Sexual Harassment is all about power. Either power used for personal gain or power exercised for the good of the organization. Managers who perpetrate Sexual Harassment do it for their own personal benefit and managers who enforce policy do it to make their organization stronger.
Sexual harassment really comes down to power. Whether it's Quid Pro Quo or Hostile Workplace Harassment, the perpetrator is exerting a form of power when they sexually harass. In Quid Pro Quo harassment, the perpetrator is in a position of power at work and is exerting this power to get sexual favors in exchange for a workplace benefit. In Hostile Workplace Harassment the perpetrator is deliberately making the workplace a hostile, uncomfortable environment for a coworker. This is also a power play. The perpetrator is saying I will do what I want whether it is disturbing you or not.
Stopping Harassment is also about power. Both managers and management have the power to stop harassment. The power in an organization lies with managers and supervisors who have been given power within the organizational structure, so that the organization can operate effectively. This power needs to be used for business productivity and not for personal gain. This positive power can come in the form of no tolerance sexual harassment policy and from the example of individual managers.
A company's sexual harassment policy should be very specific and cover all aspects of harassment. It should be signed by every employee and every employee should be thoroughly trained on appropriate behavior. They should know unequivocally what will steps will be taken if they engage in any type of harassment.
Managers and supervisors can exert power over Sexual Harassment by their example. They need to take the policy seriously and never joke about it or allow behavior to occur contrary to it. The manager is the most powerful force in stopping harassment.
Whether it is Hostile Work Environment or Quid Pro Quo, harassment is about power. Make sure your organization is exerting it's power for the good of the company and not for personal gain.
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