Question

The administrative assistant to the vice president of operations confides in the HR manager that the VP has been making inappropriate advances that have been getting progressively more forward and aggressive. This has made the administrative assistant uncomfortable, and now she wants to find a new position in the organization. The administrative assistant and the HR manager are long-time personal friends, and this information is shared with the HR manager outside of the work environment, on personal time.

While the HR manager informs the administrative assistant that she should bring a formal complaint, the administrative assistant is very clear that she is sharing this information as a friend. She does not want to file a formal complaint out of fear of retaliation. Instead, she asks the HR manager to help her find a new role so that she can quietly leave her current position without creating trouble for the VP, the organization, or herself.
What action should the HR manager take in response to hearing about this harassment?
Answers
A. Confront the VP of operations directly with the allegations and demand an explanation as to why he has behaved inappropriately.
B. Respect the friendship with the administrative assistant, honor the request for privacy on the issue, and not take any action in response to the complaint.
C. Have a follow-up discussion with the administrative assistant reassuring her of protection against retaliation and urging her to formally complain of the behavior.
D. Notify the VP of HR of the allegations so that a formal investigation can begin of these allegations of harassment.

Answer 1

The HR manager should prioritize the well-being of employees and take action to address the harassment situation, while respecting the assistant's friendship. They should have a follow-up discussion, provide support, and urge her to make a formal complaint. The HR manager should also consider notifying the VP of HR for a formal investigation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The HR manager should take action to address the harassment situation. While respecting the friendship with the administrative assistant, it is important to prioritize the well-being and safety of employees in the organization.

The HR manager should have a follow-up discussion with the administrative assistant, reassuring her that she will be protected against retaliation and urging her to formally complain about the behavior. It is essential to provide support and guidance to the administrative assistant in navigating the formal complaint process.

Additionally, the HR manager should consider notifying the VP of HR about the allegations so that a formal investigation can be initiated. This will help ensure that the issue is properly addressed and appropriate actions are taken to prevent further incidents of harassment.