American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Who can provide formal advice on the propriety of a planner's proposed conduct?

1. The Ethics Officer

2. The planning committee

3. External consultants

4. Any senior planner

The correct answer is: The Ethics Officer

The Ethics Officer plays a crucial role in providing formal guidance and advice regarding ethical conduct within an organization or professional setting, particularly for planners facing dilemmas or uncertainties in their proposed actions. This position is specifically designated to address ethics-related matters, ensuring that planners adhere to established ethical standards and practices. By consulting with the Ethics Officer, planners can receive targeted and knowledgeable advice tailored to the nuances of ethical issues they might encounter in their role. This guidance is often rooted in thorough understanding of the relevant codes of ethics, best practices, and legal implications related to planning activities. While other individuals, such as senior planners, may possess valuable insights from their experience, and planning committees can offer diverse perspectives on conduct, their advice does not carry the same formal weight or authority as that of the Ethics Officer. External consultants may provide opinions on a variety of subjects, but they typically operate outside the organization’s regulatory framework regarding ethics. Thus, when it comes to formal advice on ethical propriety, the Ethics Officer is the most appropriate and authoritative resource.