Question

What is the name for what occurs when a supervisor offers a work-related reward in exchange for a sexual favor? a. hiring bias b. quid pro quo c. hostile work environment d. immutable characteristics

Short answer

b. quid pro quo

Step-by-step solution

Understand the situation

First, analyze and understand the scenario presented. It's about an unacceptable work situation where a supervisor is offering work-related benefits in exchange for sexual favors.

Identify the correct term

Next, look at the available options to find the term that best matches the situation. In a situation where an entity offers something valuable on the condition of receiving something in return, it is a behavior characterized as 'quid pro quo', a Latin phrase meaning 'this for that'.

Validate the answer

Finally, double-check the answer among the options and confirm that it is indeed the best fit to describe the scenario. 'quid pro quo' stands out as the appropriate term in this context.

Key concepts

Quid Pro Quo

Quid pro quo, a Latin phrase meaning "this for that," refers to a situation where something is given or received in exchange for something else. In the workplace, this term often describes when a person in a position of power offers job-related rewards, such as promotions, salary increases, or other benefits, in exchange for sexual favors. This form of misconduct is a serious ethical violation and is a clear example of workplace harassment.

Understanding the concept of quid pro quo is important because it highlights the power imbalance that can occur in professional settings. It undermines fairness and equality, placing undue pressure on employees to comply with inappropriate demands.

• Quid pro quo can involve any work-related benefit or detriment linked to compliance or refusal.
• It is a direct violation of workplace ethics and laws against sexual harassment.
• Organizations are obligated to prevent quid pro quo scenarios and protect employees from such abuses.

It is essential for employees to be aware of their rights and report any quid pro quo harassment to the proper authorities within their organization.

Hostile Work Environment

A hostile work environment arises when an employee experiences workplace harassment that is pervasive enough to create an intimidating, offensive, or oppressive atmosphere. Unlike quid pro quo, which involves a direct exchange, a hostile work environment is characterized by repeated actions or communications that make it difficult for an employee to perform their duties effectively.

There are various forms of conduct that can contribute to a hostile work environment:

• Offensive jokes and slurs based on gender, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.
• Unwelcome remarks or inappropriate discussions related to one's personal life.
• Undue interference with a person's work through persistent trivial tasks.

For a work environment to be considered hostile, the behavior in question must be severe and pervasive, going beyond isolated incidents.

Employers have a responsibility to promote a work environment free from harassment by implementing policies, providing training, and enforcing consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Hiring Bias

Hiring bias refers to unfair practices in the recruitment process where decisions regarding hiring, promotion, or other employment changes are influenced by personal characteristics unrelated to job performance. These biases can be based on factors such as gender, race, age, or education.

Such biases undermine the principle of merit and fairness in the workplace and can lead to a less effective workforce. There are several common types of hiring biases:

• Affinity bias, where employers favor candidates who are similar to themselves in background or interests.
• Stereotype bias, involving assumptions about certain groups' abilities or work ethic.
• Halo effect, where a single positive trait of a candidate overly influences their overall evaluation.

To combat hiring bias, companies can implement strategies such as structured interviews, diverse hiring panels, and blind resume reviews.

It is crucial for organizations to recognize and address these biases to ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace that values talent and performance above all else.