Question

question 13 of 14

what is a key difference between quid pro quo harassment and a hostile work environment?

choose an option below

quid pro quo harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, while a hostile work environment does not.

quid pro quo harassment requires an exchange or trade, while a hostile work environment involves intimidating or threatening behavior that impacts the workplace.

quid pro quo harassment only occurs between opposite-sex individuals, while a hostile work environment can involve anyone.

Explanation:

Define quid pro quo harassment

Under Sexual Harassment law, Quid Pro Quo (Latin for "this for that") occurs when employment decisions or benefits are explicitly conditioned on submission to unwelcome sexual advances or conduct. It requires a transactional exchange or trade.

Define hostile work environment

A hostile work environment involves unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, impacting overall workplace conditions without requiring a direct exchange.

Evaluate the options

• Option 1: Incorrect. Both forms of harassment can involve unwelcome sexual advances.
• Option 2: Correct. This accurately distinguishes the transactional nature of Quid Pro Quo from the pervasive, intimidating behavior of a hostile work environment.
• Option 3: Incorrect. Neither form is limited to opposite-sex individuals; both can occur between anyone.

Answer:

• Quid pro quo harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, while a hostile work environment does not.
• Quid pro quo harassment requires an exchange or trade, while a hostile work environment involves intimidating or threatening behavior that impacts the workplace. (Correct answer)
• Quid pro quo harassment only occurs between opposite-sex individuals, while a hostile work environment can involve anyone.