A company officer who allows sexually explicit pictures and comments that inhibit an employee's performance is:

• A. Protected from liability under sovereign immunity
• B. An example of a person with high power needs
• C. Contributing to a hostile work environment
• D. Promoting diversity in the workplace

Answer: (C)

Harassment that creates a hostile work environment due to unwelcome sexual conduct by someone in a supervisory role. When a company officer allows sexually explicit pictures and makes sexual comments, and those actions are unwelcome, they generate an atmosphere that is intimidating or offensive and can interfere with an employee’s ability to perform. The power dynamic amplifies the impact, as the employee may fear retaliation or feel unable to speak up, making it harder to address. This combination clearly fits the idea of a hostile work environment, a form of harassment workplace policies and laws aim to prevent. It isn’t about immunity, personality traits like high power needs, or efforts to promote diversity—the behavior described is harassment that undermines performance and safety and can expose the organization to liability.