So by now, this is pretty much old news. But in case you haven't heard, male managers at PriceWaterhouse Coopers in Ireland emailed each other a top 13 "hot" list, indicating that the firm had done well in it's latest hiring practices of women. Nothing pornographic - just their office pictures, names and titles were included in the email...and one or two crude comments coming from the men. It was sent to about 17 different males in the office, and then of course went viral. Then days later, a Dublin based KPMG firm also came under fire for similar texts/emails. Who knew accountants were so scandalous?
I've spent the last few days trying to figure out what I would do if I was Carmel O'Conner (the Human Resources Partner in Ireland, leading the investigation for PWC) and am therefore, clearly behind the times in stating an opinion. But here's the deal - sitting with my HR hat - this isn't so black and white for me.
Most newspaper articles / blogs that I've read have likened the guys to those that are displayed in the hit show, "Mad Men" (which is based on a 1960's advertising firm). Some articles proclaim massive disgust over the incident and are even stating that they should be fired. And then there are those people who are unnamed, but claim they work for the firm think it's being blown out of proportion. They even go on to say, "It happens every year."
So let's take a look at this from a very black and white perspective (traditional HR, if you will).
In other words, a sexual harassment policy that requires an investigation usually includes language around the following:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct
of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
- such conduct might reasonably be expected to cause insecurity, discomfort or humiliation of another individual;
- submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individuals employment or status;
- submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used, or is threatened to be used, as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual;
- such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individuals work performance or creating a hostile or offensive work environment;
- or such conduct is demeaning to an individual because of his or her gender.
So yes - the women could have been uncomfortable and felt the conduct was demeaning, but in fact, none of them are launching a complaint, nor to my knowledge, is anyone else at the firm and therefore, according to most policies, technically no investigation really needs to be started (besides, first step is to ask the person(s) to stop, when they don't stop then mediation/investigations take place...policy speaking of course). In fact, it's rumoured that the only women who DO care are the ones who DIDN'T make the list. The women are embarrassed - but only because their pictures have been posted all over the world (a newspaper got a hold of the email and thus...even more viral). It's been stated that they just want to get on with their careers.
If there is no complaint - is there an issue? You know, other than the fact that media is asking for their heads and this is somewhat of a PR nightmare for PWC.
So if I was the HR partner - it's probably more or less a misuse of email and their intranet site (which, I'm certain is fairly clear in their technology policies). It's not really business use to be rating these women and sending it out to others for debate. But is that a "fire-able" offence? Not really - more like a first warning. And they were suspended so therefore it's definitely on their record. That should, and most likely will, satisfy the consequences of the behaviour.
I want to be clear - I'm not saying that I agree with what they did. But I live in a real world where I know this stuff happens. And if you think it's just men - you're wrong. Perhaps I've never been in an organization where they actually went so far as to compile an email that went viral, but "lists" exist. Trust me. And let me say it one more time - women do it too.
So to the HR partner - I do not envy the spot you are currently in. As far as PWC goes - tough to be you. Will you lose clients over this? Probably not so that you will actually feel it. To the women, yup, the international media attention probably isn't all that it's cracked up to be. I do feel sorry for you in that regard. Probably not the easiest way to start your career. But it's a pretty crazy story for the grandchildren. And to the men - OUCH. Even if you do get to keep your jobs, let this be a lesson to you - nothing in email is sacred. Ever.
It appears a lack of common sense when it comes to all things Internet/email/social media has prevailed once again.
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