The Legal Definition of a Supervisor

The definition of the role and the limits of the responsibility of a supervisor are somewhat in dispute in the federal courts. For most of us, it would seem to matter little. As managers, we are likely concerned only with the role of the supervisors in our organization and we are the ones who define what role they will play. But there are legal implications to defining who is a supervisor that can have serious consequences for companies.

In some rulings the employer was held legally responsible for harassment by a supervisor. Be sure you are in corporate compliance. Protect your company by instituting clear corporate compliance training and policies against harassment on how to report complaints. Take immediate steps to investigate any complaint situation and then institute the action that is recommended by your legal advisors.

Corporate compliance is a field that should be left to the experts. We, as company executives, need to keep experts close at hand as we navigate the minefield of harassment and discrimination suits in the workplace.