Do you need an outside investigator?

Picture of Fran S.

Fran S.

Post URL copied to clipboard!

 

The table below can help you decide whether you need an outside investigator. Consider all of the dimensions listed, add up the score, and use the guide to help you decide.

Look at the matter

(1 point)

(2 points)

(3 points)

The matter to be investigated is…

Simple, involving two parties and one or two incidents.

Moderate in complexity, involving more than two parties or multiple incidents.

High in complexity, involving multiple parties and multiple incidents, or allegations of hostile environment.

The person(s) accused of misconduct…

Are nonmanagerial and at the same rank as the complainant.

Are middle management and higher in rank than the complainant.

Are senior managers or executives.

The complaints involve…

Inappropriate language, jokes, or simple misconduct.

A combination of inappropriate language and multiple acts of misconduct.

Extreme racial, sexual, or threatening behavior.

The person to do the investigating…

Is extremely experienced and confident.

Has some experience, but is uncertain about the best way to proceed.

Is inexperienced or is in a reporting relationship to a party in the investigation.

Add up your scores…

1-4 Internally manageable

5-9 Consider using outside investigator

10+ Recommend outside investigator

 

Fran S.

Related Posts

EEOC: Rebooting Harassment

In September of 2015, I had the honor of testifying before the EEOC’s Select Task Force on Harassment. On Monday, June 20, the

Supervisors: Biggest Asset, Biggest Liability

While conducting a recent climate assessment, I was questioning a supervisor about their oversight of the work environment.  How did they take stock

Investigative Reports: Credibility & Facts

Writing investigative reports is never anyone’s favorite part of investigative work.  After the dynamic processes of interviewing, document review, analysis of evidence and

Managers & Supervisors: Beware the Myth of the “Formal Complaint.”

When you spend the better part of your professional life examining employee complaints, the subtleties of handling those complaints become a big deal.

Reflections on Fairness

I had the honor of speaking at HR West today. It is one of the best HR conferences in North America, filled with

The Face of Discrimination May be Our Own

On Martin Luther King Day, it is appropriate to consider where discrimination and bias sit in our own lives.  More often than ever,

More About Our Services

Do you want to know more about what we offer, check out our service offerings to get a full understanding.
Get in touch