Understanding social and cognitive dynamics of sexual harassment-related behavioural climate in hospitality settings

Abstract

This paper examines the social and cognitive antecedents of sexual harassment-related behavioural climate. Drawing on the theory of planned behaviour and social identity theory, this paper establishes relationships between social identity, homophily, social ties, customer-employee interaction, and attitudes toward sexual harassment. Data were collected from 589 employees working at three-star hotels in Egypt. Results showed that social and cognitive dynamics in hospitality workplaces are key determinants of attitude towards sexual harassment, forecasting acceptance of sexual harassment-related behavioural climate. This paper adds to the hospitality literature by theorising sexual harassment as a socially constructed behavioural climate and highlighting the importance of relational structures in affecting employee perceptions and workplace behaviours.