Sexual Harassment Sometimes Isn’t About Sex

The recent wave of sexual harassment allegations are teaching a long-delayed lesson to supervisors and executives: what they do and say has power. Excuses about what someone "intended" or what they "meant" doesn't protect managers anymore. What matters is the difference in power between employees and employers.

In a recent blog about the case of Mika Agrawal, the CEO who sexually harassed her employees by conversing openly about her sexual exploits and her pointed questions about her worker's sexual history, we bring to light the lonely truth of being a boss—they can't get do the same things their workers get away with.

When a co-worker asks a personal question that goes too deep, other co-workers feel more confident about not answering. When that person is your boss, who has cultivated an atmosphere of retaliation around herself or himself? Who makes it clear that they don't respond well to "no"?

You might have the same exact option—but that the same time, you don't.

Supervisors' Words Mean More Than Ours Do

Having a position of power comes with the understanding that what a superior does or says is more likely to create a hostile environment. For example, when a co-worker asks for a favor vs. when a boss asks for one, workers might feel less inclined to say no to a boss. The fear of retaliation is implied.

Researchers have found that those in positions of power (vs. people who do not have employees under them) are more likely to view people as objects. New research shows that power corrupts men and women leaders the same. Newly-acquired power increases harassment behavior among people who had been feeling low in power previously, male or female.

In the end, supervisors have always needed to be more careful. The recent headlines and high-profile takedowns of bosses and celebrities aren't new stories—they're just stories no one has paid attention to before.

Not sure if you have a sexual harassment case? Contact our Harvard-educated sexual harassment lawyer in Los Angeles. Our firm has represented thousands of employees throughout LA County—we can give you straight answers about your case in a free consultation. Call (310) 986-2792 today.

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