You are working as the Head of the Human Resources Department in a consultancy firm ABC Corp. A female employee of the firm comes to you complaining about sexual harassment in the company premise at the hands of the CEO of one of your clients, XYZ Corp., when the latter visited your firm for a client interaction. XYZ Corp. happens to be a major source of revenue for your company. Also, the CEO of XYZ Corp. is considered as a very reputed professional and is highly regarded by the senior management of your firm. In the past, you have witnessed members of your senior management praise the professional and no-nonsense attitude of the CEO of XYZ Corp. However, the female employee, who has approached you, is also sure that the CEO knowingly misbehaved with her. In light of the situation: (a) Discuss the issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you and what course of action would you take? Give logical arguments to support your answer.

The above case represents sexual harassment at workplace, which is one of the most challenging situations facing women today.

Issues involved

1. Violation of dignity of women

• allegation of harassment

1. Work Culture of my organisation

2. Violation of social responsibilities of my organisation

3. Ascertaining the allegations of women vis a vis allowing a fair chance to the accused

4. Profit of company v/s following due process of law

5. Following principle of Natural justice

• Remaining Neutral and Impartial

1. Securing Congenial working environment for other female Employees

Options Available to Me

• Record the complaint of women and ask her for a written grievance

• Allow the acused to present his point of view in person and writing.

• Inform the Internal complaints committee and abdicate responsibility on my part

I will follow options (1) + (2) and additionally

↳ Form a committee [representation of women] for the matter.

↳ Refer the matter to the committee

↳ Hold a meeting with other female Employees and ask them about their Experiences

↳ transfer the female Employee to another department [assure her that it is not a punishment]

↳ Temporarily [Suspend] the accused to avoid [non interference] in justice

↳ Aid in [non partisan] enquiry by the committee

↳ Ensure that both the [accused] and female get equal chances to represent themselves fairly

The above approach [would] ensure

follow due process of law

upholding [rule of law] and ensuring vibrant female participation would be the goal!

I will follow options (1) + (2) and additionally

↳ Form a committee [representation of women] for the matter.

↳ Refer the matter to the committee

↳ Hold a meeting with other female Employees and ask them about their Experiences

↳ transfer the female Employee to another department [assure her that it is not a punishment]

↳ Temporarily [Suspend] the accused to avoid [non interference] in justice

↳ Aid in [non partisan] enquiry by the committee

↳ Ensure that both the [accused] and female get equal chances to represent themselves fairly

The above approach [would] ensure follow due process of law

upholding [rule of law] and ensuring vibrant female participation would be the goal!