Which step should NOT be included when conducting an internal investigation?

• A. Inform the target of the investigation
• B. Structure the internal reporting process
• C. Address all concerns raised by employees
• D. Gather comprehensive information about the outside investigation

Answer: (C)

When conducting an internal investigation, addressing all concerns raised by employees is essential, but it should be approached with caution. The focus of an internal investigation needs to be on the specific issues that prompted the investigation rather than attempting to address every individual concern from employees. This is crucial in ensuring that the investigation remains focused and does not become unwieldy or distracted by unrelated issues.

Informing the target of the investigation can compromise the integrity of the process, and structuring the internal reporting process is vital for ensuring clarity and compliance throughout the investigation. Gathering comprehensive information about any external investigations can aid in understanding the context and scope of the internal investigation, especially if there are overlapping issues.

In summary, while addressing employee concerns is important for overall workplace trust and morale, it may not always be relevant to the specific internal investigation at hand, thus making it less appropriate to include as a formal step in the investigative process.