Case Study

Major/Class: 09 International Business

Case Study: Team Case Study 3—Disciplinary Action

Inquiry on Sexual Harassment

Recently, a formal complaint has been received from a new female staff member Ling Su about sexual harassment. According to her, she has been constantly made remarks and suggestive comments by a married colleague Wen Bo. What’s more, he has made many phone calls and sent hundreds of text messages to Ling Su containing inappropriate suggestions. Ling Su regarded Wen Bo’s behavior as inappropriate both in workplace and out of the workplace. To fairly deal with this matter, an inquiry into the complaint has been conducted.

Through the talk with Ling Su, we have obtained the whole picture of this case and more details. According to Ling Su, though distressed, she did not want to cause troubles as she was a new worker. But Wen Bo’s constant harassment has disturbed her life and work so much that she had no choice but make a complaint. She did not want to make it wide spread among colleagues because she hoped that she could work here smoothly. When referring to Wen’s inappropriate behavior, Ling mentioned that except for the remarks and suggestive comments, phone calls and text messages containing inappropriate suggestions, on several occasions, such as in the lift and when there was no one else about, he touched her body, attempted to kiss her and made other inappropriate comments. She has reserved some of his inappropriate texts messages and backup copies. All the backup copy has been saved as evidence. Some suggestions are given to Ling Su.

1) Try to relax and work as before when no harassment has ever happened.

2) In case the harassment occurs again, she may carry a digital voice recorder or mini video recorder to record his inappropriate behavior.

3) Keep every piece of evidence to prove that he has harassed her.

More attention has been paid to Wen’s behavior in the workplace, especially when he got close to Ling Su. The...