Introduction
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that most human resource managers are constantly battling. Uber reportedly dismissed approximately 20 employees because of sexual harassment inquiry that began in November 2016. It is uncommon for an organization to dismiss so many employees, but this happened at Uber because the human resource management could not address the issue. Most organizations have trouble figuring out how to handle workplace sexual harassment. Sexual harassment negatively impacts an organization, resulting in loss of productivity, demoralization, and more absenteeism. Additionally, it can cause an organization to lose millions of dollars in court and legal fees (Peeps, 2023).
Based on Cox’s business case for diversity, what positive outcomes may result in changes to Uber’s leadership team?
Cox argues that diversity benefits the economy, establishes communities, and enhances the financial security of most organizations and their employees. Effective leadership is crucial for every organization. Diversity in the workplace is the inclusion and acceptance of employees from diverse backgrounds. It is a valuable asset since it recognizes every employee’s unique qualities and possibilities. Valuing one another’s uniqueness binds the employees and can be the key to a prosperous workplace with a fair work culture (Epadmin, 2023).
The traits associated with diversity impact how employees behave and perform their duties. Diversity is currently encouraged in most organizations because it is crucial to developing a better culture. Based on Cox’s business case for diversity, many positive outcomes will be established because of the new leadership. First, the new leadership will benefit Uber since overall productivity will increase. The new leadership will also assist in the concrete execution of new diversity policies and guidelines. As a result, it will assist in establishing a solid foundation on which a culture of diversity and tolerance can grow. With such implementations, the organization will significantly improve on issues relating to discrimination against women and minorities, which will undoubtedly save the company from significant legal expenditures that result from discrimination-based lawsuits. Under the new leadership, the business operations will function smoothly, the needs of the employees will be met, and any issue will be resolved (Epadmin, 2023).
Under what form of federal legislation was Fowler protected?
Federal laws are regulations implemented to assist individuals in conducting businesses and going about their daily lives by the same rules. Even though not all business operations are governed by the federal government, some businesses must adhere to federal regulations (Lambert, J., & Leopold, J. 2019). Most organizations must learn about the standards for employers to ensure that the business conforms to the law. One of the most common laws that protected Fowler was the Whistleblower Protection Act. Fowler was protected by federal law in the sexual harassment case involving the Uber Company from 2017 in which she was involved (Peeps, 2023).
These regulations were not effectively implemented within the organization. Fowler described how she was constantly sexually harassed by one of Uber’s employees (Jordan, 2017). Her claim was backed up when she discovered that other female employees had also experienced sexual harassment from the same employee who was sexually harassing her. Fowler claimed that she was subjected to unfair treatment through arbitration at Uber. The legislation mandates that employees be protected from discrimination, including sexual harassment, as Fowler experienced. According to the legislation, employees of either gender cannot be treated differently based on their position. It is covered under sex discrimination statutes, particularly those that fall under the purview of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Additionally, she was shielded from discrimination under “Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”
What strategies should have been used or implemented?
Sexual harassment cases can be detrimental to the reputation of any company. Therefore, all companies need to establish rules and policies to prevent that. Policies should also indicate how to deal with these incidents if they occur. This would aid the company in further instances. Corporations such as Uber need to have formal policies which are clear about sexual harassment and the consequence if there are any occurrences. O that to ensure that all the employees know the company can allocate a budget that would set. The employees should attend and learn about the policies set aside, how to avoid them, and how to report if they witness any occurrence.
All company leaders should be in attendance when compiling the policies surrounding sexual harassment. Additionally, they should be able to monitor these policies and ensure they are upheld. If sexual harassment cases arise, there should be steps in place to deal with these cases. This will help the customers to know that the system cares and considers their complaints. It will also serve as an excellent warning to all employers tempted to go against the policies (Epadmin, 2023).
Conclusion
It is essential to ensure that every company has set rules and policies surrounding sexual harassment cases. Uber is a large transportation company that grew until sexual harassment cases destroyed its reputation. This saw the company decline in profits and was followed by the laying of bout 20 workers in 2016 in relation to sexual harassment cases. With proper leadership in place, policies can be compiled indicating how a company can avoid sexual harassment cases and how to deal with them if they occur. This will save the company much money that would otherwise be used in lawsuits.
There are federal laws that protect the victims of sexual harassment. They are in place so that the offenders can minimize in these cases. They protect the minority and can be used by companies such as Uber to work around when setting policies. In 2017 federal law protected Fowler, a worker at Uber who was a victim of sexual harassment, and that is just one of the many. When Fowler first experienced these horrible acts, she was silenced and moved from one department in the name of the first case with the employer. She later learned she was not the only one, and many other female workers had experienced the same ordeal. This led to the decline of the female worker in this company to 6%.
References
Epadmin. (2023, April 4). Diversity in the workplace: Workplace diversity: Managing diversity. PeopleScout. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://www.peoplescout.com/insights/managing-diversity-in-workplace/
Peeps HR. (2022.). The importance of diversity in the workplace. Peeps HR. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://www.peepshr.co.uk/resource-centre/the-importance-of-diversity-in-the-workplace/
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