`It's Only Dick': The Sexual Harassment of Women Managers in Insurance Sales

Abstract

Most studies of sexual harassment in organizations have used quantitative methods to measure the incidence of cases. Less attention has focused upon the qualitative dynamics of workplace sexual harassment. Drawing upon detailed qualitative and quantitative data, this paper explores the complex organisational interactions and interrelationships through which the vicious circles of sexual harassment can be reproduced. Highlighting women managers' experiences of sexual harassment, as well as their responses and coping strategies, the paper reveals the pervasive, persistent and privileged character of men's sexuality in the UK insurance sales industry. On the basis of these findings and those of several other related studies, we argue that sexual harassment in non-traditional work for women may be more extensive and aggressive than in traditional forms of female employment.