ScienceDaily (Nov. 20, 2008) — A new study in the journal Psychology of Women Quarterly examined the effects of workplace sexual harassment and found that employees who were harassed report lower levels of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and job performance. Employees also experienced higher levels of psychological distress and physical problems than those who were not harassed.

Darius K-S Chan, Chun Bun Lam, Suk Yee Chow, and Shu Fai Cheung examined the job-related, psychological, and physical outcomes of sexual harassment in the workplace. Using some statistical techniques, the researchers analyzed findings from 49 studies on workplace harassment, with a total sample size of 89,382 people, to investigate the effects of sexual harassment and job-related outcomes. The sample consisted of employees from different countries, with Americans being the vast majority.

Female employees did not appear to be more strongly impacted than males. However, age did play a role. Sexual harassment experiences were found to be more consistently tied to job-related outcomes, psychological well-being, and physical health among younger employees than older employees.

“An accurate understanding of sexual harassment outcomes sustains organizational efforts directed at preventive information and legislation,” the authors conclude. “Our results provide solid information for organizations to address the issue of sexual harassment.”

Story Source:

Adapted from materials provided by Wiley-Blackwell.

Journal Reference:

1. Darius K-S. Chan, Chun Bun Lam, Suk Yee Chow, Shu Fai Cheung. Examining The Job-related, Psychological, And Physical Outcomes Of Workplace Sexual Harassment: A Meta-analytic Review. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 2008; 32 (4): 362 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-6402.2008.00451.x

Related Stories

Bullying More Harmful Than Sexual Harassment On The Job, Say Researchers (Mar. 9, 2008) — Workplace bullying, such as belittling comments, persistent criticism of work and withholding resources, appears to inflict more harm on employees than sexual harassment, according to ...  > read more

Personality More Important Than Job Satisfaction In Determining Job Performance Success (May 27, 2007) — Job satisfaction has traditionally been thought of by most business managers to be key in determining job performance. The prevailing thought is if you are satisfied and happy in your work, you will ...  > read more

Women Experience More Sexual Harassment In Work Groups With Male, Female Balance (Nov. 12, 2008) — Despite common assumptions, new research suggests that women are not more likely to be sexually harassed when they are the minority or majority in a work group. Instead, researchers found that in ...  > read more

Greener Offices Make Happier Employees (May 19, 2008) — How can employers make office environments more conducive to productivity and employee happiness? Try adding some "green" to your office. Not greenbacks -- green plants. A research study offers ...  > read more

Search ScienceDaily

Sports Injury Prevention & Performance