M. Collinson et D. Collinson, ITS ONLY DICK - THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN MANAGERS IN INSURANCE SALES, Work, employment and society, 10(1), 1996, pp. 29-56
Most studies of sexual harassment in organisations have used quantitat
ive methods to measure the incidence of cases. Less attention has focu
sed upon the qualitative dynamics of workplace sexual harassment. Draw
ing upon detailed qualitative and quantitative data, this paper explor
es the complex organisational interactions and interrelationships thro
ugh which the vicious circles of sexual harassment can be reproduced.
Highlighting women managers' experiences of sexual harassment, as well
as their responses and coping strategies, the paper reveals the perva
sive, persistent and privileged character of men's sexuality in the UK
insurance sales industry. On the basis of these findings and those of
several other related studies, we argue that sexual harassment in non
-traditional work for women may be more extensive and aggressive than
in traditional forms of female employment.