Outcomes of Sexual Harassment Charges

Formal sexual harassment charges filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are examined archivally to assess the relative frequency of settlement or dismissal outcomes and to study the impact of certain case variables (the nature of the sexual harassment reported, the evidential data pro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Academy of Management journal 1988-03, Vol.31 (1), p.185-194
Main Authors: Terpstra, David E, Baker, Douglas D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Employee complaints
Employee problems
Harassment
Human rights
Litigation
Regression analysis
Sex crimes
Sexual
Sexual harassment
Supervisors
Working conditions
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Summary:Formal sexual harassment charges filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are examined archivally to assess the relative frequency of settlement or dismissal outcomes and to study the impact of certain case variables (the nature of the sexual harassment reported, the evidential data produced, and prefiling actions) on those outcomes. Data are from case reports of sexual harassment charges filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights from July 1, 1981, to June 30, 1983. After excluding 11 cases requiring further investigation and 5 others where the Department of Human Rights lacked jurisdiction, it is found that only 31% (20 of 65) of the formal charges resulted in a favorable settlement for the complainant. Complainants' chances of a favorable outcome are better if the charges involve behaviors of high perceived seriousness, such as sexual assault, unwanted physical contact, or propositions linked to threats or promises of a change in an individual's employment conditions. Also, the chances of a favorable settlement for the complainant are increased if there are witnesses to support the charges and management has been notified of the problem prior to its filing.
ISSN:0001-4273
1948-0989
DOI:10.5465/256505