This case relates to the professional conduct of an investment professional and her duty to her employer. CFA Institute Standard of Professional Conduct IV(A): Loyalty (to employer) requires CFA Institute members to act for the benefit of their employer and not cause harm to their employer. In addition, Standard I(D): Misconduct states that CFA Institute members must not commit any act that reflects adversely on their professional reputation or integrity. As a general matter, investment professionals are free to voice and act on their political beliefs outside of their work environment. Standard I(D) is not meant to curtail freedom of expression or address conduct (or even acts of civil disobedience) in support of personal beliefs as long as that conduct does not reflect poorly on the member’s professional reputation or competence.
Ziegenthaler’s beliefs related to animal rights, in and of themselves, are not related to her professional competence and do not reflect poorly on her reputation or integrity. But in this case, Ziegenthaler surreptitiously uses resources and a platform made available to her through her employer to express and promote her views. These actions caused her employer at least some reputational harm with its clients, as evidenced by their complaints. As a result, Ziegenthaler’s actions are inappropriate. Choice A is the best answer.