The #MeToo movement in paradise: An assessment of the restaurant industry

Abstract

ABSTRACT No industry has been immune to the #MeToo movement since its inception. The restaurant industry is especially susceptible to incidents of sexual harassing behaviors due to certain characteristics of the business itself. The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate restaurant employees’ perceptions of sexual harassment and the effects of the #MeToo movement has had on those perceptions. By analyzing the responses of restaurant employees in Hawaii, significant differences in sexual harassment perceptions were found among different groups depending on age, generation and job position. Through quantitative and qualitative examinations, the influence of the #MeToo movement on restaurant employees’ perceptions of sexual harassment is explored. This study will provide timely information when it comes to sexual harassment in the restaurant industry and suggest policies and implications for the field.