Preamble

As a professional society, PTCMW fully supports and values our members having spirited discussions, differing viewpoints and scientific debates. These types of interactions are important and necessary for advancing the science and practice of industrial-organizational psychology. They are also the hallmark of a scientifically-based profession. 

We also pride ourselves in our professionalism. Thus, behaviors such as intimidation, incivility, bullying, unfair discrimination, harassment, drug and alcohol abuse, property damage and other forms of disruptive behavior are not in keeping with the spirit of our profession.

Policy

PTCMW Members and PTCMW Event attendees are expected to treat each other, PTCMW board and volunteers, and others in a professional manner and behave professionally while conducting or engaging in PTCMW business or participating in PTCMW activities.

What is prohibited? Abusive behavior toward others and other forms of unprofessional behavior while conducting or engaging in PTCMW business or participating in PTCMW activities will not be tolerated. Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Bullying
• Physical or verbal intimidation (including shouting or angry outbursts directed toward others)
• Derogatory verbal or physical behavior
• Directing profanity toward others
• Behavior that has the effect of humiliating others
• Mobbing (i.e., group bullying an individual)
• Sexual harassment and other forms of harassment
• Property damage
• Illegal drug use or alcohol abuse
• Other unprofessional or inappropriate behavior

Unprofessional behavior is not limited to face-to-face interactions. As such, it also includes written, electronic, and telephone communication. 

What if such behavior occurs? Ideally, inappropriate behavior is addressed informally by those who are parties to the behavior or who are witnesses to the behavior. PTCMW members, volunteers, and PTCMW event attendees who believe they are being subjected to discourteous or offensive behavior are encouraged, when appropriate, to ask the person engaging in the behavior to stop.  

To the extent that these types of unprofessional behaviors are observed by others, it is also recommended that observers step in to ask the behavior be stopped immediately within the context of the situation. For example, a PTCMW member, in response to an insulting comment during a presentation might make a statement such as "Let's make sure comments are not insulting.”

In the event an incident is serious in nature and is not resolved and/or there are repeated incidents, a formal complaint should be made to a board member in a timely manner.  You will be asked to provide details of the incident or incidents, names of individuals involved and names of any witnesses. PTC-MW Members can find contact information for board members on the PTC-MW website.

It would be best to communicate your complaint in writing, but this is not mandatory. 

Complaints should be made to PTCMW’s President; if this person is implicated in the complaint, report or inquiry, it should be directed to the President-elect or another board member.

Complaints may be made on a confidential or anonymous basis, but please note that a sufficient amount of detail is needed to proceed or act on a concern.

The complaint will be referred to the PTCMW Board (excluding those who might be implicated in the complaint) for initial evaluation. The initial evaluation will address whether there is sufficient information to pursue the claim further, whether the alleged behavior is serious in nature and meets the criteria identified in this policy, and whether it might be resolved through a less formal means.  

Where appropriate, the PTCMW Board will initiate an investigation. Insofar as practicable and consistent with legal process and full and effective investigation, every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality of the complainant and the individual(s) who is implicated in the complaint. 

Upon completion of an investigation, the results will be shared with the full PTCMW Board (excluding those who might be implicated in the complaint).  

If disciplinary action is being considered, those who are implicated in the completed investigation will have an opportunity to appeal to the PTCMW Board before a disciplinary action is made.  

Disciplinary actions by the PTCMW Board could range from a conversation with the person, a formal written warning, or for particularly egregious or repeated incidents, barring the person from attending workshops or sessions or even a recommendation to revoke the person's PTCMW membership. 

All disciplinary decisions by the PTCMW Board will be final.