A female employee reports sexual harassment by a supervisor. The company's immediate response should be to:
Correct Answer
D) Conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation
Employers have a legal obligation to promptly investigate harassment complaints thoroughly and impartially. Delay or improper handling can increase liability and allow the harassment to continue.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Federal and state employment laws require employers to take immediate action when harassment is reported. A prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation is the legally mandated first step that protects both the company and employees. This demonstrates the employer is taking the complaint seriously and fulfilling their duty of care. Proper investigation procedures help establish facts, protect against liability, and ensure appropriate corrective action can be taken.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Wait to see if additional complaints are filed
Simply transferring the employee doesn't address the underlying problem and could be seen as retaliation against the complainant. This approach fails to investigate whether harassment actually occurred and allows a potentially problematic supervisor to continue unchecked.
Option B: Transfer the employee to a different department
Waiting for additional complaints is legally dangerous and allows potential harassment to continue. Employers have an immediate duty to investigate upon receiving the first complaint, and delays can significantly increase legal liability and damages.
Memory Technique
Use the acronym PTI: Prompt, Thorough, Impartial - the three essential elements of proper harassment investigation that employers must follow immediately upon receiving a complaint.
Reference Hint
Employment Law chapter or Human Resources/Personnel Management section - look for harassment and discrimination policies and procedures
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