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1992-10-19
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BUSINESS, Page 37HUMAN RELATIONSSexual Harassment: A Guide
An instant "how-not-to" book prompted by the Thomas hearings
spells it out with classroom clarity
Susan Webb's new book, Step Forward, (MasterMedia; $9.95)
will not hit the stores for another week or so, but already her
publisher is fielding a dozen requests a day for bulk orders.
Among the eager buyers: Heublein, Bristol-Myers and Avon. The
first book about sexual harassment published since the Thomas
hearings, Webb's book is refreshingly free of ideology and
reproach. A longtime human-relations expert and specialist on
this subject, Webb wrote Step Forward at breakneck speed,
sending in a chapter a day.
The result is an accessible sort of Cliffs Notes guide to
the topic that will have special appeal for managers concerned
about this stubborn workplace plague, especially now that
litigation is raising the ante of ignorance. But harassers and
victims -- as well as the great mass of confused bystanders --
will also find it informative. Crisp and logical, Webb's book
explains what sexual harassment is, how to recognize it, how to
know if you're doing it and how to eliminate the problem at
work if necessary.
Sexual harassment remains a loaded topic that can rupture
friendships and plunge victims into self-doubt. Many people
don't understand what it is. Certainly men and women viewing the
same incident often disagree on whether anything untoward -- not
to mention illegal -- has occurred. Is it ordinary flirtation?
Is it old-fashioned earthy humor between friends of opposite
sex? No, says Webb. Most men do not sexually harass their
co-workers. Those who do are engaging in a power trip that plays
on sex; work-related strings are attached. Says she: "It's
really not difficult to understand. You just have to stop and
think about it."
Organizing Step Forward somewhat like a classroom
workbook, Webb comes across more like a friendly high school
teacher than a corporate consultant, lacing her account with
anecdotes and case studies. Examples:
1) You and your boss are single and like each other a lot.
You invite him to dinner, and one thing leads to another. Was
someone sexually harassed? (No -- though it wasn't very smart.)
2) Your boss invites you to a restaurant for dinner and --
much to your surprise -- spends the evening flirting with you.
Just before inviting you to her house for a nightcap, she
mentions that promotion you are hoping to get. (You are being
sexually harassed. Whether or not you welcome her interest in
you, she has implied a connection between the promotion and your
response.)
Think this doesn't go on where you work? Two-thirds of the
men in a Harvard Business Review study said reports of sexual
harassment at work are greatly exaggerated. But surveys have
shown that 90% of FORTUNE 500 companies have dealt with
sexual-harassment complaints, and nearly 25% have been sued
repeatedly. More than half of U.S. women executives say they
have suffered the abuse. And it is hardly an American problem.
Sexual harassment at work was reported by 70% of Japanese women
in one study and by nearly 50% of the women in a survey of
several European countries. Not to mention the 15% of men who
have been hassled by co-workers of both sexes. Webb reports that
absenteeism, lost productivity and turnover caused by harassment
are costing large companies an average of $282.53 per employee
per year. Solution: knock it off. It pays.
By Janice Castro.