Code Corner

Preventing Harassment with Just One Word
By Cherie Raven, manager of Corporate Compliance Programs

Respect. The fifth of ITT Industries' core ethical values defines how successful individuals and teams treat each other. ITT has a commitment to a workplace which is safe; free from discrimination, harassment, and intimidation; and protective of personal privacy. One form of disrespect which ITT works to prevent is sexual harassment. Sexual conduct is a private matter, but it must be addressed when it becomes harassing behavior from employees, managers, customers or anyone else encountered during the course of business.

So what constitutes sexual harassment? There are a variety of laws, policies and cultural norms on the subject, but at ITT it simply comes down to respect. Respect is regard for the inherent worth of each individual. It is exhibited in a workplace where people are treated well and afforded all of the rights to which they are entitled, both under law and company policy. It includes refraining from sexual behavior; speaking up when witnessing harassment; and apologizing when others are offended.

This is a serious issue for us. ITT has had to deal with sexual harassment in most of the countries and cultures where we operate. In the most serious cases we have had to discharge valuable employees when they behaved inappropriately. Often people don't know what to do when they feel uncomfortable about sexual actions or conversations. Sometimes finding the courage to say something will immediately correct the situation. Other times it is best to contact a supervisor or any of the "points of contact" listed in our Code of Corporate Conduct. They will help you appropriately address the situation. 

Respect helps us avoid other forms of harassment, discrimination and workplace violence. When we strive to treat each other with respect we are supportive of all individuals without regard to their personal characteristics or beliefs; we remember that our behavior may be legitimately offensive, even if we did not intend it to be.  When we are sensitive to each other’s concerns and show respect, we are doing the right thing . . . always.

When Do Harassment Rules Apply?

My co-workers conversations tend to stray to sexual topics. Women as well as men raise these issues. I find these situations unprofessional and embarrassing. I want to be a good team player but I am extremely uncomfortable in these situations. Is it appropriate to express my concerns?  Would sexual harassment rules apply?

Answer: Yes, sexual harassment laws and ITT's global policy protect everyone, regardless of the gender or position of the individuals involved. A woman can sexually harass a man, or another woman. A man can harass another man. Workers can harass their supervisors.  Whatever the situation, if you think you might be a target of or witness to harassment, do not hesitate to speak up or contact your supervisor, HR or your Ombudsperson. ITT recognizes that it takes courage to come forward. Asking for help is one of the most important skills an employee can display.

New Point of Contact
Cherie Raven has recently joined ITT Industries as manager of Corporate Compliance Programs. She will lead key elements of our global corporate compliance program including working with the global compliance team to develop and deploy programs that ensure compliance with the Code of Corporate Conduct and external regulatory requirements.

Raven brings extensive global business ethics expertise to this new position. She has assisted diversified multinational corporations in fostering ethical cultures, including developing, implementing and evaluating compliance programs for global Fortune 500 companies. In the area of international development, Raven, has worked with USAID, the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce, the World Bank, and corporate foundations on international development initiatives.

If you have questions about respect, harassment or any Code of Conduct issue, please do not hesitate to contact Cherie Raven or any of the other points of contact listed in the Code or by submitting a question to codecorner@itt.com.