Bayadog, Kristine Jor R.

HRMGT MWF 430-530 W16 August 2, 2019

Gela, Millen Andre

Shipping and Receiving

A Case Study

1. Is this a case of sexual harassment?

 We believe that this is a case of sexual harassment that occurred in the workplace. As
defined in an academic study, sexual harassment is an act of executing unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature. This type of harassment may fall under the Hostile Environment type that creates
an intimidating, threatening, or abusive working environment or is so severe, persistent or
pervasive that it affects a person’s ability to execute his/her job.

Based on Midge’s reaction towards the events that occurred between her and Susan, it is
obvious that she did not welcome her colleague’s conducts or actions. In fact, she even
felt uncomfortable and offended regarding Susan’s mild to transgressive acts.

2. Does the company have a responsibility and/or liability?

 Yes, the company have a responsibility and/or liability towards this issue. Once, the first
offense of Susan was notified by Midge to her supervisor, the company should have done
or implemented corrective actions on their employee’s complaint. If the company fails to
take corrective actions and acknowledge this issue, future and bigger problems may occur,
knowing that one of the company’s department supervisors was informed of Midge’s
complaint, yet he did nothing to solve it.

3. What should the supervisor do now?

 The moment the supervisor was notified about what happened to Midge, he should have
followed up the case and get further details from Midge so he can help her with the
complaint. After knowing the nature of the issue, the supervisor should have directly and
immediately informed and raised the complaint to the higher management so that an
investigation would be executed, and appropriate actions will be done.

If proven culpable of the complaints raised towards her, Susan may be suspended or
relieved from duty. And while there is no replacement, the supervisor could decide to
accompany Midge to her duty on the Shipping Office and monitor the work done.