Ethics

Which of the following is considered unethical practice.

• Not faithfully fulfilling all portions of a design contract

• Asking a client to not sign a contract with your present employer because you are about to open your own firm

• Telling a client confidential information about another client

• All of the above are examples of unethical practice

Mr. Jones, while in the process of discussing a project with his client Mr. Brown, reveals to Brown confidential information about the business practices of Brown's prime competitor. This action would be considered

• A good way to keep clients happy

• Disloyal to the first client

• Breach of negligence with the client

• Breach of contract

Which of the following is an example of conflict of interest?

• Purchasing goods for your client from only one vendor

• A designer using the same accountant as another interior designer

• An association chapter board member entering a design competition that he or she will be judging

• An association chapter officer who uses information learned about vendors at the board meeting for her own firm

Assuming only one of these parties has signed a contract with the client, which of these choices owes the highest level of fiduciary duty to a client?

• The interior designer

• A contractor

• A wallpaper hanger

• The furniture manufacturer

According to the text, which choice, is the main reason people behave unethically?

• Because they may see no harm in their behavior

• Because they need to sell the job

• Because their boss has pressured them to do so

• All of the above

Brad, an interior designer, has the opportunity to design a restaurant where a favored chair item would be ideal. The restaurant wanted to bid the seating as it would involve over 300 chairs. The furniture company Brad wanted to specify offered to give Brad a “bonus” of 10 percent of the order price if he could insure the bid went to their company. Which of the following statements is correct concerning interior design ethical behavior?

• The furniture company is behaving in an unethical manner.

• The bonus is okay as long as the client knows about it.

• Brad would be conducting himself in an unethical manner only if he also bid on the project furniture.

• The circumstances described do not show any ethical solution to the situation for Brad.

John’s client was very specific about a budget for the kitchen remodeling project. John agreed that he could design and supply the needed construction and products for the designated budget. As the project unfolded, John realized that if he changed a few items, this project could be an award-wining project. He ordered more expensive countertop materials from a friend and wall finish materials without client approval. Which of the following statements is correct?

• There is clear conflict of interest in this description.

• John clearly violated ethical behavior since he put his self-interest above the clients.

• There is no ethical violation as long as the client agrees to the added cost.

• The client will be pleased to know the kitchen will be an award-winning project.

Mr. Smith paid for his new desk in full but the designer will not deliver the desk until Smith signs a new design agreement for additional work. Is this ethical behavior by the designer?

• True

• False

Ethical complaints can be made against designers who are unaffiliated with one of the interior design professional associations.

• True

• False

Putting personal gain above the interests of the client is ethical since you are a business person.

• True

• False