Different types of harassment happen at work. One of them includes an order to a worker when he/she is literally told to commit a wrong act and whose job or opportunities are contingent upon doing this. This way, the abused individuals may lose their jobs, psychological well-being, and safety in the workplace.
Let’s explore the full answer to the question:
“In _____________ harassment, something is given or withheld in exchange for something else.”
A) Hostile work environment
B) Physical
C) Verbal
D) Quid pro quo
Correct Answer: D) Quid pro quo
Explanation
People request sexual favours or bad behavior in order to gain in the workplace or to avoid evil acts. It is termed quid pro quo harassment. Quid pro quo, a Latin term meaning, this for that, reveals that there is a negotiation going on here. People you want to do what you want may be threatened, given false hope, or not given a chance.
Examples include
- Giving someone a job in exchange for a sexual event or date.
- Saying you’ll fire someone if they don’t do what you want them to do.
- Promising favorable work shifts in return for personal favors.
What is Quid Pro Quo Harassment?
These kinds of sexual acts can happen at work. The main cause is an imbalance of power, usually between a boss or supervisor and a subordinate, and the promise of job perks in exchange for agreeing to the request.
Key features:
- Always involves an exchange tied to employment conditions.
- It can be clear or oblique.
- It’s harassment just to make the request, not just to see what happens.
Key Elements
- Authority: There is usually someone in it who can decide what to do for the victim.
- Conditioning: What can happen to you in case you fail to perform as stated by the rules?
- Consequences: Affects your workplace and the job market, promotion, chances to be employed and retained in the job.
- Legal defence: Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 criminalizes it.
FAQs
Q1: Is consent relevant in quid pro quo harassment?
No, because the person being bullied doesn’t have the power to say no. It is still harassment even if they give in because they are forced to.
Q2: Can quid pro quo occur outside a workplace?
Yes, it can happen in schools, volunteer organizations, or any setting with authority over opportunities.
Q3: Who can be held liable?
Someone who is making the claim, and sometimes the boss, if the worker doesn’t stop or deal with it.
Q4: How should a victim respond?
Keep away from the person who is bothering you and write down what happened. Then, tell HR or the police what happened.
Image source freepik