National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes harassment in terms of discrimination?

1. Direct unpleasant conduct aimed at an individual

2. A form of indirect discrimination

3. Unwanted conduct creating an intimidating environment

4. A policy that targets individuals with protected characteristics

The correct answer is: Unwanted conduct creating an intimidating environment

Harassment in terms of discrimination is best described as unwanted conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. This definition captures the essence of how harassment operates, particularly in workplaces or educational settings, where an individual's experience can be significantly affected by the behavior of others. This unwanted conduct can manifest in various forms, including verbal comments, physical actions, or other behaviors that a person finds objectionable and that undermine their sense of security and dignity. This definition is aligned with legal and organizational policies that aim to protect individuals from harassment based on characteristics like race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. The creation of an intimidating environment speaks to the impact of the behavior on the victim, emphasizing that harassment is not just about the actions themselves but the adverse effect those actions have on an individual's ability to function in their environment. In contrast, the other provided descriptions do not fully encompass the concept of harassment as effectively. Direct unpleasant conduct might not always have the same broader implications regarding the environment or victim's experience as unwanted conduct. Indirect discrimination usually pertains to policies or practices that, while seemingly neutral, disproportionately disadvantage a particular group, which is a different concept than harassment. A policy targeting individuals with protected characteristics suggests a focused effort to discriminate rather than describe the behavior