SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Chapter 12
BY: Cecilia Alexandria Godoy
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Form of unlawful sex discrimination
which includes unwanted verbal or
physical behavior of a sexual nature
that occurs in the workplace or in an
educational settings
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Always an unsolicited and
unreciprocated behavior
Unwanted and imposed sexual attention
2 TYPES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual Coercion – explicitly or implicitly made as a condition for
favorable decisions affecting one’s employment, gain or loss of tangible
job benefits.
2. Sexual Annoyance – (not directly related to one’s employment) it still
creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment in the workplace
WHAT CONSTITUTES
SEXUAL HARASSMENT?
- Unwelcome sexual advances
- Requests for Sexual Favors
- Other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual
harassment
MANIFESTATIONS OF SEXUAL
HARASSMENT
Sexual Harassment may be both manifested by verbal and physical
conduct.
EXAMPLES OF VERBAL CONDUCT
1. Lewd comments or remarks
2. Offensive jokes or outright propositions
MANIFESTATIONS OF SEXUAL
HARASSMENT
EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL CONDUCT
1. Naughty glance
2. Leering
3. Kissing
4. Intentionally brushing up against a person to pinching, touching, and
any sexual assaults.
List of Behaviors which Constitute Sexual
Harassment by European Code of Practice
(1993)
Touching
Standing too close
Leering
Gestures fondling of private parts
List of Behaviors which Constitute Sexual
Harassment by European Code of Practice
(1993)
Suggestive comments
Innuendoes
Display of sexually explicit materials
COMPLIMENT vs SEXUAL HARRASMENT
COMPLIMENT
produces a good feeling so much so one wants the interaction to go on
SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES
Our socio-cultural conditioning has made women less courageous without
being and less willing to talk about their sexual encounters as doing so
might tarnish their person.
The fear of being misunderstood is ever present in the Filipino feminine
subconscious.
ANTI-SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAW IN
THE PHILIPPINES
PHILIPPINES – one of the most enlightened nations since we have
enacted law against sexual coercions.
Philippines Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995- repeated the US
Supreme Court Ruling of 1986 Case (Meritor Savings Bank v.
Vinson)definition of Sexual Harassment (RA 7877, Section 3)
IS THIS LAW ADDRESSED TO MALE
SPECIE?
Sexual Harassment could be committed by somebody having authority or
moral ascendancy over another - usually by a male superior.
However, the law should work both ways, for women too can become
sexual harassers or tsansingeras in a local term.
ACCOUNTABILITY OF SUCH
MISCONDUCT IN THE WORKPLACE
Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 makes sure that accountability falls
on both harasser and employer.
For when an employer fails to act after knowing the commission of
offense, he/she will be liablein solidarity damages arising from the acts of
sexual harassment.
ACCOUNTABILITY OF SUCH
MISCONDUCT IN THE WORKPLACE
Unless there are witnesses to the incident, a complaint for sexual
harassment usually winds up as a case for the word of the female
employee against that of the alleged author of the sexual indiscretion
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL DAMAGES OF
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STRESS
It shatters an employee’s self confidence to a point that one questions his
ability to work, physical appearance, competence and matter of dressing
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL DAMAGES OF
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
DEGRADING AFTERMATH
It creates a distracting work environment which may affect the competence
and productivity of an employee
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL DAMAGES OF
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
SELF-DOUBT
It can demean and damage the victim irreparably which usually begins
when one loses confidence in the ability to carry out the job
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Some adverse effects of sexual harassment are interruption of one’s
career, forfeiture of benefits and social isolation.
Other women who have suffered work-related stress that made it difficult
for them to concentrate on their work. The effects on these victims
frequently absent them-selves from their job until they finally quit or get
fired
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES VIOLATED BY
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Fundamental right to be treated with respect
Employee’s right to a good working environment
Right to equal opportunity
Right to job security
* Sexual harassment is not only illegal and unethical, it is also against the
law, social responsibility, code of conduct, ethics, and etiquette.*
SEXUAL HARASSMENT AS
MANAGEMENT ISSUE
It is the management’s legal and social responsibility and it makes good
business sense to nip it in the bud.
When ignored, sexual harassment can tarnish a public image and a setback
on corporate finance because of litigation costs.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY OF
MANAGERS
Management should be the first one to create a working climate where all
employees, male and female, learn to respect one another.
SOCIAL DUTIES OF MANAGERS
Explain and positively promote the policy to their staff
Ensure a working environment free of visual form of sexual harassment
Be alert of any practice of verbal forms of harassment and take necessary
actions accordingly.
SOCIAL DUTIES OF MANAGERS
Ensure complete confidentiality in dealing with such case.
Be responsive and supportive to any member of staff who complains
aboutsexual harassment
Ensure full and clear advice on the procedure
SOCIAL DUTIES OF MANAGERS
Deal with all cases promptly
Provide additional appraisal and counseling sessions to the staff who have
difficulty in accepting or implementing the policy
Attend training sessions related to sexual harassment
