Final answer:
Respondeat superior holds an employer liable for their employees' wrongful acts committed within the scope of employment. This doctrine seeks to balance the power dynamics by making employers accountable for their employees' actions, thereby enforcing responsible conduct within the workplace.
Step-by-step explanation:
Respondeat superior is a legal doctrine that applies to an employer in moments where an employee commits a wrongful act within the scope of their employment. This principle holds the employer liable for the actions of their employees when those actions are performed in the course of their employment duties, assuming the employee was acting, at least in part, to benefit the employer. For instance, if a delivery driver causes an accident while performing deliveries for their employer, the employer may be held responsible under respondeat superior.
When considering situations of power imbalance, respondeat superior empowers individuals who suffer harm at the hands of employees by holding the employers accountable. This power dynamic is crucial in understanding the protection it offers and how it enforces a responsible behavior amongst employers.
It is also important to note that employers have certain responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide a safe workplace and to attempt to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards. These laws and regulations, such as respondeat superior, are part of the effort by the U.S. government to create a more balanced power dynamic between workers and employers, as well as to protect the public from harm that might arise from the actions of employees.