Which of the following is not considered a best practice to avoid claims of alleged discrimination?

The choice indicating that only hiring people of the same sex or national origin is not considered a best practice to avoid claims of alleged discrimination is correct. This approach directly contravenes the principles of inclusivity and equal opportunity that are foundational to fair employment practices.

In a healthy and compliant work environment, hiring decisions should be made based on the qualifications, skills, and experiences of the candidates, rather than their gender, ethnicity, or any other personal characteristics unrelated to job performance. Such restrictive hiring practices not only violate anti-discrimination laws but also limit diversity and potentially harm the organization’s reputation and effectiveness.

In contrast, the other choices reflect best practices that promote fairness and transparency in employment decisions. Avoiding preferential treatment ensures that all employees are treated equitably, while basing employment decisions on bona fide job requirements supports meritocracy. Additionally, documenting the basis for each employment decision helps to create a transparent process, providing a safeguard against any potential claims of discrimination by demonstrating that decisions were made objectively and fairly.