Case #2: Inappropriate Behaviour Sarah complained to HR that while she and Donald were leaving the work area late one day, he turned off the light, reached both arms around her and grabbed her breasts. Donald was interviewed and denied intentionally touching Sarah’s breasts. He admitted that his elbow might have brushed her unintentionally when he reached to turn off the lights but it was not a deliberate move. Both employees indicated that they had been working together for approximately one year. They admitted to having a close working and personal relationship on and off the job. They had lunched together and even met at a nearby cocktail lounge for drinks off and on. They both admitted that they had hugged and kissed in the past. There is a Company policy on proper employee conduct and sexual harassment. Two of the main clauses state: Anyone, including employees, clients, customers, casual workers, contractors or visitors who sexually harasses another will be reprimanded in accordance with this internal policy. All sexual harassment is prohibited whether it takes place within company premises or outside, including at social events, business trips, training sessions or conferences sponsored by the Company. For case #2 answer the following: How should HR respond to Sarah regarding her complaint? What course of company-wide corrective action should be taken to reinforce policies and prevent reoccurrence of situations like this one?

Understanding Business

12th Edition

ISBN:9781259929434

Author:William Nickels

Publisher:William Nickels

Chapter1: Taking Risks And Making Profits Within The Dynamic Business Environment

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1CE

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Case #2: Inappropriate Behaviour

Sarah complained to HR that while she and Donald were leaving the work area late one day, he turned off the light, reached both arms around her and grabbed her breasts. Donald was interviewed and denied intentionally touching Sarah’s breasts. He admitted that his elbow might have brushed her unintentionally when he reached to turn off the lights but it was not a deliberate move. Both employees indicated that they had been working together for approximately one year. They admitted to having a close working and personal relationship on and off the job. They had lunched together and even met at a nearby cocktail lounge for drinks off and on. They both admitted that they had hugged and kissed in the past.

There is a Company policy on proper employee conduct and sexual harassment. Two of the main clauses state:

Anyone, including employees, clients, customers, casual workers, contractors or visitors who sexually harasses another will be reprimanded in accordance with this internal policy.
All sexual harassment is prohibited whether it takes place within company premises or outside, including at social events, business trips, training sessions or conferences sponsored by the Company.

For case #2 answer the following:

How should HR respond to Sarah regarding her complaint?
What course of company-wide corrective action should be taken to reinforce policies and prevent reoccurrence of situations like this one?

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