The ASQ Code of Ethics requires professionals to uphold integrity, respect confidentiality, and protect sensitive information. Confidentiality is a critical ethical obligation in construction quality management, especially when handling proprietary data, project records, or client-sensitive information.
The correct action that aligns with ASQ ethical principles is restricting access to authorized personnel only (Option D). This ensures compliance with professional standards, prevents data breaches, and maintains trust between stakeholders.
Option A (Debriefing information with a colleague in another department for advice): Sharing confidential information outside the designated team violates confidentiality policies and could lead to data misuse.
Option B (Disclosing confidential information at a conference presentation): Publicly disclosing confidential information breaches contractual and ethical obligations.
Option C (Sharing with all top management within the organization): Not all management personnel may have clearance or need-to-know access to the information.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:The ASQ Code of Ethics emphasizes maintaining the confidentiality of privileged information, reinforcing that only those with a legitimate need should have access.
ISO 9001:2015, Clause 7.5 – Focuses on documented information control and restricted access.
DOE O 414.1D, Attachment 3 – Addresses handling of sensitive information in quality assurance programs.
ANSI/ASQ Z1.13-1999 – Provides quality guidelines emphasizing data confidentiality.
ASQ Construction Quality Management (CQM) ReferencesThus, the best answer is D: Restricting access to the information to authorized personnel only.
