Last week, HP chief Mark Hurd resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment by a female marketing contractor. Jodie Fisher admits the pair never had sex but claims their two year business relationship took a turn for the inappropriate, leading her to file the lawsuit. 

 HP found that Hurd did not violate sexual harassment policies, but did run afoul of its business standards of conduct.

 Have you ever had a seemingly innocent office flirtation turn uncomfortable?

When do you think flirting crosses the line into sexual harassment?

What role does the company play, if any, in nipping these interactions in the bud?

I think the line is one of comfort.  Sometimes something a friend says to you doesn't urk you as much as a co-worker / make you feel as uncomfortable.  There should be a brightline rule but its hard to say.

I think when its your superior - someone in a position of power it raises the bar.  Things get uncomfy quicker.  The marker may be when you tell them to stop and they don't. When they don't stop that's wrong. That's when things get uncomfy. Signals get mis-read, or people are used to joking one way and not realize they can't do it at work or with just anyone. Once they know and they keep doing it  - they need a talking to from their superiors.

I agree with most of the replies that it is a matter of comfort and there are laws that should be posted in plain view on harrassment of any kind/  If I was in a position where I asked a person to stop and they didn't I would start a notebook and keep track of each occurence. I have been in the position of whistleblower and because my husband is a lawyer and I kept track of the occurences I was able to keep my job and concentrate on work. You have legal rights against assault, include verbal and physical abuse.  If you are in this position there are free legal consultations available with experienced attorneys who specialize in this area.  I get to the point where I just have to fight back.

Reserved

PR Nightmare!

Communication is key.  Flirting crosses the line when the act(s) becomes unwelcome; and the issue is addressed quickly and maturely with a request to stop; and the Flirter doesn't stop. 

Lets face it, there are sexual harrassment laws, and it is against the law BUT the burden of proof is on YOU.  It happens in every office all the time.   I had a situation at my last job that led me to BEGGING to be laid off.   I had only been employed there for 3 months when I started to suffer from the impact of this guy's issues.  My boss was a bully, controlling, mentally ill person.  It's too long of a story but long story short, I worked in construction (17 years) and being in the military as well I was pretty much used to the way men act.  I wasn't really bothered by the little comments but when it came to being down-right MEAN I wasn't going to have it.  This guy was like my ex-abusive alcoholic husband, he got "that look" in his eyes when I was about to be ripped.  He would call  me in  his office at the end of the day and pick a fight.  He talked very slow and took long pauses between his sentences so whenever I would try to speak up the topic of subject would turn in to "why do you always interrupt me???"  He would slam his elbow on the desk and point in my face all redfaced and gritting his tell and tell me do not interrupt me.   In summary, I turned him in to HR 3 times, one of my co-workers (12 year employee) also turned him in for inappropriate behavior.  I would get so mad at myself because I would cry.   At one point after one of our "sessions" I got so fed up I told him I would never come in his office without someone in there with me, I let him know his attitude towards me was inappropriate, he was disrespectful and unprofessional.  I ended up getting laid off after 6 months because HE wasn't doing his job.  This place had such a negative atmosphere.  Everyone disliked everyone else.  I am glad I got out of there and was seriously considering pressing charges but didn't have a leg to stand on.  It was his word against mine.  If you work for an abusive (sexually or otherwise) i would buy a dictaphone and tape every conversation.

I agree with most of the comments and I think we all know the definition of sexual harrasment but the key is communicating your feelings.  Most people will not know if you feel uncomfotable or if you do not find certain jokes acceptable for the work place unless you say so.  And if they do, you just made your stance obvious.  If you make it known that you do not agree with the behavior, you are much less likely to be in those situations in the future. 

If you do not allow inappropriate conversation around you then you can save yourself these situations.  Women must be firm with others about work conduct.  They teach their children to be good,moral people so do as you say.  Stand up and tell others when they are crossing over lines.  I am sure that this is easier said than done.  But if more people would say gently and firmly what is inapproriate to themselves then less situations would happen.  Beware how you talk and especially how you dress....Men do have roving eyes and so do women.    Also separate work from play. 

 This is a tricky one. Obviously, flirting is going to happen in some regard with all business. It is just part of men and women working in close proximity to each other. I cannot say that I have used flirting to my advantage more than once in business. Where the line is...that is a personal question. Everyone have limits at different levels. I have learned that if you make sure other people are aware of your limits, then you shouldn't have too much trouble. There is no black and white answer, so use personal judgement. My only caution is to tread softly. Women who invite others to cross the line and then shame them for doing so are dead wrong. If you invite it then be prepared to deal with it and do not hold someone else responsible for a situation you created. 

See how a single mistake can ruin a dignity and a life? We can see this kind of abuse anywhere. And it's a sad reality that the government have nothing to do about it.