An apparel manufacturing company having a large number of women employees was losing sales due to various factors. The company hired a reputed marketing executive, who increased the volume of sales within a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual harassment at the workplace.
After
sometime a woman employee launched a formal complaint to the management against
the marketing executive about sexually harassing her. Faced with the companies’
indifference, in not taking cognizance of her grievances, she lodged an FIR
with the police.
Realizing
the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, the company called the woman
employee to negotiate. In that she was offered a hefty sum of money to withdraw
the complaint and the FIR and also give in writing that the marketing executive
is not involved in the case.
Identify
the ethical issues involved in this case. What options are available to the
woman employee?
Key Points
Ethical
Issues Involved in the Case
·
Sexual Harassment at Workplace
·
Organisational Apathy and Ethical
Failure
·
Profit vs Ethics Dilemma
·
Bribery and Coercion
·
Suppression of Truth
·
Gender Justice and Power
Asymmetry
Options Available to the Woman Employee
·
Option 1:
Accept the Monetary Offer and Withdraw the Case
·
Option 2:
Whistleblower / Public Disclosure
·
Option 3: Reject the Offer and
Pursue Legal Action
Key Words
to Learn/Use
· Hostile work environment
· Bodily autonomy
· Institutional insensitivity
· Duty of care
· Obstruction of justice
· Systemic injustice
· Power Asymmetry
· Culture of impunity (People believe they can “get away with wrongdoing without punishment.)
Best
Ethical Course of Action
· Think Yourself (Thank You)
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