Harassment In The Workplace

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Harassment is one of the most frequently-discussed topics in employee relations today. There is good reason for that: no other kind of claim has quite the scare and shock value that a sexual harassment claim carries. Harassing and abusive behaviours at the workplace have deterimental effects on employees and organizations (Fitzgerald, Drasgow, Hulin, Gelfand, & Magley, 1997; LeBlanc & Kelloway, 2002). With the increasing diversity of the workforce, harassment on the basis of race and ethnicity has become a focal workplace issue. Studies have explicated the nature of ethnic harassment. They have included verbal and written comments, offensive symbols, ethnic jokes and slurs, as well as physical abuse (Harrick & Sullivan, 1995), and have been …show more content…

When racial tensions and harassment are present in the workplace, Brian can consider using periodic awareness training programs and counselling sessions to alert offending employees to the legal ramifications of their actions. Such programs can be used as part of the progressive discipline process just mentioned. Furthermore, these programs may reflect positively on management’s effort to maintain a cordial work environment when the administrative enforcement agencies and courts examine an organisation for signs of racial hostility.
Contemplating the regular Intra and inter-ethnic jousting in the firm, Diversity management should be given a thought, so that all managers can adapt to the workforce that consists of a diverse population of people. The diversity consists of visible and non-visible differences which will include factors such as sex, age, background, race, disability, personality and work style. It is founded on the premise that harnessing these differences will create a productive environment in which everybody feels valued, where their talents are being fully utilised and in which organisational goals are …show more content…

A well constructed and well-implemented plan within an organization may stop inappropriate conduct before it creates a problem for individual employees or the company. Moreover, Managers must ensure that such situations do not occur at workplace. Employees need to be informed and addressed on such matters. They must be aware of the law that protects them. Independent bodies must take the responsibility to make regular checks in organizations so as to question staff and ensure that everything is going on well with their