Affiliations: School of Justice Studies and Social Work, University
of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA | Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Kennesaw
State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA | School of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati,
Cincinnati, OH, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Bonnie S. Fisher, Ph.D., University
of Cincinnati, School of Criminal Justice, CECH, 600 Dyer Hall, P.O. Box
210389, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0389 USA. Tel.: +1 513 556 5828; Fax: +1 513 556
3303; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: Despite work organizations' attempts to reduce sexual
harassment, it continues to be a salient issue for employers across all
occupations. Extending social disorganization theory to the work environment,
this study examines the relationship between workplace organization, social
ties, and sexual harassment victimization. Participants: Survey responses
to the 2002 and 2006 Quality of Working Life module from the General Social
Survey by a sample of 3,530 adult men and women employees in the United States
were used. Methods: Logistic regression models were estimated for men and
women separately to estimate the effect of workplace characteristics on the
risk of sexual harassment victimization. Results: Employees who reported
poor workplace relations between management and employees and lower coworker
social ties were more likely to experience sexual harassment in their work
environments. Specific workplace characteristics such as low productivity, poor
time management, and inadequate administrative support were significantly
related to increased sexual harassment risk. No significant gender differences
were found across models suggesting that the predictors of sexual harassment
are similar for men and women. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that
workplace characteristics are related to sexual harassment risk in the
workplace. Suggestions for sexual harassment prevention, including management
and organizational strategies, are discussed.
Keywords: Sexual harassment, workplace violence, social disorganization theory, organizational characteristics, social ties
