NCJ Number
209776
Journal
Journal of Emotional Abuse Volume: 4 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 49-69
Date Published
2004
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study investigated those factors influencing women’s perceptions of a sexually hostile work environment including environmental, attitudinal, and individual factors to determine their relationship with perceptions of a sexually hostile work environment.
Abstract
Sexual harassment, unwarranted and unwelcome sexual attention, is a serious social problem. It is estimated that approximately one-half of all women will be sexually harassed during the course of their academic or working lives. Sexual harassment has negative consequences for both individuals and organizations or companies with victims experiencing deleterious effects on their health, psychological well being, and job satisfaction. This study examined the factors that influence women’s perceptions of a sexually hostile work environment including job type, gender mix of work contacts, level of resourcefulness, and perception of male work contacts’ attitudes toward women. Study participants consisted of 177 females between the ages of 19 and 62 who were employed at least 30 hours per week in various job positions and work environments. Results indicate that the traditionality of job type and the gender mix of work contacts did not significantly influence women’s perceptions of their male work contacts’ attitudes toward women or their perception of a sexually hostile work environment. However, women’s perceptions of their male work contacts’ attitude toward women and their own level of learned resourcefulness significantly influenced their perceptions of a sexually hostile work environment. Study implications and limitations are presented and discussed. References