Workplace Sexual Harassment Behavior

A Workplace Sexual Harassment Behavior is a sexual harassment behavior that is a work environment behavior.

• Context:
  • It can range from being a Verbal Workplace Sexual Harassment (such as making inappropriate jokes or comments) to being a Non-Verbal Workplace Sexual Harassment (such as displaying sexually suggestive images).
  • It can involve Physical Workplace Sexual Harassment, such as unwanted touching or physical advances.
  • It can manifest as Quid Pro Quo Harassment, where job benefits are conditioned on sexual favors.
  • It can create a Hostile Work Environment where the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to affect a person's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
  • It can be perpetrated by anyone in the workplace, including supervisors, co-workers, or clients.
  • It is considered illegal under many national laws and international guidelines, including the guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the United States.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Quid Pro Quo Workplace Sexual Harassment, such as: where an employee is promised a promotion in exchange for a date.
  • Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment, such as: where a group of employees regularly sends sexually explicit emails.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • General Workplace Harassment that involves bullying or discrimination based on race, age, or disability without any sexual components.
  • Workplace Bullying that focuses solely on personal intimidation or undermining someone’s job performance without a sexual aspect.
• See: Sexual Harassment, Hostile Work Environment, Quid Pro Quo Harassment, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Human Resources, Professional Workplace Behavior.

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References

2024

• (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workplace_sexual_harassment
  • NOTES:
    • Workplace sexual harassment is a form of sexual harassment that occurs in work settings. It encompasses a range of behaviors, from verbal comments and jokes to physical contact and advances. It can significantly impact the victim's work performance and create a toxic work environment. It is subject to legal action in many jurisdictions, aiming to protect employees from such misconduct. The legal and organizational response to workplace sexual harassment has evolved significantly, influenced by movements such as the MeToo Movement.
    • Definition and Scope: Workplace Sexual Harassment involves explicit or implicit sexual overtones, which can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually colored remarks, and displaying pornography. It ranges from verbal transgressions to sexual abuse or assault.
    • Legal Framework: In many legal contexts, Workplace Sexual Harassment is considered illegal, especially when it is frequent or severe enough to create a hostile work environment or results in an adverse employment decision like demotion, firing, or quitting.
    • Forms of Harassment: Workplace sexual harassment can be physical (such as unwanted touching), verbal (such as inappropriate comments or jokes), or non-verbal (such as showing inappropriate images). It can occur in a variety of interactions, from quid pro quo situations (where job benefits are conditioned on sexual favors) to creating a generally intimidating or offensive work atmosphere.
    • Perpetrators and Victims: Harassers can be supervisors, co-workers, or clients, and victims can be of any gender. Harassment can occur regardless of the presence of witnesses and irrespective of the harasser's awareness that their behavior is offensive.
    • Cultural Variations: The understanding and enforcement of laws against sexual harassment can vary widely by culture, affecting how such incidents are perceived and handled legally and socially.
    • Organizational Impact and Prevention: Many organizations now prioritize preventing workplace sexual harassment and defending employees from such charges as part of their legal and ethical policies. This includes implementing training programs, clear reporting procedures, and strict anti-harassment policies.
    • Legal Evolution and Public Awareness: The legal and public understanding of workplace sexual harassment has evolved significantly, especially since the 1970s, with influential cases and media coverage contributing to a broader recognition and stricter enforcement of laws against such behavior.

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