Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What is the first step a group of female social workers should take when suspecting pay disparities in their agency?

1. Initiate a salary survey to determine whether discrepancies exist

2. Document individual salary complaints

3. Convene a meeting with management

4. File a grievance with HR

The correct answer is: Initiate a salary survey to determine whether discrepancies exist

Initiating a salary survey to determine whether discrepancies exist is a crucial first step for the group of female social workers suspecting pay disparities. This approach is grounded in the importance of having concrete, evidence-based data to support any claims of inequality. Conducting a salary survey allows the social workers to collect information on salaries within their agency and compare them against industry standards or similar roles. By gathering this data, they can objectively identify any discrepancies and understand the magnitude of the pay disparities. This information becomes vital when discussing the issue with management or HR and lends credibility to their concerns. In contrast, documenting individual salary complaints may be useful for personal record-keeping but does not provide a comprehensive view of the systemic issues affecting all employees. Convening a meeting with management without concrete data may lead to a lack of resolution or understanding, as management might not take subjective complaints seriously. Filing a grievance with HR could be premature without evidence, potentially leading to a dismissive response if there isn't strong data backing the claims. Therefore, starting with a salary survey lays the foundation for a well-informed and strategic approach to addressing the suspected disparities.