"Beyond the individual victim: Linking sexual harassment, team processes and team performance"
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Academy of Management, June 2005
A recent study published by the Academy of Management Journal suggests unwanted sexual attention in the workplace can impact not only the individual but overall workplace effectiveness and financial performance. The study – conducted by professors from Queen's School of Business, Queen's University and the University of Maryland – examined the correlation between team cohesion and sexual harassment at a large U.S. food services organization. Respondents were asked about the frequency of which they experience sexual harassment and team conflict.
Sexual hostility, defined in the survey as telling offensive sexual jokes or making sexual comments, accounted for one-third of group conflict. Of 144 female workers, thirty-one percent had experienced at least one sexually harassing behavior within two years.
Sexual harassment accounted for 20 percent of team conflict. Sexist behaviors only accounted for six percent of conflict, according to the study. Overall researchers found that higher conflict among team members was related to poor team performance, both functionally and financially.
The study surveyed 27 teams. The teams ranged in size from three to 19 members. The survey examined the responses of 203 total employees.
