Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

What is the best example of bona fide occupational qualifications?

1. Male attendants in a men's locker room

2. Female beverage servers under 25 years of age in a sports bar

3. Asian-American sales staff in a company specializing in tours of the far east

4. Weight restrictions for recreation department staff at fitness resort

The correct answer is: Male attendants in a men's locker room

The choice of male attendants in a men's locker room serves as the best example of bona fide occupational qualifications (BFOQ). A BFOQ is a legitimate reason for preferring one group of people over another in hiring decisions, based on the nature of the job and the context in which it is performed. In this instance, privacy and comfort concerns are paramount in a men's locker room, which necessitates having male attendants to respect the clientele's expectations and needs regarding personal space and modesty. Other options present scenarios where the qualification requirements are less directly aligned with the essential functions of the job. For example, the restriction of female beverage servers under 25 years of age in a sports bar might suggest an age discrimination issue rather than being strictly necessary for the role's performance. Similarly, the requirement for Asian-American sales staff for tours of the far east might imply a stereotype rather than a necessary qualification related to the job's operational context. Lastly, weight restrictions for recreation department staff at a fitness resort could reflect biases that are not functionally justified as a BFOQ for the roles involved. Thus, male attendants in a men’s locker room is the most appropriate example of a bona fide occupational qualification.