Which term best matches a supervisor demanding sexual favors in exchange for job security?

Which term best matches a supervisor demanding sexual favors in exchange for job security?

• A. Harassment by peers.
• B. Hostile work environment.
• C. Quid pro quo harassment.
• D. Workplace retaliation.

Answer: (C)

Quid pro quo harassment involves a power imbalance where someone in authority demands sexual favors in exchange for a job-related benefit. In this case, a supervisor makes job security contingent on sexual favors, so the employment decision itself is directly tied to a sexual act. That direct exchange is the hallmark of quid pro quo, making it the best description of the scenario. This differs from a hostile work environment, which is about pervasive conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or abusive atmosphere, not a specific promise of job security in return for sex. It also differs from harassment by peers, which involves coworkers at roughly the same level, not someone with supervisory power leveraging authority. Workplace retaliation involves adverse actions taken after a complaint or protected activity, rather than an explicit conditional offer tied to sexual conduct.

Quid pro quo harassment involves a power imbalance where someone in authority demands sexual favors in exchange for a job-related benefit. In this case, a supervisor makes job security contingent on sexual favors, so the employment decision itself is directly tied to a sexual act. That direct exchange is the hallmark of quid pro quo, making it the best description of the scenario.

This differs from a hostile work environment, which is about pervasive conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or abusive atmosphere, not a specific promise of job security in return for sex. It also differs from harassment by peers, which involves coworkers at roughly the same level, not someone with supervisory power leveraging authority. Workplace retaliation involves adverse actions taken after a complaint or protected activity, rather than an explicit conditional offer tied to sexual conduct.