Reference no: EM133030041

The Creepy Guy

Ursula could be a "stunt double" for Barbie with her curvaceous figure, flowing blonde hair, and dazzling blue eyes. And, she's very aware of her striking good looks and is not shy about flaunting herself around. But, beauty can have its downside as well.

You should picture the inside of a large manufacturing plant that resembles an industrious beehive with people and machines scurrying all over the place. There are about 450 employees at this plant that is divided into several departments. Ursula works in the shipping and receiving department along with 12 other workers (eight males/four females). They all keep pretty busy during the day and must often visit other locations within the plant. Ursula is very accustomed to the glances she gets from the guys around the plant and she likes the attention since most of them are just innocent flirtations - that is - most of them. Kevin, one of Ursula's co-workers was recently reassigned to the shipping & receiving department and ever since he arrived, Ursula has not been comfortable with him. She's mentioned to her best friend, Stacy, that Kevin always seems to be staring at her and following her around the plant. If she goes to the Purchasing Department, there he is. If she's on break, Kevin conveniently hangs out by the women's restroom. He seems to have this obsessive, wistful look in his eyes. He's never said anything to her, but women know when a guy is checking them out - you know - in a certain way...

Kevin is pretty much a loner and does his job without incident. He doesn't seem to bother anyone and could be considered a "fly on the wall." But, for the past several weeks, Ursula swears that he's been "stalking" her and "leering" at her body. Ursula decides that she's tired of always watching over her shoulder to see if Kevin's there and that she's distracted by the very thought that he works in her department. So, she decides to bring the matter up to her supervisor who, in turn, tells her to relay her concerns to human resource management.

Why is this a case (or not a case) of sexual harassment?

(Hint: An appropriate response will consider whether all the elements are present for sexual harassment to occur. Additionally, you might consider:

• Is it Kevin's personality that's really at issue?
• When do "stares" become sexual harassment?
• What if Kevin denies he's leering and stalking? How would Ursula disprove this?
• How would you, as the human resource manager, approach Kevin?)