Under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines, which is not considered a form of sexual harassment?

Under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines, professional conduct is not considered a form of sexual harassment because it refers to appropriate workplace behavior that adheres to established standards and norms. Professional conduct involves engaging in work-related activities in a respectful and non-discriminatory manner, ensuring that interactions do not create an uncomfortable or hostile environment for any employees.

In contrast, quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment involve behavior that violates the rights of employees, creating an unfair or threatening work environment based on sex or gender. Gender stereotyping, while it can contribute to a hostile work environment, is also considered a form of discrimination and can lead to harassment when it results in unequal treatment based on gender. Therefore, distinguishing professional conduct from these forms of harassment helps clarify what constitutes acceptable behavior in the workplace.