Reference no: EM133036301

SECTION - Case Study

Read the Case Study and Answer the Questions that Follow Hooters - More than a Waitress?

Hooters is a successful chain of restaurants and bars that features waitresses in tight shirts and very short shorts. Hooters also markets T-shirts that bear its name as well as its slogan, "More Than a Mouthful." Former Hooters waitresses filed a class action lawsuit, alleging that the atmosphere Hooters created in its restaurants allowed them to be sexually harassed. One waitress noted on a talk show, "We thought it was a family restaurant. [The uniforms] made us look stupid."

The former waitresses have noted that Hooters hired no male wait staff and that all of the waitresses at its restaurants are very young and mostly blonde. Customers, cooks, and managers, according to the women, made lewd comments and on occasion, touched them. The women contend that Hooters' atmosphere, their mandatory uniforms, and all-male management caused them to be sexually harassed. The EEOC and Hooters settled the litigation. Hooters' dress policy and its slogans and practices remain the same. Hooters continues to enjoy great success and it recently created Hooters Airlines, a company that flies to resort destinations and features Hooters girls as flight attendants.

1. Should the women have known of the problems when they agreed to work at Hooters? What bearing should such knowledge have on their right to claim alleged harassment?

2. Outline the ethical obligations an employer such as Hooters owes its employees in the creation of its atmosphere.

3. Describe the role managers should play in minimizing customer harassment.

4. In looking for an organization steeped in ethical practices, would you work for and/or patronize Hooters?
Justify your response.