Question

Direction: Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow.
In recent years, complaints of sexual harassment at "Fair Consulting" had increased exponentially. Fair Consulting had a gender-neutral, anti-sexual harassment policy and a committee to adjudicate on complaints. During the hearing of complaints, allegations and counter-allegations would fly thick and fast. This made it difficult for the adjudicating committee to conclusively decide on the complaints.
Of late, the adjudicating committee received a complaint from a junior female consultant. Her immediate boss cracked a bawdy joke about her in the office tuck shop. When the committee probed the alleged misconduct, they identified an independent witness. She agreed to give her testimony to the committee: however, she was unsure if she would like to be identified either by the complainant or the accused. The convenor of the committee was confused about the stance to be taken on the witness's concern.
Which of the following will be the BEST stance to be taken by the convenor?

• A. The convenor should not allow witness’s identity to be revealed because complainant can sabotage the inquiry process.
• B. The convenor should not let witness’s identity be revealed as it might expose her to a threat either from the respondent or the accused.
• C. The convenor should ensure that the witness identifies herself because both the accused and the complainant must identify themselves.
• D. The convenor should not allow witness’s identity to be revealed as either the accused or the complainant can use the witness’s arguments to their advantage.
• E. The convenor should ensure that witness identify herself as it will ensure that she will not present frivolous proof related to the inquiry.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The convenor should not let witness’s identity be revealed as it might expose her to a threat either from the respondent or the accused.

Answer 2

If the witness doesn’t want her identity to be revealed, she must be scared about her safety. She might receive a threat from either the respondent or the accused. Therefore, B is the correct answer.