Which term defines a hiring outcome that can persistently exclude members of protected groups even if neutral?

• A. Americans with Disabilities Act
• B. Unity of command
• C. Field training
• D. Adverse impact

Answer: (D)

Adverse impact refers to a hiring outcome that appears neutral but results in a disproportionate exclusion of members of protected groups. The key idea is effect over intent: a policy or selection procedure may seem fair, yet its impact on certain groups is systematically discriminatory under equal employment rules. Even without any bias in how it’s applied, the outcome can persistently disadvantage these groups unless the policy is changed.

The other options don’t describe this hiring-outcome issue: the Americans with Disabilities Act is a law protecting individuals with disabilities from discrimination; unity of command is a management principle about clear supervision; field training is a practical training program.