Sexual harassment and organizational behaviors: the moderating effect of power distance

Purpose Based on the cognitive appraisal theory, the current research extended the content domain of sexual harassment research by examining the moderating effect of power distance orientation, a cultural value on the relationship between sexual harassment and organizational behavior. Design/methodology/approach For this, this study used a survey method and multiple regression analyses with 285 Korean employees. Findings As a result, first, the more unwanted sexual attention employees perceived from their leaders, the less likely they were to be affectively committed to their organization. Second, the more sexual coercion employees perceived from their leaders, the more likely they were to have turnover intention. Third, the negative relationship between unwanted sexual attention and affective commitment is stronger for the employees who are low rather than high in power distance orientation. Finally, the positive relationship between sexual coercion and turnover intention is stronger for the employees who are low rather than high in power distance orientation. Originality/value The study expanded the content area of sexual harassment research by showing the control effect of the power distance direction.