After receiving a negative evaluation from a trainer upon completion of a six$-$week program to learn a required computer software program, a call center employee files a complaint with an HR generalist against the trainer. The employee characterizes the trainer$$s evaluation as an unfair termination attempt and goes on to describe a conversation overheard between the trainer and another employee in which the trainer expressed frustration about failing to meet bonus requirements as a result of training older workers. The employee also recounts a situation that involved the termination of a coworker for speaking out against the trainer and reveals a strong interpersonal relationship between the call center manager and the trainer. The trainer is responsible for observing and documenting the employee$$s on$-$the$-$job performance during training. According to the trainer$$s evaluation, the employee experienced significant difficulty learning the new software. Given the information provided by the employee, the HR generalist decides to conduct a formal investigation.

Which action is best for the HR generalist to take in response to interview summaries showing that multiple employees perceive that the manager allows an interpersonal relationship with the trainer to influence employment decisions?

Answers

Initiate an organization$-$wide study to investigate the strength of relationship ties.

Involve the manager$$s supervisor in reviewing the results of the investigation.

Report the relationship between the manager and the trainer to the company$$s ethics hotline.

Request that the manager maintain a similar level of social exchange with all employees.