SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE STILL A PROBLEM EVEN AT THE EXECUTIVE LEVEL
Hewlett-Packard C.E.O. Mark V. Hurd was ousted from his executive position last week after the accusation of sexual harassment by HP marketing consultant Jodie Fisher.
Although it was generally known Hurd preferred to do business on his own, reports state that he enjoyed Fisher’s company at lunches and dinners. Hurd also approved HP’s payments of $1,000 to $10,000 for Fisher to attend company events, in which Hurd would take her out to dinner afterward. It is alleged that Mr. Hurd attempted to hide his relationship with Ms. Fisher from the executive board.
HP hired a consulting firm to investigate the sexual harassment accusation. The independent firm concluded that no inappropriate action was taken by Hurd professionally or ethically.
