sexual harassment in the corporate

sector
Dr. Edison Nesa Doss

M.A (S.W)., Ph.D., PGDGC, HOD, Department of Social work, Voorhees College, 1/A, Offers LineVellore-1 (Tamil Nadu)

Mr. Pavan K Mukherjee

M.S.W., Asst. Professor, Department of Social work, Voorhees College, 1/A, Offers Line, Vellore-1 (Tamil Nadu)

Mr. M Arvin Kumar

M.S.W, Social Worker, Vellore (Tamil Nadu)

Abstract
Sexual harassment in the workplace is one of the many difficulties that
employees face. It negatively affects people of both genders, though prominently females. This
study will work towards extending on existing studies by taking into consideration both the male
and female employees and delve into understanding the affects sexual harassment in the
workplace has on their mental health and working performance of those affected. In addition, the
study aims to further our understanding of the various forms of sexual harassment that occur in the
workplace, and to explore both the factors that may lead to its increased occurrence and measures
that could help prevent it from occurring. For this purpose, a study of literature review will be
carried out. The study will provide an understanding of how sexual harassment in workplace
impacts both physical and mental health of employees, and preventive measures against it

Sexual Harassment, Gender Rights, Corporate, Measurements, Workplace

`
Introduction
Sexual harassment in the corporate sector is a pervasive and concerning issue that has garnered
increasing attention in recent years. It refers to any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that creates
a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. This behaviour can range from inappropriate
comments, gestures, or advances to more serious forms such as coercion, unwanted touching, and even
assault. The corporate sector, encompassing various industries and organizations, is not immune to
these challenges. In recent times, there has been a growing recognition of the detrimental effects of
sexual harassment on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Such behaviours can lead to
decreased employee morale, productivity, and job satisfaction. Additionally, they can result in
emotional distress, anxiety, and even physical health problems for the victims. Moreover, companies
that fail to address and prevent sexual harassment risk damage to their reputation, legal consequences,
and financial losses due to litigation and settlements.

Efforts to combat sexual harassment in the corporate sector have led to the implementation of policies,
guidelines, and training programs aimed at creating safer work environments. Many organizations are
striving to foster cultures of respect, diversity, and inclusion where all employees feel valued and
protected. Reporting mechanisms have been established to encourage victims and witnesses to come
forward without fear of retaliation. In some cases, third-party hotlines or anonymous reporting systems
are set up to maintain confidentiality.

However, despite these efforts, challenges persist. Victims may still face barriers to reporting, such as a
fear of retaliation or disbelief. Perpetrators may attempt to evade accountability, and instances of power
dynamics can complicate addressing harassment cases. It is essential for organizations to demonstrate
their commitment to addressing this issue by not only having clear policies in place but also by
enforcing them consistently and transparently.

In conclusion, sexual harassment remains a critical concern in the corporate sector. Efforts to eliminate
this issue require the collaborative commitment of individuals, organizations, and society at large. By
raising awareness, providing comprehensive training, enforcing policies, and supporting victims, the
corporate sector can work towards creating a more respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all
employees.

Literature Review
The literature review by Islam, Raihan, and Uddin examines workplace sexual harassment, analysing
67 studies from 2010 to 2019. Five dominant factors contribute to workplace harassment: inadequate
laws, policies, perceptions, male dominance, power differentials, and cultural influences. The authors
emphasize the need for effective interventions to align laws, policies, and practices to reduce the
negative consequences of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment in India is a growing issue due to the rise of women in the workforce and lewd
behaviour. The Sexual Harassment at Women at Workplace Act 2013 aims to create safe spaces for
women and empowering workplaces that respect their entitlement to sex uniformity, life, and freedom.
This paper surveys the perception of a safe working environment that improves women's cooperation,
financial strengthening, and comprehensive development. Sexual harassment is not an epidemic but a
pandemic, affecting gender roles, social roles, and perceptions about male and female sexuality in
society.

Sexual Harassment at Workplace: A Multifaceted Challenge Sexual harassment at the workplace

remains a persistent concern across various industries and geographic regions. Extensive literature
underscores the multifaceted nature of this issue, encompassing various forms such as verbal, non-
verbal, physical, and online harassment. Research highlights the detrimental impact of such behaviour
on victims' mental health, job satisfaction, and career advancement. Organizational responses,
including policies, training, and reporting mechanisms, are critical components in mitigating the
negative consequences of workplace sexual harassment.

Gender Dynamics and Power Imbalances in Workplace Harassment Exploring

the gender dynamics and power imbalances inherent in workplace environments is central to
understanding sexual harassment. Literature reveals that women are disproportionately affected by
harassment due to systemic power differentials. Studies emphasize the role of organizational culture
and leadership in perpetuating or addressing harassment. Additionally, research highlights the
importance of bystander intervention and organizational commitment to gender equality in reducing
instances of workplace harassment.

Sexual harassment at the workplace G remains 9 persistent concern various industries and geographic
across literature underscore the multifaceted nature Legion-Extensive of this issue, encompassing
various forms such as verbal, non-verbal, physical and online harassment. Research highlights the
detrimental impact of such behaviour on victims' mental health job satisfaction, and career
advancement. Organizational responses including policy, training, and reporting mechanism critical
components in mitigating the negative Consequences of workplace sexual harassment .

This systematic literature review by Tariku lelam, Tarik Raihan, and Md. Aftab Uddin delves into the
complex issue of Sexual harassment in the workplace. The study vestiges the reasons behind the
prevalence of sexual. harassment in organizational settings. Conducted through. a three-stage approach,
the review analyses 67 selected studies out of a total of 3380 articles published from 2010 to 2019. The
review identifies ties dominant factors contributing to workplace sexual harassment: inadequate
government laws and organizational policies, perceptions and attitudes, male dominance, power
differentials in organizational structure and cultural influence. The authors emphasize the importance of
effective interventions thorough aligning laws, policies, and I navigational practice to cub the
detrimental Consequences of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment at workplace is a growing issue in India, with the use of women in the workforce
and the prevalence of lewd behaviour. The Sexual harassment at women at workplace (prevention
prohibition and redressal) act 2013 aim to ensure safe coworking spaces for coo men and create
empowering workplaces that respect they’re not entitlement to sex uniformity, life, and freedom. A
Successful implementation of this legislation will Contribute. to the recognition of cowwomen’s
entitlement to sex uniformity, life and freedom in working conditions. This paper aims to survey the
perception of a safe working environment that improves women's cooperation in work, leading to their
financial Strengthening and Comprehensive development. Sexual harassment is not an epidemic, but a
pandemic, an everyday Occurrence. This issue is not just about biological differences between men and
woman, but also about gender as social roles attributed to men and women in Social and economic life,
and perceptions about male and female sexuality in society.

Overview
The study indicates a lack of awareness among women about them legal rights and the available
mechanisms for addressing sexual harassment. This lack of knowledge contributes to the continuations
of such issues. It suggests that organization should play active role in creating a safe working
environment by implementing protocols and providing expectation to employees raising awareness
about then rights. The research underscores the need for broadest awareness and support from both
men and women employees to eradicate sexual harassment

Methodology
We have collected this from secondary data we came across that the common methodology was used
that was Data collection and as we used a common research method as this methodology is secondary,
we considered this may be not be appropriate

The researcher used a descriptive study design with sample consisting of one hundred women workers
from various private retail shops in greater Vellore. The researcher had to restrict the study to private
retail markets alone as obtaining consent to undertake the study was easier. The sampling technique
used in this study was purposive sampling. Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the topic as even the
word sexual harassment is not freely used among the traditional women population, the congeniality of
respondents was considered paramount. Data collection was done with the help of a questionnaire. A
pre-test was conducted before the actual data collection and the appropriate changes were made.
Analysis was systematically done using the 'SPSS' package. Therefore, it indicates that the research
done using “Data collection”

Findings
The findings of this study are that the majority (85%) of the women belonged to18-28 years. Women
with a graduate degree were 39%. Majority of the respondents (83%) have work experience below 5
Years. Around 50% were earning less than Rs.8000 per month. The study reveals that 20 to 30 % of the
respondents have had to face vulgar words. 50 per cent of the respondents have faced the unwelcome
word 'darling' in their work place.

Suggestion
Around 85% of women in India do no react to this act therefore the face more problem as sexual can
happen with anyone as men react to this problem more. As there is POSH act (protection of sexual
harassment) so there are committees formed to help anyone facing this problem thus no one has to face
any difficulty

1. Find your rights

2. Concern about retaliation
3. What can you do next seek for help
4. Take proper action

So, suggestion can be taking action against it so it helps others to make a tactical move and react to it
fast

Conclusion
This research has clearly revealed that sexual harassment has been and still is a workplace problem .
Lack of awareness of the available legal procedures is common among the study group. The position of
women in the society, male dominance and cultural beliefs regarding women's rights are some factors
which govern this social issue. Failure to recognize that sexual harassment is also a human rights issue
and that it must be addressed to create an equal, quiet and impartial working condition for women.
Women also have every right to work in a friendly and congenial environment and when we achieve
this, we have indeed empowered our women. We can conclude that this case study differs from other
circumstances and we followed the secondary data lack of rights define that in India human rights are
not defined well. We conclude that due to secondary data we are fulfilled with survey data and we
found out that India is lacking in identifying the human rights.