American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which methods of communication should be used for ethical situations with the Executive Director?

1. Email and social media

2. Phone and/or letters

3. Face-to-face meetings

4. Public forums

The correct answer is: Phone and/or letters

Using phone and/or letters for communication in ethical situations with the Executive Director is appropriate due to several key factors. Ethical discussions often involve sensitive information that requires a level of privacy and confidentiality. Phone conversations allow for real-time dialogue, enabling a nuanced understanding of perspectives and facilitating immediate clarification of complex issues. Moreover, the tone of voice, which can convey intention and emotion, plays a significant role in these discussions and is more apparent in a direct conversation. Letters provide a formal means of communication, offering a clear, documented trail of correspondence. This is essential in situations where accountability and transparency are required, as they ensure that discussions are recorded, and parties can refer back to what was stated in writing. This documentation can also serve as a valuable reference for future interactions or if any disputes arise regarding the communication. In contrast, other options like email and social media may lack the personal touch and can lead to misunderstandings, as written messages can sometimes be misinterpreted without the context of tone and body language. Furthermore, public forums are generally unsuitable for ethical discussions, as they compromise confidentiality and may not provide a safe space for candid conversations. Face-to-face meetings can be highly effective but might not always be practical, especially if parties are not located in the same place