Scan Magazine | Business | Column / Calendar
A hands-off approach to sexual harassment The Economist calls it ‘Hurricane Harvey’ – the sea of change taking place worldwide around sexual harassment and discrimination, with politicians and business executives toppling like tenpins following the downfall of Hollywood film mogul, Harvey Weinstein. It has made me reflect on the breathtaking examples of workplace sexism I have witnessed or been told about – the business game I once ran, during which four male executives could not hear the correct answer coming from a female secretary because they could not imagine she might be cleverer than them; the Norwegian trade union leader who told me about the time she led her delegation off the plane in Cuba, only for the man greeting them to ignore her and shake the hand of a male colleague behind her; the crude sexual banter of French businessmen over dinner in the company of female col-
By Steve Flinders
leagues... all these illustrate how invisible women can be to men, and how embedded sexism is in other cultural and political areas of contention like power and hierarchy. Since what constitutes male behaviour acceptable to women varies so widely across cultures, it can be hard for men to navigate the territory. Complimenting a woman on what she is wearing may be de rigueur in France but might be interpreted as a sexual advance or just plain weird elsewhere. One European company teaches its managers that chivalrous actions, like opening a door for a woman, could be interpreted as harassment in the USA. Scandinavian women may pat the arm of a male business colleague, but it is not a good idea for a man to take the initiative in this touchy area. Rules of thumb for men include: observe, err on the side of caution, be respectful, be
Business Calendar
ready to apologise if you think you may have committed a gaffe, mind your language, and do not hesitate to ask for guidance. Let us hope that, in the wake of the hurricane, the gender relations landscape will be rebuilt permanently for the better. Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally: steveflind@aol.com.
By Sanne Wass | Photo: DUCC
Scandinavian business events you do not want to miss this month Welcome to the UK Hosted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK, this event is for any individual or company looking to learn more about the potential of expanding or relocating their business to Britain. The seminar is a unique opportunity to get advice and network with other firms within the Anglo-Swedish business community, and will be followed by a drinks reception. Companies that have already expanded to the UK and wish to share their experiences are invited to join too. Date: 20 February 2018, 4pm Venue: Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, Brunnsgatan 2, Stockholm www.scc.org.uk
Brexit event in Scotland The official date for the UK’s exit from the EU is just one year away and will undoubtedly have an impact on firms doing business in the UK. For this event in Aberdeen, the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce invites you to an evening with Sarah Gillett, the British ambassador to Norway, who will 116 | Issue 109 | February 2018
speak about Brexit and the challenges that the UK faces. Date: 21 March 2018 Venue: Aberdeen, venue TBC www.nbccuk.com
Impact Investing World Forum Investing is no longer about financial returns alone: impact investing is a rapidly growing industry, powered by investors who are determined to bring about social and environmental change. If you are also intrigued by this development, why not join the Impact Investing World Forum, one of the world’s leading social impact investment events, for this two-day conference. Date: 21-22 March 2018 Venue: Kensington Conference and Events Centre, Hornton Street, Kensington, London W8 7NX www.impactinvestingconferences.com
Economist Sustainability Summit As global political shifts have given way to a new world order, the role of citizens and busi-
nesses in driving a green agenda has become increasingly important. But does the onus fall upon businesses and consumers to pick up the slack where governments have failed? This is just one of many questions that the Economist Events will seek to answer when bringing together business leaders, policy makers, scientists, researchers, advocates and investors for its third Sustainability Summit, under the theme ‘from responsibility to leadership’. Date: 22 March 2018, 9am Venue: Riverside Building, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB www.events.economist.com