Summary

Abuse of authority is the improper use of a position of

influence, power, or authority by a staff member
01 against others. Abuse of authority may include the use
of intimidation, threats, blackmail or coercion.
LESSON
2 Harassment is any improper and unwelcome
conduct that might reasonably be expected or be
02 perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another
person. This may be present in the form of words,
gestures and actions.

In a multicultural environment, it is important to

understand others’ perspectives in order to avoid
03 harassment and to ensure that we all work in a
healthy, harmonious way to the best of our abilities. !
Sexual harassment means any unwelcome sexual
advance, request for sexual favour, verbal or
physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature,
04 or any other behaviour of sexual nature that might
reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause
offence or humiliation to another.

05
Like other forms of harassment, a key point is
impact, not intent.

It usually involves a series of incidents, but it can also

be a one-time action if it has an ambiguously offensive
06 sexual character or when it involves someone offering
something in exchange for sexual favours.

Prohibited conduct doesn’t always have to be aimed

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07 at a specific person, and it can poison the work
environment.

Whether an action constitutes harassment often

08 depends on the circumstances; exactly what is said

or done, in what circumstances, to whom, with
what frequency and so forth.

Concern about sexual harassment does not mean

that colleagues cannot be friendly or affectionate, flirt
or ask someone for a date. It simply means that such
09 behaviours must take into account the feelings of
the other person and other colleagues in the
workplace.

Discrimination is any unfair treatment or arbitrary

distinction based on a person’s race, sex,
10 religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual
orientation, disability, age, language, social
origin or other status.

Both male and female staff members can be the

injured party or the offender. Often, but not always,
11 sexual harassment reflects broader patterns of
sexism and discrimination in society.