What can be a possible consequence for an employee who fails to answer truthfully regarding a complaint?

The correct answer highlights the serious implications of failing to respond truthfully during a complaint process. When an employee does not answer truthfully, it undermines the integrity of the investigation and can lead to significant issues for the organization. This breach of trust may be viewed as a disciplinary matter, resulting in punitive action such as suspension, demotion, or even termination, depending on the severity of the dishonesty and the policies of the department.

In a structured environment like the Houston Fire Department, maintaining ethical standards and accountability is crucial. Dishonesty can affect not only the resolution of the current complaint but also the overall culture of trust and responsibility within the organization. Therefore, the likelihood of punitive action underscores the seriousness of providing truthful information in such situations.

The other options, while they may represent consequences in different scenarios, do not carry the same weight as punitive action when it comes to the gravity of failing to be truthful in the context of complaints. Verbal warnings and promotion delays can apply to various forms of misconduct but might not explicitly address the implications of dishonesty in the context of internal investigations. Change in duties may be relevant in specific situations but typically does not encompass the potential severity associated with a failure to answer truthfully.