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How Does Quid Pro Quo Apply to Harassment?

How Does Quid Pro Quo Apply to Harassment?

Once a month, our HR experts answer a commonly asked question. This month we’re answering harassment-related questions.

Q: What does quid pro quo mean?

A: Maybe you’ve heard it said on the news or maybe it just seems like Latin (which it is).

In the context of HR and sexual harassment in the workplace, the phrase specifically refers to a situation in which a person of authority or influence (i.e., an executive, a supervisor, a manager, an employee of higher rank or seniority) expects a subordinate or lower-level employee to participate in or comply with inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature under the threat of harming their status as an employee if they refuse.

About The Author

Emily Hartman

Emily is a Marketing Manager here at KPA. She’s using the mad communications skills she learned in Washington, D.C., to break down technical information into news you can use.

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