Exam : Sexual Harassment for Employees-California

In which of the following situations could an employer be liable for sexual harassment? A) An employee is teased by a coworker while on a business trip. B) An employee is teased by a sibling at a family cookout. C) An employee is cat-called at an intersection on their way to work. D) An employee is greeted by a "Hello!" from the security guard at work.

A) An employee is teased by a coworker while on a business trip.

A coworker complains to you that a customer is sexually harassing her. What is the most appropriate response? A) Encourage them to document the harassment and report it to their supervisor or Human Resources. B) Conduct the investigation yourself C) Advise your coworker that there is nothing you can do because it is a non-employee. D) Tell your coworker that no investigation is needed because the conduct was too mild to be sexual harassment.

A) Encourage them to document the harassment and report it to their supervisor or Human Resources.

Your co-worker tells you that she wants to report sexual harassment to the appropriate California agency. To whom should you direct her? A) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). B) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Employment Development Department (EDD). C) The Federal Employment Agency and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). D) The Federal Employment Agency and the Employment Development Department (EDD)

A) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

Carl is often teased by his fellow coworkers about his "feminine" mannerisms and speech. If severe or pervasive enough, this teasing could be considered a form of: A) Sex discrimination B) Sexual abuse C) Physical abuse D) Physical discrimination

A) Sex discrimination

Zachary and Samantha are good friends and coworkers. Every Monday morning, they spend ½ hour recounting their sexual adventures over the weekend. Stan, their coworker, does not want to hear about their sex lives and tells them so. They respond by saying, "Then close your ears. We weren't talking to you anyway." Should Zachary and Samantha continue their behavior, this could be an example of: A) Sexual harassment B) Sex discrimination C) Inappropriate workplace behavior D) Freedom of speech

A) Sexual harassment

Wesley and Victor have been dating for the past 6 months. A few weeks ago, Victor told Wesley he was no longer interested in him romantically. Crushed, Wesley continues to try to win Victor back. He often hangs around Victor's desk, brings up past arguments they have had, and asks to meet with him after work. If his behavior continues, his behavior could become: A) Annoying B) Illegal C) Admirable D) Understandable

B) Illegal

Karl recently immigrated to the U.S. from Germany and is determined to show his American coworkers that he has a sense of humor. He amuses his colleagues with jokes and quickly becomes popular with many of them. Some of his German-American colleagues, however, are getting tired of these comments, especially since many of them have faced real prejudices and biases in the past. When a few tell him to knock it off, he should: A) Remind them that if he is from Germany and can take a joke about his own country. B) Remember that what people consider funny can vary and quit telling those jokes at work. C) Only tell his jokes when other people from Germany are not around. D) Wait until Human Resources tells him to stop.

B) Remember that what people consider funny can vary and quit telling those jokes at work.

Can a female employee sue her employer for sexual harassment based on the conduct of another female employee? A) No, the conduct must be based on sex. B) Yes, a female can sue for harassment if the conduct is severe or pervasive, regardless of whether the harasser is male or female. C) Yes, however, the conduct must be more egregious than what is required for male-female harassment. D) No, sexual harassment laws only protect males.

B) Yes, a female can sue for harassment if the conduct is severe or pervasive, regardless of whether the harasser is male or female.

Which of the following statements about sexual harassment is correct? A) A man who is sexually harassed must be exposed to significantly worse behavior than a woman in order for it to be illegal. B) A woman who is sexually harassed must be exposed to significantly worse behavior than a man in order for it to be illegal. C) Behavior that constitutes sexual harassment is harassment regardless of whether it is targeted at men or women. D) Men and children are both sexually harassed more often than women, regardless of age, race, or sexual orientation

C) Behavior that constitutes sexual harassment is harassment regardless if it is targeted at men or women.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, all the following are ways for a bystander to intervene in a sexual harassment situation, EXCEPT A) Support the victim. B) Do not act alone. C) Do not confront the harasser directly. D) Disrupt the situation.

C) Do not confront the harasser directly.

Employees who accuse their company of retaliation for filing a sexual harassment complaint: A) Have to prove that the sexual harassment really occurred. B) Have to accept the consequences of making a complaint. C) Do not have to prove that the sexual harassment actually occurred. D) Do not have the right to hold the employer liable for the actions.

C) Do not have to prove that the sexual harassment actually occurred.

Which of these is most likely to contribute to a sexually hostile work environment? A) Men and women working in the same office B) A male supervising a female employee C) Not having a dress code D) Tolerating sexually suggestive comments and jokes

D) Tolerating sexually suggestive comments and jokes

True or False: Intent is the most important factor when determining if harassment took place.

False

True or False: A bystander intervention is the term used to define when an individual actively moves in and changes the outcome of a situation.

True

True or False: A threat or promise of a change in employment conditions is not required to create a hostile work environment.

True

True or False: If an employee is fired because of their sexual orientation, they may be eligible for reinstatement or financial compensation.

True

What is "abusive conduct?" A) Any conduct that an employee does not like in the workplace B) Malicious behavior that a reasonable person would find hostile, offensive, and unrelated to an employer's legitimate business interest C) Telling an employee that they are not performing well D) Any behavior that is counter to a harmonious workplace

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