Judgement Test Question 90 – Inappropriate joke at work
Read the scenario and rate every action independently. Several actions can receive the same rating.
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Scenario
During a team break, one colleague makes a joke about another colleague's accent. A few people laugh. The colleague who is being discussed gives a brief laugh as well, then becomes quiet and looks uncomfortable. The person who made the joke appears to think it was harmless and continues the conversation. Your team is expected to treat people fairly and challenge inappropriate behaviour in a calm way. You are at the same grade as both colleagues and do not manage either of them. You need to decide how to respond while avoiding further embarrassment for the colleague who was targeted.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Repeat the joke later to show that nobody should take it seriously.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action B
Avoid both colleagues for the rest of the day.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action C
Say nothing at the time, then check privately whether the colleague wants support.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action D
State calmly that the comment is inappropriate, check privately that the colleague is okay and use the proper reporting route if further action is needed.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Click to reveal the answer
- Action A: Counterproductive
- Action B: Ineffective
- Action C: Fairly Effective
- Action D: Effective
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