Likelihood to Sexually Harass

Abstract

We tested hypotheses regarding the association of national culture with the likelihood to sexually harass by comparing samples of male and female international students. Our hypotheses were derived from implications of Hofstede's cross cultural dimension of power distance in light of the developing sexual harassment literature in an international context. One hundred and seventy eight American, Indian, and Chinese male and female students were administered the Likelihood to Sexually Harass (LSH) survey. Based on the results, most of our hypotheses were supported, although there was one unanticipated finding regarding female subjects. Our findings indicated that while males scored significantly higher than females on the LSH scale, nationality had a strong and independent effect on the LSH scores. Chinese and Indian males scored significantly higher on the LSH than American males. Chinese females scored significantly higher on the LSH instrument than American females. Hofstede's power distance dimension appears to capture an important aspect of national culture that shapes the perceptions and behaviors of both males and females in their proclivity to sexually exploit others with less power. Results and the limitations of the study as well as the future need to conduct sexual harassment research on diverse populations from different countries are discussed.