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Gender differences in evaluating social-sexual conduct in the workplace
L E Hurt1, R L Wiener, B L Russell
1Missouri Institute of Mental Health, Evaluation, Policy, and Ethics Division, Dome Building-Room A321, 5400 Arsenal Street, St. Louis, MO 63139, USA. hurtl@mimh.edu
Behavioral Sciences & the Law
|February 2, 2000
Summary
Gender perceptions of sexual harassment differ significantly. Women focus on power dynamics, while men emphasize workplace norms and intent, impacting how behaviors are classified as harassment.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Behavior
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue in the workplace.
- Understanding gender-based perceptions is crucial for effective prevention and intervention strategies.
- Previous research indicates potential gender disparities in defining and recognizing sexual harassment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and compare male and female employees' perceptions of sexual harassment.
- To identify specific behaviors and contextual factors that influence gendered interpretations of harassment.
- To analyze the underlying concerns and conceptual frameworks men and women use when evaluating harassers and victims.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews were conducted with 100 full-time employees in the St. Louis area.
- Data analysis involved thematic analysis and concept mapping to understand perceptions.
- Logistic regression was used to predict respondent gender based on harassment perceptions.
Main Results:
- Women and men differed in classifying behaviors like sexual jokes and date requests as harassing.
- Contextual factors (workplace setting, intentions, norms) significantly influenced gendered judgments.
- Logistic regression accurately predicted gender (86%) based on harassment perceptions.
- Concept mapping revealed distinct concerns: women focused on power/aptitude (harassers) and assertiveness/effectiveness (victims); men focused on responsibility/adjustment (harassers) and psychological state/provocativeness (victims).
Conclusions:
- Significant gender differences exist in the perception and definition of sexual harassment.
- These differences stem from distinct concerns regarding perpetrators' social dynamics and victims' characteristics.
- Addressing sexual harassment requires acknowledging and understanding these nuanced, gendered perspectives to foster more inclusive workplace environments.
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