What defines a restricted policy in the context of employee selection?

A restricted policy in the context of employee selection is characterized by practices that intentionally exclude certain groups of individuals, particularly those belonging to protected classes, from consideration for employment. This may manifest in various forms, such as setting criteria that disproportionately impacts these groups, thereby perpetuating disparities in hiring processes.

In this scenario, the correct answer highlights that a restricted policy can be recognized by the evidence of exclusion, which is critical in understanding how discrimination can occur in hiring practices. Such policies may lead to legal repercussions and violate equal employment opportunity laws, which are designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, and other characteristics.

The other options do not accurately represent a restricted policy. Open hiring practices and the encouragement of diverse hiring focus on inclusion rather than exclusion. Likewise, promoting equal opportunity employment is fundamentally opposed to restricted policies, as it emphasizes fair access to employment for all candidates instead of delineating boundaries that could lead to discriminatory practices.