Sexual harassment - Assignment Example

What can organizations do to prevent sexual harassment from occurring and how should organizations deal with alleged sexual harassment? Organizations can prevent sexual harassment from occurring in the work environment by promoting a culture that encourages alleged sexual harassment victims to be able to come forward and detail their accusations. It is best to assign one particular person in the Human Resources department to handle all sexual harassment complaints so that they can be investigated further.

Due to the sensitive nature and embarrassment that surrounds sexual harassment, as well as the fact that most sexual harassment complainants are women, a female should ideally be appointed to lead the investigation into the sexual harassment complaints. Women feel more comfortable when talking to other women about these issues. Aside from this, the organization can stipulate in its code of conduct that sexual harassment goes against company policy and violators will be dealt with severely. Finally, training can be provided to new employees, particularly male employees, about what appropriate touch is in the workplace.

In addition, training can be provide to new female employees about what to do when they feel they have been sexually harassed, who they should go to, and what the potential outcomes may be. The first thing that an organization should do when dealing with alleged sexual harassment is to investigate the incident. Were there any witnesses? If not, is the complainant’s word strong enough to take action. Without indisputable evidence, it is very difficult to reprimand someone for an action they may not have taken.

If it can be proved beyond all doubt that sexual harassment occurred, then the violator should first receive a warning and potential suspension from work duties. If it occurs again, then the violator should be instantly dismissed. If, on the other hand, the sexual harassment cannot be proved, then no action can be taken at that time. The best that could be done would be to file a report and keep it on hand for any future instances of sexual harassment occurring again.