WORKPLACE HARASSMENT – HR’S ROLE IN THE CYBERNATED WORLD

Abstract

This research project takes on a topic that has not been explored to its full extent and many of the originations have not given enough attention to it yet. Cybernated Workplace Harassment can be defined as “any use of information and communications technology to support deliberate and hostile attempts to hurt, upset or embarrass another person”. The technological advancement in recent years has been imperative in changing the ways in which business organizations work, it can be said that a modern-day organization will be rendered obsolete without the presence of technology. Technology is not only a choice of businesses but also has become a necessity to survive. In order to maximize productivity and make an organization cost-effective, the inclusion of technology in almost every aspect of the business is important. Recent developments in the work environment, especially the Covid-19 Pandemic has forced organizations to be heavily dependent on technology for even the most minor tasks. The increasing trend of remote working and cross-cultural hiring has also made technology and internet services a mandatory part of every organization. The virtues of technology, the internet, and cyberspace are uncountable but a very big problem that ison the rise is the issue of cyberbullying in the workplace, it has been impacting the performances of the employees as well as their personal lives as well. Upon spending a considerable amount of time researching literature, it was concluded that the literature on Cyberbullying in the workplace is very limited, though there has been a lot of work done on the area of workplace bullying as 6 organizations are obviously concerned about their employees and do not want them to go through something that is absurd in nature. The paucity of research in this area, especially inthe Indian context is the motivation for choosing this topic. This research work is carried out by doing an extensive study on previous research papers or surveys conducted regarding virtual workplace harassment. The dissertation involves understanding the act of virtual workplace harassment and its context focusing on the workplace environment. The act has been understood in reference to Indian organizations as well as workplaces abroad like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Pakistan to understand the graveness of the act and how Governments and private organizations have formulated laws & policies to prevent as well to form a grievance redressal system for employees to approach for complaints without fear. The study also involves a primary component in which a survey is being carried out targeting the working population in various private & Government organizations, and academic institutions to understand the sources of this act and if there are counseling services provided to deal with same. Before embarking upon writing the completion of this research project, an initial survey revealed that it was women who majorly faced this harassment and hence a major focus will remain on understanding this concern from women’s point of view and how workplaces are working to ensure that women employees have a safe experience within the organization. The study further involves examining various campaigns and initiatives taken by some organizations to make workplaces safer and harassment-free.