Quid Pro Quo

Quid pro quo means this for that. In workplace discussion it is used almost exclusively about sexual harassment, and the same structure appears in several other places where it causes real trouble.

Conflicts of interest. A supplier offers hospitality, tickets or a gift, and an expectation is created without anything being said. The absence of an explicit request is what makes it difficult to manage.

Procurement. A contract awarded where the decision-maker has an undisclosed relationship or stands to benefit.

References and favours. Support offered on the understanding that something is returned later.

The common thread is that nothing is stated. That is why disclosure regimes matter more than prohibition, since what has been declared can be managed and what has not cannot.

The Fair Work Ombudsman covers conduct obligations. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s conflicts of interest training and code of conduct training.