The effect of national culture on workplace harassment

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of national culture on workplace harassment, focusing on three specific forms of harassment: psychological violence, physical violence, and sexual harassment. Using Hofstede's cultural dimensions as a framework, the research examines the relationships between individualism vs. collectivism, indulgence vs. restraint, and masculinity vs. femininity and their influence on workplace harassment across different cultural contexts. Data from the Lloyd's Register Foundation World Risk Poll was analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models. The findings reveal that individualism is positively associated with higher levels of all three types of harassment, as well as indulgence, while other indicators turn out to have no significance. Some cultural indicators show even higher effect on workplace harassment when analyzed through gender differences. These results underscore the importance of cultural context in shaping workplace behavior and highlight the need for culturally informed strategies to prevent harassment. The study concludes with recommendations for organizational management and HR practices to create safer and more inclusive work environments.

Date of Award	9 Oct 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Jon Gruda (Supervisor)