Ethical Competence (SJT)

Ethical Competence Situational Judgment Test (SJT): Assessing Integrity and Decision-Making in the Workplace

This Situational Judgment Test evaluates an individual’s ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in realistic workplace scenarios. It measures key competencies such as integrity, fairness, accountability, empathy, emotional intelligence, and sound ethical judgment. Through nuanced, high-stakes situations, the assessment examines how individuals balance competing interests, adhere to ethical standards, and make responsible decisions that promote trust, equity, and organizational values. Ideal for identifying individuals who consistently act with integrity, respect others, and contribute to an ethical and inclusive work environment.

Unique Features of the Ethical Competence Situational Judgment (SJT) Assessment

• Comprehensive Ethics Evaluation: This assessment focuses on critical ethical competencies such as integrity, fairness, emotional intelligence, accountability, respectful communication, and relationship management. It evaluates an individual’s ability to uphold ethical standards, navigate moral dilemmas, and maintain professional conduct while working across teams and organizational levels.
• Real-World Ethical Scenarios: Presents realistic, nuanced workplace situations involving ethical tension, competing interests, or interpersonal challenges. These scenarios assess how individuals respond under pressure—whether they demonstrate empathy, uphold fairness, communicate with transparency, and make responsible decisions that align with organizational values.
• Insightful Behavioral Analysis: Offers deep insights into a candidate’s ethical reasoning, interpersonal judgment, and ability to maintain trust and professionalism in difficult situations. The assessment highlights whether individuals can contribute to a culture of accountability, equity, and respectful collaboration.
• Applicable Across Roles and Levels: Designed to assess ethical competence for a wide range of positions—from early-career professionals who must navigate team dynamics and workplace norms, to senior roles that require balancing stakeholder interests, managing conflict ethically, and influencing culture through example.
• Feedback-Driven for Ethical Alignment: Provides hiring and development teams with actionable feedback on candidates' ethical decision-making and interpersonal integrity. The results support the identification of individuals who can promote inclusivity, mitigate risk, and uphold the ethical standards necessary for long-term organizational success.

Topics Covered in the Ethical Competence SJT Pre-Screening Test

• Ethical Communication: Assesses the ability to communicate with honesty, respect, and sensitivity—tailoring messages for clarity, inclusiveness, and ethical alignment, even in complex or high-pressure situations.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Evaluates awareness of others' feelings and perspectives, particularly in ethically sensitive interactions. Tests the ability to respond constructively and inclusively, fostering a respectful and equitable workplace.
• Collaborative Integrity: Measures an individual’s ability to work cooperatively while upholding fairness and shared responsibility. Evaluates how people manage competing priorities without compromising ethical standards or relationships.
• Conflict Resolution and Ethical Judgment: Examines how individuals approach interpersonal or organizational conflicts with fairness, impartiality, and an eye toward sustainable, ethical solutions that preserve dignity and collaboration.
• Building Trust and Professional Rapport: Assesses the ability to form and sustain ethical, respectful working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and teams—contributing to a culture of accountability, trust, and transparency.
• Influence Through Ethical Conduct: Measures how individuals build credibility and influence others by modeling ethical behavior, standing by their values, and encouraging principled decision-making across functional boundaries.

Best Use of the Ethical Competence (SJT) Test

This Situational Judgment Test is most effective for evaluating individuals in roles where ethical judgment, interpersonal integrity, and responsible collaboration are essential to success, including:

• Executive and Senior Professional Roles: Assesses an individual’s ability to uphold ethical standards, manage stakeholder expectations, and navigate complex interpersonal and organizational dynamics with integrity. Particularly relevant for roles responsible for setting cultural tone and ensuring ethical alignment with strategic goals.
• Project Managers and Cross-Functional Coordinators: Evaluates ethical decision-making in the context of team collaboration, stakeholder management, and competing priorities. Helps identify professionals who foster trust, resolve conflicts ethically, and maintain fairness and transparency while ensuring timely project delivery.
• Human Resources and People Operations Professionals: Tests interpersonal ethics, emotional intelligence, and the ability to handle sensitive issues such as employee disputes, inclusion efforts, and compliance matters. Essential for those shaping organizational culture and promoting ethical consistency across all levels.
• Client-Facing Roles (e.g., Sales, Consulting, Account Management): Measures the ability to build and maintain trust with clients through transparency, responsible influence, and ethical communication. Assesses how individuals handle pressure, negotiate fairly, and represent organizational values in high-stakes external relationships.
• People Managers and Department Leads: Assesses how individuals manage team dynamics ethically, promote fairness and respect, and model ethical behavior. Focuses on how they guide teams through conflict, maintain psychological safety, and uphold inclusive, values-based leadership.
• Interdepartmental and Cross-Functional Roles: Ideal for professionals working across departments, functions, or cultures. Evaluates the ability to balance diverse perspectives, promote open dialogue, and maintain integrity in environments with differing expectations or ethical challenges.