Sexual Harassment and Human Resource Development

Abstract

The challenges of workplace sexual harassment and its effects on the development of human resources in an organization has been the focus of this study. Even though it happens at the workplace, sexual harassment has rippling, barely unnoticed, but devastating effects on all: the victim, the harasser, the organization, and society. Among other objectives, the study has attempted to determine level of awareness, status, reportage, and the physio-psychological effects of sexual harassment. A total of forty-four respondents provided data for the study. Descriptive statistical tools have been applied in the analysis of data; frequencies, and percentages. The study found men’s level of awareness to be generally higher than women. Again, more men indicated having been harassed than women. Negative effects of harassment on productivity were also identified and discussed. The implications of these effects on performance and an organization’s efforts to develop human capital have been emphasized. Recommendations have also been made.

Keywords: workplace sexual harassment, human resource development