International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Practice Exam

What refers to actions taken against an individual who has reported wrongdoing, in violation of whistleblower protection laws?

1. Retaliatory action

2. Compliance measures

3. Disciplinary action

4. Preventative measures

The correct answer is: Retaliatory action

The term that specifically refers to actions taken against an individual who has reported wrongdoing, in violation of whistleblower protection laws, is "retaliatory action." This encompasses any adverse action that may occur as a response to the whistleblower's report, which can include termination, demotion, harassment, or any other form of discrimination aimed at punishing the individual for the act of reporting. Retaliatory action is significant because it undermines the principle of protecting those who would speak up against unethical or illegal behavior within an organization. Whistleblower protection laws are designed to encourage reporting by providing safeguards against such repercussions, thereby fostering an environment in which ethical concerns can be raised without fear of personal loss. In contrast, compliance measures relate to ensuring adherence to laws and regulations but do not themselves imply any adverse actions against individuals reporting misconduct. Disciplinary action, while it may occur in response to wrongdoing, typically pertains to actions taken against the alleged wrongdoer rather than the whistleblower. Preventative measures focus on creating proactive safeguards to avoid misconduct in the first place and do not address the issue of retaliation against those who report such misconduct.