In a corporate investigation, who is the primary client?

• A. The public
• B. The company or client
• C. The government
• D. The media

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the organization that hires and funds the investigation is the primary client. In a corporate investigation, the company (or the specific entity within the company that commissions the work) directs the inquiry, sets the scope, and receives the findings and recommendations. The investigator owes loyalty and confidentiality to that client and works to help them make informed decisions based on the evidence gathered.

The public, government, and media may have legitimate interests or regulatory demands, and information may become public through disclosures or enforcement actions. However, they are external stakeholders, not the party paying for or directing the investigation, which is why they are not the primary client.