Employee response to harassment by immediate supervisor

Abstract

Workplace harassment is a major problem in all employment relationships. It has negative implications for employee satisfaction, performance and productivity. This in turn leads to poor organisational performance, and often causes formal grievances and labour disputes which are not in the best interest of the employee or the employer. The constitution of the Republic of South Africa and other related acts like Employment Equity Act (EEA) protect employees against any form of unfair discrimination. Harassment within the workplace is also classified as form of unfair discrimination and is clearly prohibited in the constitution and other related statutes. Immediate supervisors are the face of the employer and they play an important role in employment relationships. They are responsible for representing the employer's dealings within the workplace agreements. The immediate supervisors' can impact negatively or positively on employee behaviour within the workplace. Many labour disputes arise because supervisors and subordinates in South Africa lack the necessary knowledge, appreciation- and sensitivity for applicable legal prescriptions and acceptable behavior norms required within workplace environment.