Filner’s sexual harassment debacle

While the rates of sexual harassment have fallen in recent years, it is still a pervasive problem, especially in the workplace.

Scandals such as the recent call for the resignation of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner remind us that the problem is not going away by itself, and that the harassment can hurt more than just the person who is being harassed. In the case of businesses, sexual harassment cases can divide teams, destroy trust, damage reputations, and potentially make the business lose money.

An accusation of sexual harassment, whether it is true or not, can be destructive. Either the allegations are true, and women are being treated in an abusive manner, or the allegations are false, and a dark shadow is cast over someone’s reputation.