Title: Default for Code of Ethics
Course: Code of Ethics and conduct OAS - 3rd Edition

Q: Género...
- Se refiere a diferencias socialmente atribuidas y a la distribución de poder entre hombres y mujeres
- Tiene que ver con mujeres (Una filosofía para las mujeres)
A: Se refiere a diferencias socialmente atribuidas y a la distribución de poder entre hombres y mujeres

Q: Joffrey is a manager at the GS/OAS, who is responsible for a big project that promotes small business through tax benefits to entrepreneurs in Country A.

Joffrey’s brother lives in the same country and learns about the program, before its official announcement, through Joffrey. After learning this information, Joffrey’s brother decides to open a firm, he had been planning a long time. The tax benefits that he gets once Joffrey’s project is announced will make his investment in the business financially worthwhile.

Is Joffrey’s conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics?
- Yes, Joffrey is not breaching the Code of Ethics in any way, since his brother will only receive the tax benefits if he complies with all the requirements established by the program.
- No, Having his brother benefit from a project of the OAS is not a breach of the Code of Ethics. However, Joffrey shared confidential information with his brother, and this is a breach of the Code of Ethics.
- No, Joffrey’s conduct is a breach to the Code of Ethics in two different ways. First, because he shared confidential information, and second because his brother will benefit from that information.
A: No, Joffrey’s conduct is a breach to the Code of Ethics in two different ways. First, because he shared confidential information, and second because his brother will benefit from that information.

Q: Tina works at the GS/OAS on Human Rights issues. On weekends, she does volunteer work  at a local non-profit organization helping undocumented immigrant workers in the country.

Is Tina’s conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics?
- Yes, Tina is not breaching the Code of Ethics in any way, because she is doing volunteer work, which means she is not benefitting financially from her outside activities.
- No, Tina’s volunteer work is a violation of the Code of Ethics, because although the other work is unpaid, it is related to issues that are similar to the ones on which she works at the GS/OAS.
- It depends. Tina’s volunteer work is not a violation of the Code of Ethics per se, particularly because she is doing it outside of work hours, but we would have to learn just how related the work is to her work at the GS/OAS. However, regardless of how related it is, she must seek authorization from the Secretary General to do any work (paid or unpaid) outside of the Organization.
A: It depends. Tina’s volunteer work is not a violation of the Code of Ethics per se, particularly because she is doing it outside of work hours, but we would have to learn just how related the work is to her work at the GS/OAS. However, regardless of how related it is, she must seek authorization from the Secretary General to do any work (paid or unpaid) outside of the Organization.

Q: I certify that I have fully read the GS/OAS Code of Ethics.

I understand that Staff Members who violate the Code and other provisions of Internal Law may incur Disciplinary Measures. These include, among others, summary dismissal, and forfeiture of indemnities, benefits or other monies.

Violations of Internal Law may also constitute violations of the Local Laws of the Member State or another country of the Staff Member’s. Sanctions for these violations may be criminal in nature and punishable by fine, imprisonment and other measures.

Consequences arising from violations by Staff Members of Internal Law, including the principles of ethical conduct, or of the law of a Member State where a Staff Member is providing service to the GS/OAS, will depend on the nature and severity of the violation.
- Accept
- Decline
A: Accept
If right: Respuesta correcta
If partly right: Respuesta parcialmente correcta.
If wrong: Respuesta incorrecta.

Q: Katryn is a Staff member at the GS/OAS, and she has worked for the Organization for two years at the same department.

Her current contract is expiring in two months and her manager, Tina, indicates in a conversation that her contract with the GS/OAS will be renewed. One month before the signature of the new contract, in a conversation at lunch, Tina finds out that Katryn is converting to a new religion. Tina demonstrates her surprise with Katryn’s decision, but the conversation goes on a different direction.

One week later, Tina informs Katryn that her contract will not be renewed anymore, due to budget constraints. Later, Katryn finds out that Tina offered a contract to Johan, to do the same activities that Katryn used to do, receiving the same salary. Johan is as qualified as Katryn for the position, and he shares the same religion as Tina.

Is Tina’s conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics?
- Yes, as a manager Tina is free to decide whether she renews a contract or if she hires someone else to that position, so long as her decision is consistent with the Code of Ethics and all other applicable rules and regulations of the Organization.
- No, Tina’s decision seems discriminatory under the GS/OAS Code of Ethics.
A: No, Tina’s decision seems discriminatory under the GS/OAS Code of Ethics.

Q: Joffrey works at a Department of the GS/OAS. Katryn works in a different Department of the GS/OAS. Both are on a mission in Argentina. Because the official events of the mission start Monday morning, Joffrey and Katryn arrived in Argentina on Sunday.

That same Sunday evening both meet at the hotel lobby and decide to have dinner together. During dinner, Joffrey compliments Katryn’s dress, and Katryn smiles and thanks Joffrey for the compliment. Joffrey keeps complimenting Katryn, but now he is talking about her physical attributes. Katryn asks Joffrey to stop. Joffrey pulls his chair closer to Katryn’s, and tries to hold her hand. Katryn stands up and walks away from the table.

Is Joffrey’s conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics?
- Yes. Joffrey’s conduct is taking place outside of the Workplace and not during work time, so it cannot be considered a breach to the Code of Ethics.
- No, Joffrey’s conduct was inappropriate and might be constructed as Sexual Harassment under the Code of Ethics.
A: No, Joffrey’s conduct was inappropriate and might be constructed as Sexual Harassment under the Code of Ethics.

Q: Joffrey and Johan work in the same Department at GS/OAS and have the same hierarchical level. Their team has a WhatsApp group used mainly to discuss work-related topics, but which sometimes also holds conversations about non-work-related topics.

On Saturday morning, Johan sent an embarrassing Gif animation of a cartoon character to the group, saying afterward that he looks exactly like Joffrey. During the rest of the weekend, Johan sends three other images to the group with the character, always comparing the character to Joffrey.

Monday morning, back at the office, Johan greets Joffrey by calling him by the name of the character. Joffrey responds by requesting that Johan stop calling him by that name. For the next two months, Johan keeps calling Joffrey by this name, including during a mission, and sending the same kind of messages to the WhatsApp group, despite Joffrey’s request to stop this behavior.

Is Johan’s conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics?
- Yes, what Johan is doing is simply a way to informally interact with friends and colleagues at the Workplace.
- Yes, although Johan behavior is not recommendable, most of it occurs in a WhatsApp group, which is not covered by the Code of Ethics.
- Yes, although Johan’s behavior is not advisable, he shares the same hierarchical level as Joffrey. Therefore, this may not be considered harassment.
- No, Johan‘s conduct is inappropriate and may be considered Workplace Harassment under the Code of Ethics.
A: No, Johan‘s conduct is inappropriate and may be considered Workplace Harassment under the Code of Ethics.

Q: Joffrey is a manager at the GS/OAS. He has created a group in WhatsApp to share information about work and projects with his team. Katryn works in this team and is a member of this WhatsApp group.

One night, during dinner, she receives a pornographic image from the group, and realizes that it was sent by her manager, Joffrey. She does not say anything about it, thinking the message may have been sent by mistake.

However, she receives the same kinds of messages in the next few days, and all of Katryn’s colleagues seem to be having fun with the pictures. Katryn talks to Joffrey, and asks him to stop sending those types of messages, because they make her uncomfortable, and she cannot leave the group because they also discuss work-related matters there. Joffrey ignores Katryn’s request, and keeps sending pornographic images to the group, saying that “the others are not complaining – they’re actually enjoying it! Just relax and have fun with the rest of the team!”

Is Joffrey’s conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics?
- Yes, although Joffrey’s conduct is unpleasant to Katryn, this cannot be construed as Sexual Harassment, as Joffrey is not requesting any sexual favor from her.
- Yes, although Joffrey’s conduct is unpleasant to Katryn, the images that he was sending were not addressed to her.
- No, Joffrey’s conduct is inappropriate and might be considered as Sexual Harassment under the Code of Ethics.
A: No, Joffrey’s conduct is inappropriate and might be considered as Sexual Harassment under the Code of Ethics.

Q: Katryn and Johan work together at an OAS Special Mission. They are currently working on a report which they must send to their supervisor, Joffrey, every month, but they don't always see eye-to-eye, and it is the third time that difficulties in their communication prevent them from presenting the document on time.

This time, Katryn had committed to sending in her part first thing on Thursday morning. Not having received it by Friday, Johan decides to comment on the team's WhatsApp group. He tells everyone that Katryn is once again delayed with her part of the assignment, which means he could not deliver the report on schedule. He also said he would prefer to prepare the next one alone and alternate responsibility each month to avoid working with Katryn.

Katryn says she has made known to Johan that his way of talking to her makes her feel uncomfortable.

It is not the first time Joffrey has witnessed difficulties in communication between his team members, and he is aware of Katryn's discomfort. He has already had a conversation with all those under his supervision regarding deadlines and is not sure how to proceed. Seeing the situation isn't getting any better, he considers suggesting to Johan and Katryn to use the services of the Office of the Ombudsperson.
- True
- False
A: False

Q: Maria has worked as part of the same team for several years. She always travels back to her home country around the same time of year, and has never had any problems, except this time her supervisor, Ronald, has said she must postpone her vacation due to the workload. As it’s a special time for her family, she offered to continue working remotely while away, as all her tasks could be completed satisfactorily under that arrangement but was not allowed to do so.

Camilo works for the same office and lately, he has started feeling overwhelmed by the amount of tasks he is being assigned. He has had to work outside of his agreed working hours every day for several weeks and it is affecting other aspects of his life. He has raised the issue with Ronald, but was told there is no other option.

Paula is new on the team, but she has already noticed that Ronald gives her many tasks that don't align with her job description. She is still getting to know the work culture in her area, and though she is willing to collaborate and be a team player, the requests are taking up more time and effort than expected. She is not sure how to handle the situation so that it does not escalate and generate conflicts with her supervisor.

Who of the four (Maria, Camilo, Paula or Ronald) could resort to the Office of the Ombudsperson?
- Maria
- Maria, Camilo, Paula and Ronald
- Maria, Camilo and Paula
A: Maria, Camilo, Paula and Ronald
If right: Yes, the four of them could resort to the OMB (jointly, or individually and confidentially), for it to provide support and assistance to each of them taking into account their specific needs.
If wrong: Incorrect answer. Try again!

Q: What can the OMB do?
- Listen and provide personalized services to each OMB user.
- Start a formal investigation into what is happening in the affected area.
- Give Ronald a binding recommendation, subject to being reported to the Department of Human Resources if it is not implemented.
A: Listen and provide personalized services to each OMB user.
If right: The Ombuds can listen and offer services to each person individually, considering their specific circumstances. However, depending on the elements provided, a trend might emerge. If this happens, exercising her sole discretion, she can choose to gather information through informal fact-finding to gain a better understanding of the situation. The results could, potentially, lead to a systemic case being identified (a case that affects several people in their performance, environment or work situation, based on one or more elements in common). In any case, the Ombuds will decide how to address the situation in order to manage, mitigate or resolve the conflict. This could include: keeping the area under observation; providing support and training; offering general recommendations to several areas, including the one affected (to ensure confidentiality); etc. It is important to remember that the Office cannot guarantee a specific outcome. It does not have decision-making capacity and the recommendations it offers are not binding. The OMB takes reasonable measures to protect confidentiality and anonymity (when required), to anyone who uses its services, both human capital in supervisory positions and supervisees. This means that no one would find out if someone else visited the Office unless the OMB user requests it or gives their authorization, and always in adherence to IOA Standards of Practice and the exceptions they include. The decision to contact the Office is voluntary. However, “All Staff Members and Other Service Providers should render full, prompt, and good faith cooperation in GS/OAS-authorized investigations and inquiries. This includes fully and truthfully answering questions from investigators and other officials, giving the body conducting an inquiry or investigation full and prompt access to individuals, premises, documents, and any other information requested, in order to facilitate proper investigation and review of any complaint. Failure to comply with the duty to cooperate may lead to disciplinary measures being taken.” (Code of Ethics of the General Secretariat, Section VII., third paragraph).
If wrong: Incorrect answer. Try again!