The question has two parts; be sure to answer each. Define the two types of sexual harassment and provide an example of each. As a manager, what are some of the policies you can implement to minimize or prevent sexual harassment in the workplace?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There are two types of sexual harassment:

1. Quid pro quo sexual harassment leads to tangible economic injury. In quid pro quo harassment, the person to whom the unwanted sexual attention is directed is put in the position of jeopardizing being hired for a job or obtaining job benefits or opportunities unless he or she implicitly or explicitly acquiesces to someone's sexual advances. An example is a manager threatening punishment unless sexual favors are given.

2. Hostile environment means an offensive work environment. In the hostile environment type of sexual harassment, the person being sexually harassed doesn't risk economic harm but experiences an offensive or intimidating work environment. Examples include obscene gestures, sex-stereotyped jokes, sexually oriented posters and graffiti, and suggestive remarks.

To help prevent harassment from occurring, managers can make sure their companies have an effective sexual harassment policy in place. The policy should be shown to all current and new employees, who should be made to understand that sexual harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances. A formal complaint procedure should be established, which should explain how charges will be investigated and resolved. Supervisors should be trained in Title VII requirements and the proper procedures to follow when charges occur. If charges occur, they should be investigated promptly and objectively, and if substantiated, the offender should be disciplined at once—no matter what his or her rank in the company.

Additional ways to prevent sexual harassment are also found in Table 9.4: Don't suggest sexual favors for rewards related to work or promotion; don't do uninvited touching, patting, or hugging of others' bodies—especially if they wince, frown, or pull away; don't make sexually suggestive jokes, demeaning remarks, slurs, or obscene gestures or sounds; don't display sexual pictures in your workplace or write notes of a sexual nature; don't laugh at others' sexually harassing words or behaviors.