If an employee's supervisor is the accused individual, who should the employee contact next?

In situations where an employee's supervisor is the accused individual, it is essential for the employee to follow the established protocol for reporting concerns. Contacting the chain of command is the appropriate next step because this route maintains the integrity of the reporting system while ensuring that the issue is addressed by someone in authority who is not involved in the situation.

The chain of command typically consists of various levels of management who can provide oversight and accountability in handling complaints. Moving up the chain allows for impartial evaluations of the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensuring that the employee's concerns are taken seriously without bias from the direct supervisor.

Other options might seem relevant but may not provide the appropriate resolution or confidentiality needed in this scenario. For instance, human resources is important but usually serves the broader organizational framework and may require initial attempts at resolution within the supervisory structure. Meanwhile, turning directly to a legal representative or the company president could be perceived as bypassing necessary internal processes and may escalate the situation unnecessarily, rather than seeking a resolution that respects established protocols.