The role of governance in high-pressure environments : What the Datena vs. Mar?al debate teaches us about compliance and moral harassment

On September 17, 2023, during the debate for the municipal elections in S?o Paulo, broadcasted live on Band channel, the candidates José Luiz Datena, representing the Republicanos party, and Pablo Mar?al, from PROS, staged a scene that went beyond the limits of political debate. The episode, dubbed the "chair incident," became a symbol of escalating hostilities that went beyond words, turning into a clear example of moral and physical harassment in a high-pressure environment.

The scene unfolded during a heated discussion between the candidates when Pablo Mar?al initiated a series of verbal provocations that can be interpreted as moral harassment. With demeaning remarks and a tone that went beyond the mere confrontation of ideas, Mar?al disrespected the implicit rules of the debate, attempting to destabilize his opponent. José Luiz Datena, known for his strong temperament, responded physically by striking Mar?al with a chair. This incident, which occurred live during prime time, revealed more than just political tension. It exposed the need for a clear code of conduct and the importance of compliance in high-pressure environments.

But how can we connect such an extreme episode to the corporate world and organizational governance?

Moral and Physical Harassment: The Reflection of an Environment Without Rules

What occurred in the Datena vs. Mar?al debate is not limited to the political realm; this type of behavior can be observed, subtly or explicitly, in the corporate environment. Moral harassment, as seen in the episode between the candidates, often begins verbally, with humiliation and provocations aimed at destabilizing the victim. When this is not contained by clear rules and protective mechanisms, it can escalate into an irreversible physical or emotional confrontation, directly impacting the integrity and well-being of those involved.

In companies, this type of behavior can also emerge during moments of stress or competition. The lack of clear conduct standards and the absence of a robust compliance environment can create gaps that allow these abuses to occur. What we learn from this incident is that, without well-established conduct rules and, more importantly, without the assurance that these rules will be followed, the environment becomes vulnerable to violent situations, whether verbal, emotional, or physical.

Corporate Governance as a Protective Tool

Corporate governance and compliance are fundamental mechanisms to ensure that inappropriate behaviors, such as moral and physical harassment, are not tolerated. It is through an organizational culture that values respect, dialogue, and peaceful conflict resolution that episodes like the one we witnessed on that Sunday night can be avoided.

In the business environment, just like in political debates, pressure and stress are part of everyday life. However, the existence of a strong code of conduct and the implementation of constant training protect organizations from descending into chaos. Harassment episodes, which may seem isolated, have the power to destroy the reputation of a company or institution, in addition to generating considerable legal liabilities.

According to a study conducted by the Brazilian Association of Human Resources (ABRH), 34% of Brazilian workers have already suffered some form of harassment in the workplace, and most cases involve moral harassment. These numbers underscore the urgent need for effective compliance, with a focus on preventing and combating this type of behavior.

Meritum's Role in Compliance and Governance

Meritum, a specialist in compliance solutions, believes that building a healthy corporate culture starts with establishing clear codes of conduct and, above all, with continuous training of leaders and employees to prevent moral and physical harassment. Organizations that aim to maintain their integrity and reputation must be attentive to these factors. Just like in the debate scenario, where the lack of moderation led to chaos, companies that do not invest in strong governance risk allowing conflict and disrespect to become normalized. Training leaders to identify and act on abuse is essential to ensuring a safe, respectful, and productive work environment.