An HR professional receives two anonymous complaints within the same week indicating that a manager of an eight$-$person unit is involved in a romantic relationship with a subordinate employee. The complaint alleges that the manager is currently married, and the relationship is causing discomfort for other employees. Organizational policy forbids romantic relationships for employees in a direct reporting relationship. The complaint also states that the employee has been unfairly favored for incentive compensation by the manager. Organizational policy mandates that an investigation be conducted.

The manager denies showing favoritism to the subordinate employee. What should the HR professional do to resolve the conflicting information provided in the anonymous complaints?

Answers

Ask the manager to provide documentation that the incentive compensation was implemented fairly.

Administer a confidential survey of the manager$$s direct reports to obtain feedback about the manager$$s fairness.

Review the incentive compensation calculations and supporting data for all direct reports.

Interview the subordinate employee to confirm the allegations.