Final answer:
Sexual harassment is misconduct that encompasses unwelcome sexual advances and other sexually-based behavior that impacts employment, creates a hostile work environment, or interferes with work performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature is known as sexual harassment. This type of misconduct occurs when such behavior affects an individual's employment, interferes unreasonably with work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
There are different forms of sexual harassment. One type is quid pro quo, where work-related rewards are offered in exchange for sexual favors, typically involving a person with greater power within the organization. Another form is the creation of a hostile work environment, where repeated, unwelcome sexually-based behavior creates an intimidating atmosphere for the victim.
Organizations and educational institutions may face legal liabilities if they tolerate sexual harassment, and thus establish policies against it. Compliance with laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX is mandatory to ensure a harassment-free workplace and educational environment.