Ostracizing targets of workplace sexual harassment before and after the #MeToo movement

an article by Stephanie E.V. Brown and Jericka S. Battle (Texas A and M University, College Station, USA) published in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Volume 39 Issue 1 (2020)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the connections between sexual harassment and ostracism both before and after the modern day #MeToo movement. It outlines how the birth of the #MeToo movement lessened the impact of ostracism, empowering victims to report their abusers.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper provides an overview of the ostracism literature, and discusses why ostracism has historically prevented individuals from disclosing workplace abuse. It also examines recent and historical cases of sexual harassment where ostracism has both inhibited targets of sexual harassment from reporting and harmed those who stood up for their right not to be harassed.

Findings
Both purposeful and non-purposeful ostracism have negative impacts on employees and organisations as a whole, and the fear of ostracism prevented many from disclosing harassment and abuse in the workplace. The #MeToo movement, by nature, is antithetical to ostracism by building community and freeing people to seek justice. This paper makes practical recommendations for organisations that wish to help prevent ostracism as a response to workplace sexual harassment disclosure.

Research limitations/implications
Both purposeful and non-purposeful ostracism have negative impacts on employees and organisations as a whole, and the fear of ostracism prevent many from disclosing harassment and abuse in the workplace. The #MeToo movement by nature is antithetical to ostracism, building community and freeing people to seek justice. This paper makes practical recommendations for organisations that wish to prevent ostracism as a response to workplace sexual harassment disclosure. Additionally, it provides future research directions to explore the empirical link between the disclosure of sexual harassment and ostracism.

Originality/value
This paper analyses a crucial barrier to reporting sexual harassment. It both examines the consequences of ostracism and highlights how the threat of ostracism can be overcome through intentional organisational efforts.

Full text (PDF 15pp)

Labels:
ostracism, workplace_sexual_harassment, #MeToo_movement,

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