Advocacy

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 4

Which ethical principle in public relations prioritizes honesty and transparency in interactions with stakeholders?

Accepted Answer

Honesty and transparency

Answer

Objectivity and detachment

Answer

Loyalty and confidentiality

Answer

Self-interest and profit maximization

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT an ethical principle that public relations professionals should adhere to?

Accepted Answer

Self-promotion and personal gain

Answer

Honesty and transparency

Answer

Objectivity and impartiality

Answer

Confidentiality and discretion

Question 6

In public relations, which principle should NOT guide professional behavior?

Accepted Answer

Self-interest

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Objectivity

Question 7

In public relations, which ethical principle places the interests of clients ahead of other parties?

Accepted Answer

Loyalty

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Objectivity

Question 8

Which of the following is an unethical principle in public relations?

Accepted Answer

Self-serving and manipulative

Answer

Honesty and transparency

Answer

Objectivity and accuracy

Question 9

In public relations, which principle is essential for ethical practices?

Accepted Answer

Honesty, transparency, and objectivity

Answer

Bias, favoritism, and personal gain

Question 10

In public relations campaigns, which ethical concerns should professionals prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy and integrity of campaign materials

Accepted Answer

Informed consent for sensitive information

Accepted Answer

Avoiding conflicts of interest and biases

Answer

Maximizing client profits without ethical considerations

Question 11

Which step in the ethical decision-making process is crucial for public relations professionals to assess the potential impact of their actions?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and analyzing stakeholder interests

Answer

Consulting only with legal counsel

Answer

Trusting solely in personal values and instincts

Question 12

In public relations, what does the principle of truthfulness entail?

Accepted Answer

Presenting information accurately and honestly, without distorting or fabricating facts.

Answer

Sharing only favorable information about clients, even if it involves withholding or misrepresenting facts.

Answer

Withholding information from the public unless it's intentionally misleading or deceptive.

Answer

Prioritizing personal beliefs and values over the truth when communicating with the public.

Question 13

In public relations, which ethical principle stresses the significance of presenting information accurately and impartially?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Loyalty

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 14

In public relations, which action adheres to the ethical principle of respecting privacy?

Accepted Answer

Communicating with stakeholders only through approved channels

Answer

Releasing a company's financial data without consent

Answer

Using a celebrity's image for commercial purposes without their knowledge

Answer

Disclosing personal information about employees to the media

Question 15

In the ethical decision-making process specifically designed for public relations professionals, which step is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Identifying ethical implications

Answer

Creating an implementation plan

Answer

Consulting with lawyers

Answer

Seeking management approval

Question 16

How do social responsibility practices in public relations contribute to an organization's reputation and stakeholder trust?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrates ethical conduct and stakeholder values.

Accepted Answer

Showcases genuine concern for stakeholder well-being and the community.

Accepted Answer

Promotes transparency and accountability for better decision-making and crisis management.

Question 17

Which of the following actions violates a fundamental principle of public relations ethics?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing personal gain over the interests of clients

Answer

Acting honestly and transparently

Answer

Maintaining objectivity and avoiding bias

Answer

Protecting client confidentiality

Question 18

In the planning stage of a public relations campaign, which action best reflects an ethical approach to handling potential conflicts of interest?

Accepted Answer

Actively finding and talking to stakeholders with different viewpoints to make sure the campaign is well-rounded and includes everyone

Answer

Hiding a personal connection to a client that could affect the campaign's message

Answer

Putting the client's interests first, even if it means breaking ethical rules

Answer

Ignoring possible conflicts of interest, assuming they won't have much of an impact on the campaign

Question 19

When faced with an ethical dilemma, what should public relations professionals do first?

Accepted Answer

Identify the ethical issue and stakeholders involved

Answer

Seek legal advice

Answer

Get approval from supervisors

Question 20

Which fundamental ethical principle should public relations practitioners prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Uphold ethical standards and integrity

Answer

Prioritize organizational interests over public well-being

Answer

Maintain confidentiality without considering consequences

Question 21

Which ethical principle in public relations stresses the importance of upholding the highest standards of professional conduct?

Accepted Answer

Commitment to ethical behavior

Answer

Honesty and transparency

Answer

Respect for diversity

Answer

Protection of client interests

Question 22

In public relations, which action is crucial for practitioners to prioritize when protecting individuals' privacy?

Accepted Answer

Acquiring explicit consent before using or sharing personal information

Answer

Disclosing only information that benefits or flatters the individual

Answer

Releasing personal information if deemed to be in the 'public interest'

Answer

Utilizing personal information for purposes beyond its original intent

Question 23

Which principle is considered unethical in public relations practice?

Accepted Answer

Deception and manipulation

Answer

Honesty and transparency

Answer

Respect for privacy

Answer

Objectivity and accuracy

Question 24

In public relations, which action violates legal liability for defamation?

Accepted Answer

Issuing a press release with false information about a competitor's product

Answer

Hosting a media event without following safety rules

Answer

Sharing a confidential client document with a journalist without permission

Answer

Posting a negative online review based on personal experience

Question 25

Which of the following actions is considered unethical for a public relations professional?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing confidential client information to a reporter

Accepted Answer

Issuing press releases with false or misleading information

Answer

Promoting clients on social media

Answer

Advising clients on crisis management

Question 26

Which ethical principle prevents public relations professionals from engaging in actions that could cause harm to the public?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 27

In public relations, when confronted with an ethical dilemma, what should be the foremost priority?

Accepted Answer

Adhering to the ethical guidelines of the public relations profession

Answer

Preserving the client's favorable public image

Answer

Safeguarding the client's financial well-being

Question 28

When faced with ethical dilemmas involving conflicting loyalties, such as the duty to the client versus the duty to the public, public relations professionals should:

Accepted Answer

Consider the potential risks and benefits of different actions, balancing the interests of both the client and the public.

Answer

Prioritize the client's interests above all else, regardless of the impact on the public.

Answer

Disclose confidential information to the public, even if it could harm the client's reputation.

Question 29

When communicating with diverse audiences, ethical considerations include cultural sensitivities, language barriers, and accessibility. Which approach best addresses these factors?

Accepted Answer

Adapt messages to respect cultural sensitivities and provide translations for audiences with language barriers.

Answer

Maintain a consistent message across all audiences, disregarding cultural differences.

Answer

Translate messages directly without considering cultural nuances.

Answer

Limit communication to audiences who share the organization's cultural background.

Question 30

How do ethical codes in public relations, such as those established by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), guide ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

They assist practitioners in recognizing ethical issues, prioritizing values, and evaluating the potential consequences of their actions.

Answer

They enforce strict rules that must be followed in all situations.

Answer

They rely solely on individual moral values to determine right and wrong.

Question 31

How does public relations influence public opinion, and what ethical considerations arise from this influence?

Accepted Answer

Public relations professionals should prioritize honesty and accuracy in their communications.

Answer

Public relations has no impact on shaping public opinion.

Answer

Public relations practitioners are justified in using any means to achieve their communication goals.

Answer

Public relations practitioners should not be held accountable for the effects of their campaigns on public opinion.

Question 32

Public relations professionals must balance transparency and accountability with client confidentiality and privacy. How do they achieve this?

Accepted Answer

Carefully weigh transparency, accountability, confidentiality, and privacy in each decision.

Answer

Always prioritize transparency and accountability.

Answer

Disclose all client information publicly.

Answer

Ignore ethical and legal considerations to meet client demands.

Question 33

How can public relations professionals build ethical and productive relationships with journalists and media outlets while maintaining their own credibility and independence?

Accepted Answer

By establishing personal connections with journalists and understanding their perspectives.

Answer

By providing journalists with exclusive information in exchange for favorable coverage.

Answer

By threatening legal action if journalists publish negative stories.

Answer

By refusing to provide information to journalists who have criticized the organization in the past.

Question 34

Which ethical principle requires public relations professionals to communicate openly and honestly with stakeholders to build trust?

Accepted Answer

Transparency

Answer

Accountability

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Loyalty

Question 35

In public relations, which ethical principle requires professionals to prioritize the public's well-being, even if it conflicts with a client's interests?

Accepted Answer

Public interest

Answer

Advocacy

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Transparency

Question 36

Which ethical principle mandates public relations professionals to safeguard confidential information and protect sensitive data shared by clients or stakeholders?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Honesty and Transparency

Answer

Accountability and Responsibility

Answer

Independence and Objectivity

Question 37

In international public relations, which ethical principle should professionals prioritize above all others?

Accepted Answer

Fostering cultural understanding and bridging divides through effective communication

Answer

Adhering solely to the ethical standards of their home country

Answer

Prioritizing clients' financial interests over social and cultural considerations

Question 38

Evaluate the ethical considerations in public relations campaigns aimed at children and youth. Discuss age-appropriate messaging, child privacy protection, and potential developmental impacts.

Accepted Answer

Prioritize age-appropriate messaging and avoid exploiting children's vulnerability.

Answer

Children's personal data can be used without consent for marketing.

Answer

Public relations professionals have no ethical responsibility for campaign impacts on children's development.

Question 39

Identify the principle that is NOT included in the Public Relations Institute of Australia's (PRIA) Code of Ethics:

Accepted Answer

Maximize financial gain

Answer

Maintain integrity and honesty

Answer

Respect the rights of others

Answer

Avoid conflicts of interest

Question 40

Which legal act in the UK primarily safeguards individuals against:

Accepted Answer

Libel and slander

Answer

Copyright infringement

Answer

Trademark infringement

Answer

Data breaches

Question 41

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is primarily concerned with:

Accepted Answer

Data privacy

Answer

Data protection

Answer

Trademark protection

Answer

Copyright protection

Question 42

Which ethical principle emphasizes honesty and truthfulness in public relations practices?

Accepted Answer

Honesty and Truthfulness

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Transparency

Answer

Loyalty

Question 43

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives the public the right to:

Accepted Answer

Access government information held by public bodies

Answer

Request a meeting with government officials

Answer

Influence the decision-making process

Answer

Sue the government for withholding information

Question 44

Which ethical principle requires public relations professionals to actively promote diversity and inclusion?

Accepted Answer

Social responsibility

Answer

Advocacy

Answer

Fairness

Answer

Objectivity

Question 45

Which legal doctrine protects freedom of expression under the Human Rights Act in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Article 10

Answer

Article 12

Answer

Article 14

Answer

Article 16

Question 46

In applying ethical principles and legal guidelines to public relations practice, the utmost priority should be given to:

Accepted Answer

Protecting the public interest

Answer

Maintaining a positive reputation

Answer

Avoiding legal liability

Answer

Satisfying the client's demands

Question 47

Which fundamental principle of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information?

Accepted Answer

Truth and accuracy

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Advocacy

Answer

Loyalty

Question 48

Under what legal doctrine can a public relations professional be held responsible for spreading false or damaging information?

Accepted Answer

Libel per se

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Strict liability

Answer

Intentional tort

Question 49

What is the primary objective of the Data Protection Act (1998)?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard the privacy of individuals

Answer

To control the usage of personal data

Answer

To prevent data misuse

Answer

To ensure data security

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT a crucial attribute of effective writing in public relations?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Clarity

Answer

Brevity

Answer

Accuracy

Question 51

In the event of a negative publicity crisis, which approach is most effective for public relations professionals to adopt?

Accepted Answer

Being transparent and truthful

Answer

Denying all allegations

Answer

Ignoring the situation and hoping it resolves itself

Answer

Attacking the source of the negative publicity

Question 52

In crisis communication, how can public relations professionals navigate the delicate balance between transparency and safeguarding sensitive information?

Accepted Answer

Adopt a strategic approach, releasing information gradually while considering its sensitivity.

Answer

Prioritize transparency by disclosing all information, irrespective of its sensitivity.

Answer

Withhold all information to minimize potential reputational harm or legal repercussions.

Question 53

Select the principle that is NOT a core part of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Personal gain

Answer

Advocacy

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Transparency

Question 54

According to the UK Bribery Act 2010, which of the following actions is considered an act of bribery?

Accepted Answer

Giving a gift to a public official to accelerate a decision

Answer

Donating money to a charity that is endorsed by a government minister

Answer

Paying commission to a sales representative.

Answer

Providing complimentary product samples to potential clients.

Question 55

Which of the following circumstances presents the highest potential for a public relations professional to experience a conflict of interest?

Accepted Answer

Working for a PR agency that also provides lobbying services

Answer

Representing multiple clients in the same industry

Answer

Writing a press release about a product that they personally use

Answer

Accepting a complimentary trip to a conference from a client

Question 56

What is the fundamental purpose of the UK Data Protection Act 2018?

Accepted Answer

To protect personal data privacy

Answer

To regulate internet use

Answer

To prevent cyberbullying

Answer

To encourage open access to information

Question 57

In the context of public relations, which of the following statements is considered "defamatory"?

Accepted Answer

A false statement causing damage to reputation

Answer

An opinion expressed as a statement of fact

Answer

A factual statement that damages reputation

Answer

A statement made privately

Question 58

When designing a public relations campaign for a specific cultural or religious group, which ethical principle is most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Cultural sensitivity

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Transparency

Question 59

According to the Data Protection Act 2018, what type of consent is required from individuals to process their personal data?

Accepted Answer

Explicit consent

Answer

Implied consent

Answer

Passive consent

Answer

Presumed consent

Question 60

What is the primary purpose of the Public Relations and Communications Association's (PRCA) Professional Charter?

Accepted Answer

To establish a benchmark for professional practice in the industry

Answer

To resolve ethical disputes among members

Answer

To provide legal advice to practitioners

Answer

To promote diversity and inclusion in the profession

Question 61

Which of the following UK laws specifically prohibits false or misleading advertising?

Accepted Answer

Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008

Answer

Sale of Goods Act 1979

Answer

Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Code

Answer

Libel Act 1843

Question 62

Which of the following is NOT a principle emphasized in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations' (CIPR) Code of Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Promoting the organization's interests

Answer

Integrity and honesty

Answer

Respecting privacy

Answer

Avoiding conflicts of interest

Question 63

Which of the following is NOT a legal obligation for public relations practitioners in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Registering with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA)

Answer

Adhering to copyright laws

Answer

Disclosing potential conflicts of interest

Answer

Obtaining explicit consent from individuals featured in press releases

Question 64

In the context of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the 'cooling-off period' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The time frame during which individuals can withdraw their consent

Answer

The period after a data breach when individuals can claim compensation

Answer

The deadline for organizations to respond to data subject access requests

Answer

The time limit after employment ends when an individual can no longer be contacted for marketing purposes