Communication strategies for managing sexual harassment in organizations: Understanding message options and their effects

Abstract

This paper employs theoretical message frameworks from literature on assertiveness, intra‐organizational influence, and message design logic to present an interpersonal communication approach for managing sexual harassment in organizations. A multiple‐goals interpretation of the literature on sexual harassment is used to understand the situational features that make sexual harassment difficult to deflect through face‐to‐face communication. The discussion of situational features provides a general context for evaluating the potential effectiveness of message strategies that may be used to manage sexual harassment. The paper concludes with guidelines for developing education programs in organizations and with suggestions for research in the area.