Sexual harassment training in a manufacturing environment

Abstract

Due to the increasing numbers of women in the workforce – in production and professional positions – and the amount of money spent each year on sexual harassment cases, the issue of sexual harassment has become an important factor in the manufacturing arena. The purpose of this study is to design a complete sexual harassment training program for the employees of Johnson Matthey Electronics, at the Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin plant. This study contains a four-hour training program designed for the managers and supervisors of the Chippewa Falls facility. The employee-training manual is not included due to the fact that the management session includes everything that is in the employee session plus additional information for managers. The program was designed around three key elements. First – Many employees had preconceived notions about sexual harassment because of the previous company from which they transferred; therefore, ground rules need to be set right away. Second – The target audience came from diverse backgrounds with different experiences and levels of education, energy, and power. Third – The audience was comprised of males and females so the training had to be gender neutral. The key elements of the training program needed to include the recognition of sexual harassment, definitions, and proper procedure for dealing with potential harassment situations. The program also includes a pre-test and post-test for retention of information. Sources used include personal observations, published literature and video excerpts provided by Anderson-Davis (1988) Myths vs. Facts. The review of literature presents the historical perspective of Johnson Matthey Electronics as well as a historical perspective of sexual harassment, including a chronology of sexual harassment law drawn mainly from two sources: Jones, Constance. (1996). Sexual Harassment. New York: Facts on File; and Szymansky, Sharon and Cydney Pullman. (1994). Sexual Harassment at Work: A Training Workbook for Working People. New York: the Institute. The review also presents data showing the number of women that have reportedly been the victims of some form of sexual harassment on the job, as well as data showing the monetary impact of sexual harassment in a typical Fortune 500 company. A process for developing sexual harassment training programs is also presented.