Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Practice Test

If an individual admits to sometimes taking credit for a co-worker’s work, how might they be viewed in a professional environment?

1. As a collaborative team player.

2. As a reliable and honest colleague.

3. As lacking integrity.

4. As a motivational leader.

The correct answer is: As lacking integrity.

In a professional environment, integrity is a vital trait that is highly regarded. When an individual admits to taking credit for a co-worker's work, it reflects a significant lack of integrity. This behavior undermines trust within a team, as it suggests that the individual is not truthful about their contributions and is willing to diminish others' efforts for personal gain. In workplaces characterized by teamwork and collaboration, being seen as lacking integrity can severely impact one's reputation and relationships with colleagues. Trust is foundational for effective teamwork, and taking credit for someone else's work erodes that trust. Therefore, the acknowledgment of this behavior signals to others that the individual may not be someone with whom they can rely on for fair and ethical collaboration. The other perspectives offered—being viewed as a collaborative team player, a reliable and honest colleague, or a motivational leader—imply characteristics that honor teamwork, transparency, and respect for others' contributions. These are opposite qualities to those implied by taking undue credit, thus reinforcing the assessment of a lack of integrity.