What types of consequences might violations of ethics rules lead to?

• A. A salary increase.
• B. Verbal warning, written reprimand, suspension or termination for violations such as repeated sexual harassment, theft, physical abuse and embezzlement.
• C. A friendly reminder to follow policy.
• D. A public commendation.

Answer: (B)

Violations of ethics rules require formal disciplinary actions to protect coworkers, clients, and the organization and to uphold standards of conduct. A progression that includes verbal warning, written reprimand, suspension, or termination reflects how organizations respond to misconduct—from less to more severe offenses. For serious issues like repeated sexual harassment, theft, physical abuse, or embezzlement, the penalties are typically strong enough to remove the employee and may lead to legal consequences. The other options don’t fit: a salary increase would reward misconduct, a friendly reminder is too lenient, and a public commendation would praise behavior that violates ethics rules.