In the previous chapter, a fear of speaking up was explored as a key theme for why employees did not report harmful workplace behaviours or other concerns. Whereas the reluctance of people to speak up can partially explain why harassment continued within the organization, those in power failed to sufficiently intervene when harassment claims were brought to their attention. In other words, while employees and authority figures might be aware of harassment, they do not take action to address it.
This chapter examines how workplace social networks (comprised of potential victims, abusers, bystanders, and authority figures) perpetuate silence. That is, organizational members either remain silent about sexual harassment (refrain from making a complaint), silence others (discourage or prevent individuals from reporting), or fail to hear (trivialize, dismiss, or invalidate concerns raised).
To listen to this chapter in the story, including the voices of members of the organization, click on the links below.
During my career it was hard at times....
During my career it was hard at times due to racism. It seemed that if I spoke out, I would get more singled out and I would become an outcast or the troublemaker. So now I don’t say too much anymore as I know how the majority of all processes work out at the end. It just not worth the time to complain any more.
There is still a lot of sexual harassment....
There is still a lot of sexual harassment toward female members. And there is NO incentive for women to fill out a form and lay a formal complaint against a co-worker or supervisor. Who in their right mind would do that given the organization’s track record?
Over the course of my 18-year career....
Over the course of my 18-year career there have been times that I should have gone on to report my treatment but have not for fear of garnering a reputation of being someone hard to work with etc. I have even been counselled by members who suggested I chose my battles wisely and think about the actual consequences that would befall those who have committed harassment etc. The organization has not had a climate that supports those who report anything negative about the agency or its employees and some are suffering in silence.
The old school culture has needed to change....
The old school culture has needed to change for many years. Sexual comments and flirtatious behaviour of instructors seemed to be an accepted norm at the start of my career. Based on what I viewed, the outcome of reporting these behaviours over the years was never worth the negative effects it would bring to the people who spoke up about harassment or mistreatment. Reporting it usually made things worse. I have only one personal experience of trying to use the internal processes to deal with a harassing supervisor. I am an older and an experienced officer. Reporting it only made my life hell. I hope things go better in the future for others who choose to run against the herd.
During the course of my career, I have experienced...
During the course of my career, I have experienced disrespect, sexual harassment, bullying and workplace conflict. When I reported it to my supervisor, I was told it would blemish my future career and aspirations. I try to take care of my own issues myself now.
There has been consistent abuse of authority....
There has been consistent abuse of authority when it comes to supervisors, managers within the organization. Bullying, harassment, sexual harassment. This has led to a poor image and poor morale. If anyone speaks up or out, then they are punished in some form with no other recourse.
If an employee reports harassment....
If an employee reports harassment, they are isolated and treated as the perpetrator. The investigation is unfounded, and the victim is treated like they are not welcome employees. It ruins people’s health, careers, and effects personal relationships. The treatment seems to be getting worse especially for females and minorities. I was once proud to be part of the organization, now I am embarrassed and cannot wait to retire.
They say all the right things in their emails....
They say all the right things in their emails and videos, but do not practice them. They claim that they will listen if an employee has concerns, but I have seen firsthand that the person who speaks up gets hammered down for opening their mouth.
When I supported a female who was being....
When I supported a female who was being harassed, I was treated unfairly, and my career suffered.