Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase. Strictly translated, it means “something for something.” This term has been used for centuries, and it is most commonly applied in the United States today in reference to sexual harassment cases.
In this context, it often means that the harassment itself is rooted in an exchange. This makes it exploitative in nature, as someone in a position of power may use that position to take advantage of an employee at a lower level of the business. Let’s look at an example of how this could happen.
Getting a promotion
For example, consider that the owner of a business is looking to promote someone to a managerial role. That owner or CEO tells one of the employees who applies for the promotion that they are guaranteed to get the role—but only if they engage in a sexual relationship with the owner.
The owner wants that relationship to appear consensual, but the reality is that the employee is being manipulated or coerced into agreeing to it. The owner is exploiting their position of power, as the person who decides who gets the promotion, to obtain the sexual favors or relationship they want.
There’s another side to this as well: An employee who refuses such a relationship with someone in a position of power—such as a manager or supervisor, not necessarily a CEO or business owner—may fear losing their job. It could be implied that the employee needs to go along with the relationship and pretend it is consensual or risk being terminated. In some industries, the employee could also worry about being blacklisted, making it difficult to find another job. Once again, this is a form of exploitation.
Sexual harassment cases
Employees who have experienced sexual harassment on the job need to understand all of the legal options available to them. This can be a very complex situation, so it is often helpful to work with an experienced law firm while exploring these options.