Title: M3. Quiz feedback
Course: Code of Ethics and conduct OAS - 3rd Edition > Section: Module 3. Application of the Code of Ethics

Answers rationale

Question 1:

Johan works in a certain department of the GS/OAS. Because of his work duties, he frequently travels to the Americas on missions and official trips. Eager to share the knowledge that he has acquired by traveling around the continent, Johan decides to create a blog with tips for travelers interested in the region. In this blog, he shares tips about flights, hotels and restaurants in the region, and shares interesting historical facts about the places that he visits, while making no mention of his work or the Organization.

Is Johan’s conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics?

💡Rationale: The information provided Before creating a blog or posting content on social media websites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. – private or public pages) that could be related to a Member state, politics, the Organization, etc., seek proper authorization. Remember, he cannot use the time/hours at the OAS to blog, or the resources of the OAS (computer, etc.).

Question 2:

Joffrey is an intern at the GS/OAS. He is writing a paper for one of his classes at the university, based on his internship experience at the GS/OAS. In order to prepare this paper, Joffrey prints at one of the printers of the Department for which he is an intern more than 2000 pages of OAS public documents and reports.

Is Joffrey’s conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics?

💡Rationale: The information provided suggests that Joffrey’s conduct is a breach of the Code of Ethics. Remember that printers and office supplies are GS/OAS Assets, and should not be misused under the Code of Ethics. Although his school project was related to his experience as an intern at the GS/OAS, it is still considered use of GS/OAS assets for personal interests, because the assignment is not directly connected to his activities as an intern of the GS/OAS.

Question 3:

Katryn works on telecommunication issues at the GS/OAS, and she is invited by a friend who does not work for the Organization to contribute to a magazine article about how technology will impact our daily lives at home.

If Katryn accepts to write the article, is her conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics?

💡Rationale: Katryn should seek proper authorization before publishing her article. The topic of the article seems to be related to her activities at the GS/OAS, therefore, it could be construed or seen as an official GS/OAS opinion on the matter, with the potential of adversely affecting the Organization or a Member state.

Question 4:

Katryn is a staff member at the GS/OAS. Her daughter is doing a school project on Human Rights, and Katryn sends her a link to the published annual report of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Is Katryn’s conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics?

💡Rationale: The information provided suggests that Katryn’s conduct is not a breach of the Code of Ethics. You should refrain from sharing confidential information. Reports or other data that are available to the general public are not considered confidential; therefore it is acceptable to share this information with anyone interested in the subject. If you are not sure whether certain information is or is not confidential, you should seek clarification before sharing it.