In the firing example described, the employer's excuse is a ...

In the firing example described, the employer's excuse is a ...

• A. Motive
• B. Pretext
• C. Justification
• D. Business necessity

Answer: (B)

When a firing decision is questioned, the key idea is whether the reason given is a legitimate, non-discriminatory explanation or a cover for something unlawful. A pretext is a false or manufactured excuse used to hide the real motive behind the firing, such as discrimination or retaliation. In the example, the employer’s stated reason for firing isn’t the true cause but a story meant to mask the underlying ill will or prohibited motive, which is why it’s described as a pretext. This differs from motive, which is the underlying discriminatory or improper intent themselves. It also isn’t a genuine justification, which would be a real, supportable reason tied to performance or business needs. And it’s not business necessity, which is a legitimate defense tied to essential job requirements or safety that justifies certain practices, not a misleading excuse for an individual firing.

When a firing decision is questioned, the key idea is whether the reason given is a legitimate, non-discriminatory explanation or a cover for something unlawful. A pretext is a false or manufactured excuse used to hide the real motive behind the firing, such as discrimination or retaliation. In the example, the employer’s stated reason for firing isn’t the true cause but a story meant to mask the underlying ill will or prohibited motive, which is why it’s described as a pretext.

This differs from motive, which is the underlying discriminatory or improper intent themselves. It also isn’t a genuine justification, which would be a real, supportable reason tied to performance or business needs. And it’s not business necessity, which is a legitimate defense tied to essential job requirements or safety that justifies certain practices, not a misleading excuse for an individual firing.