A workplace scenario where sexual advances are used as a condition for hiring or promotion illustrates which concept?

• A. Quid pro quo harassment
• B. Hostile environment harassment
• C. Sexual coercion
• D. Sexual favoritism

Answer: (A)

Quid pro quo harassment involves a supervisor using a position of authority to exchange employment outcomes—such as hiring or promotion—for sexual favors. In this scenario, advancing in the job or getting hired hinges on giving in to sexual advances, which creates an illegal power play where a job benefit is conditional on sexual cooperation. That direct exchange is what makes it distinct from other forms of harassment.

Hostile environment harassment would involve a pattern of unwanted sexual conduct that creates an intimidating or offensive workplace atmosphere, not tied to a specific employment decision. Sexual favoritism implies preferential treatment due to a sexual relationship but doesn’t necessarily frame the advancement as a conditional exchange. Sexual coercion is related in that it involves pressure, but the clearest, most precise label for this situation is the direct exchange of a job outcome for sexual favors.