Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

What does victimization refer to in the context of equal opportunity legislation?

1. Refusing promotions based on employee’s performance

2. Employers retaliating against an employee who has complained about discrimination

3. Failure to hire based on race

4. Discriminating based on educational background

The correct answer is: Employers retaliating against an employee who has complained about discrimination

Victimization in the context of equal opportunity legislation refers specifically to the adverse actions taken by employers against an employee who has made a complaint regarding discrimination or has participated in any related proceedings. This retaliation can occur in various forms, such as demotion, disciplinary actions, or other negative impacts on the employee’s work environment and career progression. By focusing on protecting employees from victimization, equal opportunity legislation ensures that individuals feel safe and supported when voicing concerns about discriminatory practices. This concept promotes a workplace culture that encourages reporting and addressing discrimination without fear of retribution. The other options pertain to different forms of discrimination or performance assessment and do not capture the essence of victimization, which is tied directly to retaliatory behavior following complaints of discrimination.