Like many legal terms, quid pro quo has its roots in Latin. Roughly translated, it means something for something else.
In other words, this term refers to an exchange. Two things that have equal value are being swapped. If someone proposes a quid pro quo arrangement, they are asking to make such a trade. Especially in a corporate setting, it is the idea that “I’ll do something for you if you do something for me.”
How does this relate to sexual harassment?
If you’ve heard of quid pro quo sexual harassment, you may be wondering how an exchange is important or how harassment would be involved.
The issue is simply that one person is being pressured to make the exchange by the other, who holds a higher position of power. The hierarchy of the business means that the two individuals are not on equal ground.
For example, say that an employee wants to get a promotion. Their boss makes it clear to them that, if they engage in an intimate relationship at work, their boss will give them the promotion. Their boss may directly tell the employee that they will get the promotion they want in exchange for those sexual favors, or it may be implied.
Either way, the boss in this hypothetical situation is using their power and influence to take advantage of a lower-level worker at the business.
What options do you have?
Do you believe that you have experienced sexual harassment on the job? Whether it was quid pro quo harassment or another type, you need to know exactly what legal options you have at this time.