What characterizes a quid pro quo harassment situation?

In a quid pro quo harassment situation, the key characteristic is the offering of favors in exchange for benefits. This typically involves an individual in a position of authority proposing that one person must engage in certain behaviors—such as submitting to advances, providing sexual favors, or participating in inappropriate conduct—in exchange for tangible benefits like promotions, raises, or continued employment. This establishes an explicit exchange, highlighting the abuse of power and the expectations tied to that power.

The other options, while they represent forms of harassment, do not capture the transactional nature inherent in quid pro quo situations. Creating a hostile atmosphere pertains more to environment-based harassment, targeting individuals based on gender relates to discrimination, and making offensive jokes involves a different aspect of workplace misconduct. Thus, the focus on a reciprocal arrangement in option B is what defines quid pro quo harassment distinctly.