Date of Conferral

2-26-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Tammy Evans

Abstract

Despite numerous laws and policies, sexual harassment remains a significant public concern that has failed to be resolved through contemporary measures. This research study presents a comprehensive review and analysis of sexual harassment focusing on why employees who were victims of sexual harassment may not report such an incident and how reporting of these incidences subsequently impacted the workplace experiences of those who report the issue. The foundation of this qualitative study was feminist theory and twelve participants were recruited through a LinkedIn ad and semistructured interviews were conducted via Zoom or phone with audio-recording. Thematic analysis of the data revealed key factors in the decision to report that included fear of retaliation, mistrust in reporting mechanisms, and stigmas. Reporting sexual harassment revealed systemic organizational shortcomings that included inadequate follow-up, superficial resolutions, and insufficient accountability for perpetrators. Participants described profound emotional and professional impacts, including isolation and intent to leave. The study results indicate that organizational policies to prevent sexual harassment are not enough to ensure the safety of workers, and they fail to provide meaningful support for victims. The study identified pre-reporting factors of fear of retaliation, support or lack of support of colleagues, organizational conditions, and trust and post-reporting experiences of unclarity, negative responses, changes in perceptions of professionalism, and a lack of accountability. This study can contribute to positive social change by informing organizational auditing practices of sexual harassment policies and mitigation strategies.

Download

Included in

Criminology Commons

Share

 
COinS