How Should Companies Handle Sexual Harassment Allegations to Prevent Tragic Outcomes?

Dear all,

Heart-chilling news has been published in today's Times of India. The newspaper clipping is attached to this post. There are learnings for various quarters from this incident. They are as follows:

a) The sensitivity of discussing sexual harassment

A topic of sexual harassment has to be dealt with due sensitivity. Why it was discussed in the meeting is not understood. Sexual harassment is a traumatic experience for a woman as much as a false allegation is for a man. In fact, a false allegation devastates a man as he has to live with the stigma on his character.

b) The executive's extreme step

The executive accused of sexual harassment has taken this extreme step. Why he did not approach the HR department for an impartial probe is not understood. Rather, he lived with the trauma of the accusation. When it became unbearable, he took the extreme step of ending his life. We do not know whether employees perceive an environment of justice and fairness in the company. Had it been so, the 41-year-old executive would not have taken this step.

c) The importance of discussing work matters at home

Many working couples do not discuss their office matters at home. While routine matters may not be discussed, the spouse is always the first friend. One has to open up with one's spouse and share the crisis one is going through. However, the executive did not share anything with his family members.

d) Legal consequences for the company

Now the police authorities have booked the company authorities and a few other employees on the charges of "abetment of suicide." This is a hefty price they are paying.

The other members may go through the clipping and offer their views.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

It is most unfortunate that he committed suicide, unable to bear the ignominy of the allegation of sexual harassment. Indeed, the Secretary of the ICC has a task to ensure the bona fides of the complaints received before initiating action. The authority must be cautious not to turn the investigation into a vendetta for some service benefit or opportunity.

In my long career, there have been instances where female employees have raised complaints of sexual harassment, which, when inquired into, were found to be unsustainable prima facie.

Hello Dinesh;

POSH Act and Its Challenges

The POSH Act is not complete; it is still developing. It is difficult and requires skill to inquire into allegations of sexual harassment. IC members should not take it lightly and must conduct impartial investigations.

Failure to Instill Confidence

In the case you cited, the victim did not approach the IC or HR, indicating a failure on the part of the IC and HR to instill confidence in employees that their grievances will be fairly addressed. It is true that the majority of sexual harassment incidents go unreported and uninvestigated, reflecting the apathy of management and society. In general, I would say that Indian society is selfish. Unless an issue directly affects them, people tend not to get involved. People also struggle to open up easily to others.

Family Dynamics and Communication

Lastly, what about his wife? Neither did he speak to his wife, nor did she notice anything wrong with her husband. This situation sheds light on our family dynamics.

Ultimately, the ones who suffer are the company, losing an officer, and the family, losing their breadwinner. The allegations remain unresolved.

Vibhakar Ramtirthkar.

Dinesh, One more thing, the date on the news and TOI is 9 September, which is a date yet to arrive.

Two angles to consider from my individual perspective.

1. An employee is being accused and feels embarrassed, which has led to an extreme step. There is no update on the other side of the person who has accused.

2. A family member who cared for the family wanted to keep them out of public and media attention. The person's name is kept secret, who accused of being harassed.

Any small issue today can be turned into huge news using social media. Justice is delayed and denied in the majority of cases, and nothing gets its due merit of hearing. If the identity of both parties can be hidden and provided for security and due legal proceedings, no one will take the extreme step and let go of their dreams midway.

I am sure he would have had plans for the 5-year-old and a lot for his family, spare a thought. The organization should attempt to close this case with a clear hearing and provide dignity if he is proved not guilty.