Whose viewpoint is considered in determining whether the work environment is hostile?
Harassment is based on the victim's point of view. In other words, conduct is treated as hostile when the person on the receiving end reasonably regards it as hostile or offensive. It is not a question of whether or not the person engaging in the conduct would consider the behavior offensive. Employees should, therefore, be taught two important lessons.
Lesson number one: If you are unsure about how another person would react to your conduct, don't do it. You don't want to take a chance that another would find your conduct offensive.
Lesson number two: If someone behaves in a manner that you find offensive, don't assume that the person knows the conduct is offensive. First, explain that you find the conduct to be offensive and that if it continues you will bring your concerns to management. Then, follow the procedures outlined in your employer's harassment policy to do so.
Reprinted with permission. © CCH
Whose viewpoint is considered in determining whether the work environment is hostile? Harassment is based on the victim's point of view.
Whose viewpoint is considered in determining whether the work environment is hostile?
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