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Click Here for a printable version.
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| The Scenarios: |
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| The Touchy Supervisor | The Demanding Supervisor |
| Sexual Remarks and Pin-ups | Outside Harasser | Interoffice Dating |
| The Holiday Party | The Good 'Ol Boys Network | Women Harassing a Man |
| Lunch With the Boss | What Can You Do? | |
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The Touchy Supervisor: |
| Introduction: |
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 Tony, a supervisor, is very affectionate and touchy-feely around both male and female co-workers. Most of the employees dismiss his behavior as well-intentioned and friendly. Rose, however, feels very uncomfortable around him. Tony is completely unaware of Rose's discomfort.
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| Points to be Considered: |
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- What constitutes sexual harassment?
- Can actions be inappropriate even if they may not be unlawful sexual harassment?
- How can we try to avoid misunderstandings such as the ones that took place between Tony and Rose?
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| Discussion: |
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1. What constitutes sexual harassment?
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All "touchers" are not necessarily harassers. Remember, sexual harassment is unwelcome, sexual conduct. In this case Tony would not be guilty of sexual harassment because, although his behavior might have been inappropriate, it was not sexual. Also, because Rose never complained to Tony, another supervisor, or the organization, the organization had no idea that Tony’s actions were unwelcome.
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2. Can the conduct of "touchers" be inappropriate even if it isn't sexual harassment?
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As mentioned before, not all touching constitutes sexual harassment. However, even if specific actions aren't sexual harassment, they can still cause problems in the workplace. Therefore, such behavior may still be inappropriate and unacceptable in the workplace.
Tony's behavior is an example of inappropriate action that is not unlawful sexual harassment by itself. Physical contact may, however, make co-workers uncomfortable and may not be an acceptable form of communication or behavior in the workplace. "Casual touchers", such as Tony, must be sensitive to whether their behavior towards others is appropriate and be counseled to stop this behavior where it is inappropriate.
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3. How can we try to avoid misunderstandings such as the ones that took place between Tony and Rose?
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More communication is the key.
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| Summary: |
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- Sexual harassment is unwelcome, sexual conduct.
- All "touchers" are not harassers. However, even though conduct may not be sexual harassment, it may still be inappropriate.
- More communication may avoid misunderstandings which could lead to claims of sexual harassment.
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