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<Elementary> Lesson No.14

Investigation and Response to International Harassment Case / 国際的なハラスメント事案の調査と対応

0.Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)|挨拶と導入

 

0-1 Greetings

Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.

講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。

[Tips / 会話のヒント]

・Can you hear me clearly? 

 私の声はクリアに聞こえますか?
・How's your day going so far?

 今日はどんな一日でしたか?
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)

 軽い話題について話しましょう(仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど)

0-2 Introduction​

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?

本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか?​

​​

- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.

   経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。 

- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.

  What do you think would be challenging?

  経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか?

Situation / シチュエーション

A discussion between HR and local legal staff about handling a harassment case at an overseas office, considering differences between local laws and headquarters policies.
海外拠点で発生したハラスメント事案について、現地法制と本社方針の違いを踏まえ人事部と現地法務担当者が対応を話し合う場面です。

1. Read (2 min)|型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう!

1-1 Basic phrases
1.We need you to begin...(...を開始していただく必要がある)
2.I understand local requirements are...(現地の要件が...であることは理解している)
3.Could you at least complete...(少なくとも...を完了することは可能か)
4.We need to show...(...を示す必要がある)
5.We can accept your local format as long as...(...である限り現地の形式を受け入れることができる)
6.Please provide a brief initial report after...(...の後に簡潔な初期報告を提出してください)
7.We'll support your approach if...(...であれば貴方のアプローチを支援する)

1-2 Essential words
1.reach out(連絡する)
2.share(共有する)
3.begin(開始する)
4.careful(慎重な)
5.appreciate(理解する)
6.prevent(防ぐ)
7.continue(続ける)
8.explain(説明する)
9.accept(受け入れる)
10.arrange(手配する)
2. Try  (3 min)|ロールプレイ練習

Let’s practice the role-play.

ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

A discussion between HR and local legal staff about handling a harassment case at an overseas office, considering differences between local laws and headquarters policies.
海外拠点で発生したハラスメント事案について、現地法制と本社方針の違いを踏まえ人事部と現地法務担当者が対応を話し合う場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
Thank you for reaching out directly. I understand there's been a harassment complaint from your overseas office. Can you share the details of the case and what immediate actions you expect from our side?
(直接ご連絡いただきありがとうございます。海外オフィスからハラスメントの訴えがあったと理解しています。事案の詳細と、私たちに期待される即時対応についてお聞かせいただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
A team member reported harassment by their supervisor last week. We need you to begin a formal investigation within 3 business days, following both local law and our global policy. This case requires careful handling to protect the victim and maintain workplace trust.
(チームメンバーが先週、上司からのハラスメントを報告しました。現地法と当社のグローバルポリシーの両方に従い、3営業日以内に正式な調査を開始していただく必要があります。この事案は被害者を保護し職場の信頼を維持するため、慎重な対応が求められます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
I appreciate the urgency, but our local procedure requires at least 10 business days for a proper investigation. We must follow the legal process here, including witness interviews and document review. Can we discuss a realistic timeline that respects both systems?
(緊急性は理解しますが、当地の手続きでは適切な調査に最低10営業日が必要です。証人面談や文書確認を含む法的プロセスに従わなければなりません。両方の制度を尊重した現実的なスケジュールについて話し合えますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
I understand local requirements are important. However, our global policy requires immediate response to prevent further harm. Could you at least complete the initial interview with the victim within 3 days, then continue the full investigation over 10 days? We need to show we're taking this seriously from day one.
(現地の要件が重要であることは理解しています。しかし、当社のグローバルポリシーではさらなる被害を防ぐため即座の対応が求められます。少なくとも被害者への初回面談を3日以内に完了し、その後10日間かけて全面調査を続けることは可能でしょうか?初日から真剣に取り組んでいることを示す必要があります。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
That approach could work, but I'm concerned about cultural factors. In this region, direct confrontation can damage relationships and make witnesses reluctant to speak. We need time to build trust and explain the process carefully. How flexible can headquarters be on the reporting format?
(そのアプローチは機能するかもしれませんが、文化的要因が懸念されます。この地域では直接的な対決が関係を損ない、証人が話すことをためらう可能性があります。信頼を築きプロセスを丁寧に説明する時間が必要です。本社は報告形式についてどの程度柔軟に対応できますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
We can accept your local format as long as it includes key facts, timeline, and actions taken. Please provide a brief initial report after the victim interview, then a detailed final report after the full investigation. We'll support your approach if it meets our core requirements for victim protection and transparency.
(主要な事実、タイムライン、実施した措置が含まれていれば、現地の形式を受け入れることができます。被害者面談後に簡潔な初期報告を、全面調査後に詳細な最終報告を提出してください。被害者保護と透明性に関する当社の中核要件を満たすのであれば、貴方のアプローチを支援します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
Thank you for understanding our local context. I'll arrange the victim interview within 3 business days and send you the initial report immediately after. We'll complete the full investigation within 10 days, respecting both legal requirements and cultural sensitivity. I'll keep you updated at each stage.
(当地の状況をご理解いただきありがとうございます。3営業日以内に被害者面談を手配し、直後に初期報告をお送りします。法的要件と文化的配慮の両方を尊重し、10日以内に全面調査を完了します。各段階で最新情報をお伝えします。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
That sounds like a balanced solution. Please confirm the interview date by tomorrow and include the local legal advisor's contact information in your first report. We appreciate your cooperation in handling this sensitive matter professionally.
(それはバランスの取れた解決策のようです。明日までに面談日を確認し、最初の報告書に現地法務アドバイザーの連絡先を含めてください。この繊細な問題を専門的に対応いただくご協力に感謝します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
Understood. I'll send the confirmation by end of day tomorrow. Let's work together to resolve this case properly while protecting everyone involved. I'll make sure our process meets both local law and your global standards.
(承知しました。明日の終業時までに確認をお送りします。関係者全員を保護しながら、この事案を適切に解決するために協力しましょう。当方のプロセスが現地法と貴社のグローバル基準の両方を満たすようにします。)
3. Use  (4 min)|ロールプレイ & 実践(空欄補完)

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

A discussion between HR and local legal staff about handling a harassment case at an overseas office, considering differences between local laws and headquarters policies.
海外拠点で発生したハラスメント事案について、現地法制と本社方針の違いを踏まえ人事部と現地法務担当者が対応を話し合う場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
Thank you for reaching out directly. I understand there's been a harassment complaint from your overseas office. Can you share the details of the case and what immediate actions you expect from our side?
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
A team member reported harassment by their supervisor last week. We need you to [開始する] a formal investigation within 3 business days, following both local law and our global policy. This case requires [慎重な] handling to protect the victim and maintain workplace trust.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
I appreciate the urgency, but our local procedure requires at least 10 business days for a proper investigation. We must follow the legal process here, including witness interviews and document review. Can we discuss a realistic timeline that respects both systems?
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
I understand local requirements are important. However, our global policy requires immediate response to [防ぐ] further harm. Could you at least complete the initial interview with the victim within 3 days, then [続ける] the full investigation over 10 days? We need to show we're taking this seriously from day one.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
That approach could work, but I'm concerned about cultural factors. In this region, direct confrontation can damage relationships and make witnesses reluctant to speak. We need time to build trust and explain the process carefully. How flexible can headquarters be on the reporting format?
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
We can [受け入れる] your local format as long as it includes key facts, timeline, and actions taken. Please provide a brief initial report after the victim interview, then a detailed final report after the full investigation. We'll support your approach if it meets our core requirements for victim protection and transparency.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
Thank you for understanding our local context. I'll arrange the victim interview within 3 business days and send you the initial report immediately after. We'll complete the full investigation within 10 days, respecting both legal requirements and cultural sensitivity. I'll keep you updated at each stage.
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
That sounds like a balanced solution. Please confirm the interview date by tomorrow and include the local legal advisor's contact information in your first report. We [理解する] your cooperation in handling this sensitive matter professionally.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
Understood. I'll send the confirmation by end of day tomorrow. Let's work together to resolve this case properly while protecting everyone involved. I'll make sure our process meets both local law and your global standards.
4. Challenge (7 min)|応用実践

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.

  このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

A discussion between HR and local legal staff about handling a harassment case at an overseas office, considering differences between local laws and headquarters policies.
海外拠点で発生したハラスメント事案について、現地法制と本社方針の違いを踏まえ人事部と現地法務担当者が対応を話し合う場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
Thank you for reaching out directly. I understand there's been a harassment complaint from your overseas office. Can you share the details of the case and what immediate actions you expect from our side?
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
A team member reported harassment by their supervisor last week. [現地法と当社のグローバルポリシーの両方に従い、3営業日以内に正式な調査を開始していただく必要があります。] This case requires careful handling to protect the victim and maintain workplace trust.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
I appreciate the urgency, but our local procedure requires at least 10 business days for a proper investigation. We must follow the legal process here, including witness interviews and document review. Can we discuss a realistic timeline that respects both systems?
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
[現地の要件が重要であることは理解しています。] However, our global policy requires immediate response to prevent further harm. [少なくとも被害者への初回面談を3日以内に完了し、その後10日間かけて全面調査を続けることは可能でしょうか?] [初日から真剣に取り組んでいることを示す必要があります。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
That approach could work, but I'm concerned about cultural factors. In this region, direct confrontation can damage relationships and make witnesses reluctant to speak. We need time to build trust and explain the process carefully. How flexible can headquarters be on the reporting format?
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
We can accept your local format as long as it includes key facts, timeline, and actions taken. Please provide a brief initial report after the victim interview, then a detailed final report after the full investigation. We'll support your approach if it meets our core requirements for victim protection and transparency.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
Thank you for understanding our local context. I'll arrange the victim interview within 3 business days and send you the initial report immediately after. We'll complete the full investigation within 10 days, respecting both legal requirements and cultural sensitivity. I'll keep you updated at each stage.
🧑‍🎓【Student / HR Manager】:
That sounds like a balanced solution. Please confirm the interview date by tomorrow and include the local legal advisor's contact information in your first report. We appreciate your cooperation in handling this sensitive matter professionally.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
Understood. I'll send the confirmation by end of day tomorrow. Let's work together to resolve this case properly while protecting everyone involved. I'll make sure our process meets both local law and your global standards.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try(余力があればやってみましょう)/
5. Real-world application (5 min)|実務応用

Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。​

Situation / シチュエーション
A harassment case has been reported at an overseas office, and the victim contacted headquarters directly.
The HR department must work with local legal counsel to balance global policy requirements with local legal procedures.
海外オフィスでハラスメント事案が報告され、被害者が本社に直接連絡してきた。
人事部は現地法務担当者と協力し、グローバルポリシーの要件と現地の法的手続きのバランスを取る必要がある。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Local Legal Counsel】:
I received your request for an urgent investigation. Can you explain how we can meet both your global policy and our local legal requirements?
(緊急調査のご依頼を受け取りました。貴社のグローバルポリシーと当地の法的要件の両方をどのように満たせるか説明していただけますか?)

🧑‍🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)

Hints / ヒント
1.Explain the urgency of the case(事案の緊急性を説明する)
2.Describe the timeline requirements(タイムラインの要件を述べる)
3.Clarify acceptable reporting formats(受け入れ可能な報告形式を明確にする)
4.Offer support for local procedures(現地手続きへの支援を提示する)
​※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
 このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6.  Wrap-up (2 min) |レッスンの振り返り

Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!

 

6-1 Comments from student

・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

 

6-2 Feedback from teacher

・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント

 

*6-3 Questions from student (if any)

Japanese translation(日本語訳)

1. Read (2min)(型を学ぶ)|基本フレーズ

2. Try  (4min)(ロールプレイ練習)|型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

3. Use  (7min)|応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

4. Challenge (7min)|実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り

"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”

「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!」

5-1.  Comments from Student

  - Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ

  - Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

5-2.  Feedback from Teacher

  - Good points / 良かった点

  - Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント

  - What to review / 復習ポイント

5-3. Question from Students (If any)

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