How to answer an interview question on ethics

How to answer an interview question on ethics.

In today’s business landscape, reputation holds immense power when it comes to achieving success. A solid reputation sways customer loyalty, instills investor confidence, and impacts share prices. Stakeholders now place greater emphasis on trust, transparency, and ethical governance, and ESG considerations are centre stage. In this context, it’s no wonder that questions on ethics are becoming common place in the interview process.

What should be covered in your response to an ethics interview question?

When addressing ethics in an interview, it’s important to provide evidence-driven responses. Have an example ready that showcases not only your understanding of ethical behaviour but also your actions. Consider discussing the following points:

• Your understanding of ethical behaviour and any relevant training you’ve received in this area.
• Your approach to ethical decision-making, including the consideration of potential impacts on various stakeholders and the assessment of long-term consequences.
• How you handle situations where there’s a conflict between short-term business pressures and longer-term ethical considerations.
• Your ability to foster a culture of transparency and doing the right thing, going beyond mere compliance with the law to align with its spirit.
• The recognition that the establishment of an ethical corporate reputation and brand value is built through these practices.

Example question and answer. Tell me about a time you made a decision that called into question your ethics

The below example gives you a fuller idea as so what an example could look like, using the STAR technique.

Situation:

During my time in the supply chain department of a multinational company, I encountered an ethical dilemma related to sourcing from a supplier. This particular supplier offered great value and competitive pricing, but they weren’t transparent about their subcontractors or their working conditions.

Task:

I was responsible for managing the supplier relationships and ensuring ethical practices throughout our supply chain. I faced a difficult decision when pressure mounted to continue working with this supplier, despite my concerns for their lack of transparency and potential ethical risks.

Action:

Recognizing the importance of open communication, I scheduled a meeting with the relevant stakeholders, including finance and the procurement team, to discuss my ethical concerns about the supplier. In the meeting, I presented a detailed analysis of the potential consequences and the risks associated with working with an opaque subcontractor network. I emphasized the need to consider the impact on all stakeholders, including our customers, brand reputation, and the well-being of workers in the supply chain.

I proposed an alternative solution, which involved conducting a thorough audit of the supplier’s subcontractors to ensure compliance with our ethical standards and to mitigate any potential risks. I provided examples of other suppliers who had successfully implemented similar audits and emphasized the long-term benefits of maintaining ethical supply chain practices for our company’s reputation.

Result:

Although it was challenging, I stood my ground and emphasized the importance of adhering to ethical principles. The outcome was positive as the stakeholders agreed to halt further procurement from the supplier until a comprehensive audit was conducted. This decision sent a strong message about our company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and improved transparency throughout our supply chain.

The subsequent audit revealed that the supplier had indeed subcontracted to unethical entities. As a result, we terminated the relationship with the supplier and redirected our sourcing efforts to more transparent and ethical suppliers. By taking a principled stance and considering the long-term consequences and impact on stakeholders, the company reaffirmed its commitment to ethical practices in the supply chain.

As always how you deliver the answer is as important as what you’re saying. For a 1:1 consultation on interview preparation, please contact me on laura@interviewtechniques.ie.

About the Author

Laura McGrath is a qualified executive coach, EMCC Certified with over 20 years’ experience in executive search and recruitment.  She’s the owner of Interview Techniques, a leading provider of interview and career coaching services and has been a guest lecturer with Trinity College Dublin and TU Dublin.  She’s given master interview classes with Institute of Chartered Accountants. For a consultation, please call 087 669 1192 or go to https://interviewtechniques.ie/contact/

Public Sector Experience: She’s been on public sector interview panel for the Civil Service interviewing Clerical Officers/Executive Officers/Higher Executive Officers/Administrative Officers and Assistant Principal Officers. She’s also been on Local Authority, County Council, HSE, Irish Prison Service, Garda Siochana and numerous semi-state boards, interviewing using both the Capability Framework and Competency Models.