6 - Harassment and the Virtual Workplace

Summary

This chapter explores the prevalence of gender discrimination in the technology sector. It examines why there is such widespread sex discrimination in this field, providing several markers that explain its occurrence, and it looks at specific incidents where harassment has occurred.This chapter proposes a number of different avenues that could be explored to help resolve this pervasive problem, discussing several ways to begin recognizing and addressing these abusive workplace environments. While not exhaustive, these suggestions provide several possible solutions to the present problem of hostile work environments in the technology industry. This chapter also explores the very important issue of sexual assault in the technology sector. And, this chapter briefly looks at how customers can be victimized by the existing culture in this industry. It further explores the potential liability companies and employers are exposed to in the face of this situation.