Dear All,
Can anybody tell me if management doesn't want to terminate the person accused of sexual harassment but at the same time wants to teach him a lesson and permanently get rid of this situation to give justice to the victim, then what things can be done?
For example, if somebody steals wood in a brick factory, the solution could be to unload the next lorry of wood at the robber's place. This action would make him ashamed of his act and would likely deter him from stealing from the factory again.
I am seeking a Gandhigiri-type solution. I want a solution that will not only prevent this behavior within the organization but also discourage it elsewhere. I hope to find a solution that will ensure he does not repeat this act and serves as a warning to other employees against such deeds.
Please reply as soon as possible.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)
Amend(0)
Can anybody tell me if management doesn't want to terminate the person accused of sexual harassment but at the same time wants to teach him a lesson and permanently get rid of this situation to give justice to the victim, then what things can be done?
For example, if somebody steals wood in a brick factory, the solution could be to unload the next lorry of wood at the robber's place. This action would make him ashamed of his act and would likely deter him from stealing from the factory again.
I am seeking a Gandhigiri-type solution. I want a solution that will not only prevent this behavior within the organization but also discourage it elsewhere. I hope to find a solution that will ensure he does not repeat this act and serves as a warning to other employees against such deeds.
Please reply as soon as possible.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi,
I don't think marriage and saying sorry will be a good idea. As per the change of his role or demotion, it will be the best way to teach him a lesson. That sort of behavior should be treated in a very serious and precise way.
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
4I don't think marriage and saying sorry will be a good idea. As per the change of his role or demotion, it will be the best way to teach him a lesson. That sort of behavior should be treated in a very serious and precise way.
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
My suggestion is to send an email to all the employees who have ever worked in your organization regarding this issue. This way, every employee will know the real character of the individual in question. Consequently, from the next day onwards, every employee will treat him differently compared to regular days. This may lead him to feel guilty and motivate him to resign voluntarily. As a result, even if he joins another organization, he will think twice before engaging in such harassment.
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Give him a surprise. Take a printout of his name, like "Ram Bhaiya," and put it on the notice board. Also, place the same on every employee's desk. Start showing him respect as a big brother. If that is still not enough, give him a tight slap!
From India, Amritsar
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Amritsar
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi,
Revealing the issue in front of everyone will just take all the motivation to work in the organization away from him. He would not learn anything with that kind of punishment but will become more aggressive. The best way is to make him feel ashamed. Ask that girl to go and tell him that she forgave him in front of the management and request him not to do it ever again to any girl, describing the trauma a person feels. Tell him he might have a daughter in the future; then, he would have to go through the same trauma every time she is harassed.
With Regards,
Poonam
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Revealing the issue in front of everyone will just take all the motivation to work in the organization away from him. He would not learn anything with that kind of punishment but will become more aggressive. The best way is to make him feel ashamed. Ask that girl to go and tell him that she forgave him in front of the management and request him not to do it ever again to any girl, describing the trauma a person feels. Tell him he might have a daughter in the future; then, he would have to go through the same trauma every time she is harassed.
With Regards,
Poonam
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Talk to him a very clearly and take decision which you have suitable, also don’t take any suggestion from anyone. That is better way I think.
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
I would suggest putting his shameful act along with his photograph and identity on a notice board in every corner of the company, whether it's the gym, pantry, meeting room, clock room, etc., but without disclosing the name or identity of the girl. It should be kept confidential. Additionally, send a hard copy of this to his parents and relatives.
Thank you,
Sunita
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Thank you,
Sunita
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear, you are required to mention the case exactly (as mentioned in ur subject) only than the reply could be given
From India, Vijayawada
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Vijayawada
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear All, I agree with Poonam. This is the best way to solve these types of problems. Regards HS Deshwal
From India, Bengaluru
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Bengaluru
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear Friend,
Whatever you do, think about that lady and your organization's rules and policies. My suggestion is to ask that lady if she wants to marry that person, make that decision, and demote him as her assistant. Whatever actions you take, do them in front of all employees so that it can serve as a lesson for anyone who behaves in a similar manner.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Whatever you do, think about that lady and your organization's rules and policies. My suggestion is to ask that lady if she wants to marry that person, make that decision, and demote him as her assistant. Whatever actions you take, do them in front of all employees so that it can serve as a lesson for anyone who behaves in a similar manner.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Lato ke bhoot bato se nahi mante. I agree with Alwar. Terminate him from immediate effect. If you will continue him he will do the same with other also.
From India, Ahmadabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Ahmadabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
I believe that woman power is often misused in most cases. However, you have not clarified whether it's a male employee or a female employee who has been harassed. In the case of a female employee who has lodged a complaint, I would suggest that you investigate the matter first and then take disciplinary action.
From India, Chandigarh
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Chandigarh
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Though sexual harassment is a shameful incident, I agree with Jigshaw and can only add that females should wear decent dress in offices; otherwise, guys will always stare at the lady. Also, make a rule that no one should wear overly Western clothes.
Investigate the matter first. Remember, whatever a woman tells against a guy, our Indian law first puts him behind bars, then looks into the matter to determine if he is innocent or not.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Investigate the matter first. Remember, whatever a woman tells against a guy, our Indian law first puts him behind bars, then looks into the matter to determine if he is innocent or not.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Just draft a simple email and mention the entire incident. Do not mention the names; use terms like a male employee of our company. There would definitely be talks, and the incident will be in the limelight. However, since you don't mention the name, you don't need to answer to anyone. Besides, this will be a lesson for all the employees.
Thanks,
Sumeet
From India, Thana
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Thanks,
Sumeet
From India, Thana
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Management should collect the addresses of their relatives and well-known individuals and send a letter at their expense to all of them to make them aware of the individual's reprehensible act. This letter should be signed by the culprit. There is no need to forgive the individual (as per Ms. Poonam Mehra) or address them as "bhaiya"; instead, their working hours in the office should be extended with a demotion. Nowadays, not many people adhere to Gandhigiri, so strict punishment in line with the aforementioned views would serve as a good lesson for the individual. Alternatively, it may be better to gather the culprit's friends and relatives at a party to disclose the misdeed. Such stringent actions will serve as a lesson for others as well, and India can return to its original values of the past.
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
The organization should initiate disciplinary action against him if it is found that he is guilty. He may be given punishment such as withholding of increment with cumulative effect so that he may not repeat such an instance in the future.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Investigate the case properly first. If he is found guilty, then direct termination. When he knew the company policy on sexual harassment, how could he even dare? I think he is confident enough that nothing would happen to him in this company. My suggestion would be termination is the best way to teach a lesson.
Regards,
Pankaj
From United States, Hopkinton
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Regards,
Pankaj
From United States, Hopkinton
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi,
In my view, this is very rubbish activity because no one has the right to commit sexual harassment. I strongly believe that the person must receive strict punishment and a warning because such behavior is not acceptable. I know of one organization where a lady complained to a women's organization about such harassment. Consequently, a government officer visited the company to conduct an inspection. Furthermore, all the ladies were called to the government office for an inquiry about how they were being treated in the organization. Such incidents can have a very negative impact on the organization as it can affect its market reputation. Therefore, if an organization aims to maintain a good market reputation, it should be vigilant about such inappropriate behaviors from managers or executives. Just because girls work under them does not mean they are their properties. I stand by what I say. A job is purely a professional matter, and girls should also be treated professionally.
Regards,
Rashmi
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
In my view, this is very rubbish activity because no one has the right to commit sexual harassment. I strongly believe that the person must receive strict punishment and a warning because such behavior is not acceptable. I know of one organization where a lady complained to a women's organization about such harassment. Consequently, a government officer visited the company to conduct an inspection. Furthermore, all the ladies were called to the government office for an inquiry about how they were being treated in the organization. Such incidents can have a very negative impact on the organization as it can affect its market reputation. Therefore, if an organization aims to maintain a good market reputation, it should be vigilant about such inappropriate behaviors from managers or executives. Just because girls work under them does not mean they are their properties. I stand by what I say. A job is purely a professional matter, and girls should also be treated professionally.
Regards,
Rashmi
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
• Since no details of case are disclosed, it is not possible to know the nature, degree and frequency of sexual harassment in this case to suggest right course of action and punishment.
• Posted query gives a impression that, it is a fit case to terminate the employee but for some strange and undisclosed reasons management does not want to terminate accused and instead wants to let him off lightly by giving ‘gandhigiri punishment’. This appears to be a sort of Window-dressing and attempt to conclude serious matter in a hush-hush manner.
• Such incidence demands proper and fair investigation and accused needs to be punished accordingly. Gandhigiri types of punishments are okay in cases of less serious nature. Gandhigiri is more aimed at public humiliation, embracement and publicity, but has no place in legal system.
• A serious matter needs to be dealt seriously and accused need not be let off lightly under the guise of Gandhigiri.
• It is important to protect victim and her rights. Gandhigiri types of punishments suggested by members are going to give unnecessary publicity to victim and whole incident which she must be struggling to come out of. Instead of giving any sort of relief to victim gandhigiri may cause public humiliation and trauma to her.
Thanks & Regards
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
• Posted query gives a impression that, it is a fit case to terminate the employee but for some strange and undisclosed reasons management does not want to terminate accused and instead wants to let him off lightly by giving ‘gandhigiri punishment’. This appears to be a sort of Window-dressing and attempt to conclude serious matter in a hush-hush manner.
• Such incidence demands proper and fair investigation and accused needs to be punished accordingly. Gandhigiri types of punishments are okay in cases of less serious nature. Gandhigiri is more aimed at public humiliation, embracement and publicity, but has no place in legal system.
• A serious matter needs to be dealt seriously and accused need not be let off lightly under the guise of Gandhigiri.
• It is important to protect victim and her rights. Gandhigiri types of punishments suggested by members are going to give unnecessary publicity to victim and whole incident which she must be struggling to come out of. Instead of giving any sort of relief to victim gandhigiri may cause public humiliation and trauma to her.
Thanks & Regards
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi all,
"Gandhigiri" is to terminate him; this is serious misconduct (of course, if it is proven). "Gandhigiri" is to obey the laws of the country and to seek justice through the system. From your question, it is clear that the person in question holds a higher position. Fighting against him and accusing management of being a thief and engaging in sexual harassment cannot be compared at all.
Imagine if this were to happen to you, your relatives, or the management and their female family members. What would they do? I believe they would take severe action against the individual. Let's try to understand and use empathy.
Manish Gupta
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
"Gandhigiri" is to terminate him; this is serious misconduct (of course, if it is proven). "Gandhigiri" is to obey the laws of the country and to seek justice through the system. From your question, it is clear that the person in question holds a higher position. Fighting against him and accusing management of being a thief and engaging in sexual harassment cannot be compared at all.
Imagine if this were to happen to you, your relatives, or the management and their female family members. What would they do? I believe they would take severe action against the individual. Let's try to understand and use empathy.
Manish Gupta
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Thanks for everybody's review and ideas. I never thought of such support and overwhelming response from everybody. Thanks a lot.
As of now, management is drafting a policy to avoid such types of situations in the future. Another thing is, I feel that management is biased because the victim is a trainee and the accused is the sales head of one sector. He brings money for the company, an experienced person. Management doesn't want him to go or get demotivated because it would have a direct impact on the company's sales.
They are trying to rectify the small, innocent mistakes the girl has made. They may accuse her of luring and attracting the accused towards herself, whereas I know that she is totally new to this corporate world, and everything she has done was on humanitarian grounds. As soon as she understood his intentions, she stopped talking to him.
I hope management makes a wise decision.
Anyways, guys, I will keep you updated with their decisions. Right now, they are investigating the matter.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
As of now, management is drafting a policy to avoid such types of situations in the future. Another thing is, I feel that management is biased because the victim is a trainee and the accused is the sales head of one sector. He brings money for the company, an experienced person. Management doesn't want him to go or get demotivated because it would have a direct impact on the company's sales.
They are trying to rectify the small, innocent mistakes the girl has made. They may accuse her of luring and attracting the accused towards herself, whereas I know that she is totally new to this corporate world, and everything she has done was on humanitarian grounds. As soon as she understood his intentions, she stopped talking to him.
I hope management makes a wise decision.
Anyways, guys, I will keep you updated with their decisions. Right now, they are investigating the matter.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
if the organisation dont want to terminate him.......Just ask that sun of _________ to clean the office toilet on bare hand infront of the victim...That is the best punishment for him.......
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear Shytal,
My statement would also be in favor of Mr. Anwar, as these kinds of issues should not be taken lightly. Rather, stern action is required against him, which will set an example for others as well in the future.
Shytal, please don't let this case be dismissed; otherwise, you will continue to feel suffocated by being dominated in the name of Senior Authority.
Regards,
Rachna
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
My statement would also be in favor of Mr. Anwar, as these kinds of issues should not be taken lightly. Rather, stern action is required against him, which will set an example for others as well in the future.
Shytal, please don't let this case be dismissed; otherwise, you will continue to feel suffocated by being dominated in the name of Senior Authority.
Regards,
Rachna
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Pass a message to him,
Ye zalim ye zulm na kar,
Ye paap hoga,
Tu bhi kabhi kisi hasina ka baap hoga.
Look into the matter from both sides and try to find out the truth. Give him a chance to clarify his view and try to establish facts about whatever happened. If he is found guilty, he may be punished according to company policy, or legal action can be taken. Punishment must serve as a deterrent to others, so that such incidents can be avoided.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Ye zalim ye zulm na kar,
Ye paap hoga,
Tu bhi kabhi kisi hasina ka baap hoga.
Look into the matter from both sides and try to find out the truth. Give him a chance to clarify his view and try to establish facts about whatever happened. If he is found guilty, he may be punished according to company policy, or legal action can be taken. Punishment must serve as a deterrent to others, so that such incidents can be avoided.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi, My idea is that the ladies, who are working in close contact with him can be moved to work with some oneelse. Let no ladies in the office can see / talk / report to him.
From Oman, Muscat
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From Oman, Muscat
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear all,
I strongly agree with what Poonam has put forward. If we attempt to expose him within the office, we will just go in circles, potentially leading to the development of aggressive behavior. This may cause the girl to end up in more trouble. The only viable solution to deal with this dilemma is to make him feel embarrassed by illustrating a similar situation to him, using an example involving his immediate family member.
Hope this helps.
Mohit Sharma
From United Kingdom, Warwick
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
I strongly agree with what Poonam has put forward. If we attempt to expose him within the office, we will just go in circles, potentially leading to the development of aggressive behavior. This may cause the girl to end up in more trouble. The only viable solution to deal with this dilemma is to make him feel embarrassed by illustrating a similar situation to him, using an example involving his immediate family member.
Hope this helps.
Mohit Sharma
From United Kingdom, Warwick
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
hey thnkx yuvraj for your input...funny but....good one...matter is being investigated..lets see wat will happen...vl keep updating..byeee
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Well, Rajendra,
Thank you for all your fantastic ideas. But receiving Rakhi from all ladies on the staff won't work out for him as he is Muslim. By God's grace, the matter is not very serious, but it could be serious; who knows. Precaution is better than cure. Also, if management wants to go by Gandhigiri, then?
I'll keep you updated with what had happened to him. Thank you once again.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Thank you for all your fantastic ideas. But receiving Rakhi from all ladies on the staff won't work out for him as he is Muslim. By God's grace, the matter is not very serious, but it could be serious; who knows. Precaution is better than cure. Also, if management wants to go by Gandhigiri, then?
I'll keep you updated with what had happened to him. Thank you once again.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
you r absolutely right, Sir...
though the matter is not very serious but it covers and falls under one of the deeds thats can be called as sexual harassment..
to some extent e1 i feel that management wants to let him off with light punishmnt in the name of Gandhigiri....
anyways i vl keep u updating with regard to this matter..
thnkx once again ya....
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
though the matter is not very serious but it covers and falls under one of the deeds thats can be called as sexual harassment..
to some extent e1 i feel that management wants to let him off with light punishmnt in the name of Gandhigiri....
anyways i vl keep u updating with regard to this matter..
thnkx once again ya....
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Thanks, Pankaj. I feel you are in my company. You are right. The position is the same as you said, "he is confident enough that nothing would happen to him in this company." And yes, the investigation is ongoing. Let's see what happens.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Good one, thank you Sunita. However, I feel that this approach may demotivate him, which management does not want. As I mentioned, management aims to make a decision that does not demotivate him but ensures he is properly punished for this heinous act.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi,
Firstly, accept my apology as I am not an HR professional, but still a frequent viewer of this website. I am a hardcore operations guy. This topic has grabbed my attention, and trust me, I have gone through all the replies posted by other members of this forum. The only answer that I liked was by Alwar. I encountered a similar scenario some time ago in my previous organization. The actions I took were:
1. Call the culprit and victim to my cabin.
2. Listen to both sides.
3. Maintain privacy as the issue was sensitive and related to someone's life and image.
4. The moment I confirmed the incident as true and not an allegation, I called the cops to my office premises.
5. Called female police officers and then went to the police station in person.
6. Involved management and our organization's lawyer fought the case for the female employee at our cost.
7. The culprit is still behind bars, and the case is ongoing.
8. The girl received justice, and no one came to know about this incident.
What I want to convey is that such individuals are not human beings; they are like animals and should either be imprisoned or shot. No Gandhigiri for them; they will never understand your message.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Firstly, accept my apology as I am not an HR professional, but still a frequent viewer of this website. I am a hardcore operations guy. This topic has grabbed my attention, and trust me, I have gone through all the replies posted by other members of this forum. The only answer that I liked was by Alwar. I encountered a similar scenario some time ago in my previous organization. The actions I took were:
1. Call the culprit and victim to my cabin.
2. Listen to both sides.
3. Maintain privacy as the issue was sensitive and related to someone's life and image.
4. The moment I confirmed the incident as true and not an allegation, I called the cops to my office premises.
5. Called female police officers and then went to the police station in person.
6. Involved management and our organization's lawyer fought the case for the female employee at our cost.
7. The culprit is still behind bars, and the case is ongoing.
8. The girl received justice, and no one came to know about this incident.
What I want to convey is that such individuals are not human beings; they are like animals and should either be imprisoned or shot. No Gandhigiri for them; they will never understand your message.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear Priya,
Please roll out a campaign to review the Sexual Harassment policy at the office. Select a few names, including this employee, as the reviewers. Let the information flow out on a public platform. Ensure a close-ended date for the review report to be submitted. Supply a copy of the Official Policy and a copy of the Supreme Court's order regarding the issue. You may also add an activity to collect some views on the same or a survey as a part of the report.
I bet this will be within the ambits of your Gandhigiri and, at the same time, will be very effective. The employee will be enlightened with the following:
1. Official views over the issue
2. Law of the Land and legal implications
3. A subtle pointer that he is under the scanner
4. Will have to suggest punitive actions for defaulters (which may be utilized as 'From the Horse's Mouth' in the subsequent counseling).
Regards,
RR
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Please roll out a campaign to review the Sexual Harassment policy at the office. Select a few names, including this employee, as the reviewers. Let the information flow out on a public platform. Ensure a close-ended date for the review report to be submitted. Supply a copy of the Official Policy and a copy of the Supreme Court's order regarding the issue. You may also add an activity to collect some views on the same or a survey as a part of the report.
I bet this will be within the ambits of your Gandhigiri and, at the same time, will be very effective. The employee will be enlightened with the following:
1. Official views over the issue
2. Law of the Land and legal implications
3. A subtle pointer that he is under the scanner
4. Will have to suggest punitive actions for defaulters (which may be utilized as 'From the Horse's Mouth' in the subsequent counseling).
Regards,
RR
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi,
GANDHIGIRI DOES NOT MEAN WEAKNESS OR MEEKNESS. I don't know the gravity of the offense, but forget about the Munnabhai Stuff and get into the legal stuff. If someone has committed a fault, they should get punished for it as per the law. The lady should be counseled to maintain her composure and dignity. Please don't compromise on your standards; otherwise, it will set a precedent, and next time this case will be quoted, and people will be let off.
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
GANDHIGIRI DOES NOT MEAN WEAKNESS OR MEEKNESS. I don't know the gravity of the offense, but forget about the Munnabhai Stuff and get into the legal stuff. If someone has committed a fault, they should get punished for it as per the law. The lady should be counseled to maintain her composure and dignity. Please don't compromise on your standards; otherwise, it will set a precedent, and next time this case will be quoted, and people will be let off.
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)Looking for something specific? - Join & Be Part Of Our Community and get connected with the right people who can help. Our AI-powered platform provides real-time fact-checking, peer-reviewed insights, and a vast historical knowledge base to support your search.
Humiliated at Meeting - Executive Accused of Sexual Harassment Hangs Himself (TOI - 02-Sep-2022).pd f