Quid Pro Quo Examples

Quid pro quo examples outside the harassment context tend to involve gifts and hospitality, and they work precisely because nothing is requested.

• A supplier providing tickets to an event shortly before a contract is renewed.
• Repeated lunches and hospitality from one vendor during a tender period.
• A gift arriving at a decision-maker’s home rather than the office.
• Sponsorship of a team event by a supplier under evaluation.
• Work experience or a role offered to a decision-maker’s family member.

None involves a stated condition, and each creates a sense of obligation that influences a decision the person believes they are making on merit.

The control is not a ban, which drives it underground. It is a register with a low threshold, applied consistently, and a rule that anything received during a live procurement is declined or declared immediately.

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 GRC system.