The direct and indirect effects of organizational tolerance for sexual harassment on the effectiveness of sexual harassment investigation training for HR managers

Abstract

Using a pretest/post-test, survey design, we examine whether organizational tolerance for sexual harassment (OTSH) affects HR managers' knowledge and myth-based attitudes regarding sexual harassment, following training intended to improve HR managers' ability to conduct an internal investigation related to sexual harassment. We also examine the mediating role of motivation to learn in these relationships. Results indicated that OTSH has a direct effect on knowledge about internal investigations, but not on myth-based sexual harassment attitudes. Furthermore, motivation to learn partially mediates the effect of OTSH on knowledge and fully mediates the effect of OTSH on myth-based attitudes. This study represents the first empirical investigation of OTSH on sexual harassment training outcomes (e.g., knowledge and attitudes) and the first study to investigate training with a sample of HR managers, who are responsible for investigating and managing sexual harassment claims within organizations. We hope to prompt further research that considers the role of context in sexual harassment training. In addition, as the current study is the first to consider the importance of how harassment investigations are handled, we hope to stimulate additional work in this previously unresearched area.