Which outcome is a potential consequence of not maintaining high ethical and professional conduct?

• A. Increased credibility of the professional
• B. Reduced likelihood of lawsuits
• C. Increased customer satisfaction
• D. Increased likelihood of lawsuits

Answer: (D)

When ethical and professional conduct isn’t upheld, legal risk increases. Violations like negligence, misrepresentation, breaches of confidentiality, or not meeting professional standards can lead clients to pursue legal action or regulatory sanctions. This is why the outcome described as an increased likelihood of lawsuits is the natural consequence of poor ethics and professionalism. Upholding ethics, by contrast, tends to boost credibility, client trust, and satisfaction, while lowering legal exposure, so those positive outcomes don’t fit as results of not maintaining conduct.