A field investigation of gender-based differences in perceptions of sexualharassment

The present study examines awareness of gender-based differences in percept ions of sexual harassment. Participants were employees of a public utility, 60% (n = 174) were men and 40% (n = 117) were women. Participants rated th e severity of quid pro quo and hostile environment forms of sexual harassme nt either from their own perspective, or from that of an opposite sex co-wo rker. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with gender as t he independent variable on ratings from one's own perspective showed that w omen rated quid pro quo but not hostile environment harassment as more seve re than men. A one-way MANOVA using job type (managerial, professional, or clerical/bargaining unit) on severity ratings was not significant. A 2 x 2 x 3 (gender of respondent x role perspective x job type) MANOVA on severity ratings indicated that women were somewhat more aware of gender-based diff erences in quid pro quo sexual harassment. A hypothesized three-way interac tion among gender, role perspective, and job type was not significant. Impl ications of these findings are discussed.