October 2010
Assessment 3: Case Study Report
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace – David Jones and Pricewaterhouse Coopers
Kristy van Duin, Li Yutao, Pablo Arenas, Jace Burgess
Executive Summary
The following report looks at the increase of Sexual Harassment claims within Corporate Australia that have been lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission over the last decade. David Jones Pty Ltd and Pricewaterhouse Cooper are two prevalent cases which have attracted negative media with regard to Sexual Harassment, and this report utilises both Risk Management and Egoism Theories to scrutinise various impacts, responsibilities and recommendations for Individuals, Organisations and Society.
Organisational and Societal culture is identified as the primary contributing factor of workplace Sexual Harassment, and it is identified within the report that further Legislation and workplace risk management approaches need to be enacted if the increase is to be addressed.
Methods of workplace mechanisms to curtail the increase have been listed as induction, training, and facilitation of workplace change. Prompt and decisive action is also necessary to address issues when raised. Societal culture also is identified as requiring change through Legislation, and the requirement for male persons of political, social and organisational power to lead the cultural change management process.
It is this reports’ recommendation that further review of Legislation and workplace practices be urgently undertaken with a view to reduce the steadily rising number of reported workplace Sexual Harassment claims within Corporate Australia.
Contents Case Facts 3 Impact on Individuals, Organisations and Society 5 Risk Management Theoretical Perspective 8 Egoism Theoretical Perspective 9 Responsibilities of Individuals, Organisations and Society 10 Recommendation to Individuals, Organisations and Society 12