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Posted: 04 May 2011 12:13 PM PDT  Indeed, virtual meetings afford participants an ability to interact with all attendees, allowing for stronger communication and involvement. It is a valuable business tool when used effectively. However, conducting meetings virtually does pose some unique challenges. For example, if the number of attendees is too large the meeting may be difficult to manage. It can also be difficult to identify who is speaking. Various technologies, connections, and mixture of audio and video can make meeting communication inconsistent across participants. Break-out sessions are not possible which may necessitate more meetings. The interpersonal dynamics and synergy created in face-to-face meetings is lost in a virtual meeting. Research indicates seven percent of communication is expressed with words, 38 percent is tone of voice, and 55 percent is nonverbal clues. It is much more difficult to build trust and team structure when people cannot see each other. Proper etiquette may also be lacking; and there is room for misinterpretation when nonverbal clues are absent. So, you ask, how can an ethical issue arise from virtual meetings? Consider the following scenario provided by one of our members: I was unable to attend a meeting last week due to snow in NC. I joined the meeting via a speaker phone. One of my colleagues and the VP made several comments about "my pajamas" and asked about them three to four times. I have been on thousands of conference calls and this is inappropriate and unprofessional. Another colleague from SC was also conferenced in (a man) and was not asked about his “pajamas” or what he was wearing. Should I report this? For argument sake, we will assume the writer is a woman because the sex of the other attendee included via teleconference is identified as "a man." As a result, the reference to attire can be considered sexual harassment. Clearly, the writer felt harassed and, as we know, harassment is viewed from the perspective or perception of the recipient. Harassment is not only unethical, it is illegal. What should she do? It was/is incumbent upon the writer to inform the offender that the statement was viewed as inappropriate. If the offender repeated the statement, she may rightly feel harassed and should report it to human resources or the person to whom the offender reports. However, she should first discuss her perception with the offending party. It could be a lesson learned. In recognizing the limitations of virtual meetings; it is beneficial to create a disciplined and well focused process for discussion that is outlined for participation. Recommendations:
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Posted: 04 May 2011 06:39 AM PDT  Any sign of harassment is considered against company policy. Therefore, do not be afraid to put a stop to it! If you actually like the attention, be warned that getting involved in an office romance could get messy. On the other hand, many people meet their sweethearts in the office. After all, what better way to find something in common than at work? Understand the Risks: If you are actually considering dating someone in the office, there are a few things you should know. Before you start a relationship, look at the potential hazards. Are they your superior or your inferior? Will other people find out? Will the relationship stir hostility or jealousy among your co-workers? For example, if you or your partner is in a position of authority, will your co-workers start accusing one of you of giving the other 'special treatment'? An office romance may be more trouble than it's worth. Avoid Unwanted Attention: If you don't want to attract special attention at work, dress modestly. Showing too much skin may cause your co-workers to think you are 'in the market' for a new date and act accordingly. To avoid this, dress professionally. Be Subtle: When someone actually starts hitting on you, the situation becomes very tricky. Start by playing it off like you would do any situation when someone hits on you and you just aren't interested – completely ignore it and shoot down any romantic advances they make. Avoid interacting with that co-worker if necessary. Most people will get the message and let it be. For those that don't, you may need a more direct approach. Be Upfront: Explain to the person that you are not interested and that it makes you uncomfortable when they hit on you. It may be easier to just tell them you don't believe in office romance and leave it at that. Be kind at first, but if they keep insisting, be forceful. You do not have to deal with how they treat you no matter how much of an influence they have over your job. Harassment in the workplace is problem not taken lightly. If they still do not listen to you after all of this, seek additional help. Report Them: Tell your superiors of the problem. Be mature and calm about it and the situation will be appropriately handled. Causing a scene is not the way to go. Even though it is unfair for you to be treated this way, maintaining your composure will ensure that your boss takes you seriously when you tell them of the problem… But what if it is your boss? Find an equal or higher superior to talk to. If your manager is the one hitting on you, talk to a different manager, or find a regional manager to deal with it instead. |
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