Long Standing Traditions of Sexual Harassment in the Hospitality Industry: Leaders' Perspectives on Customer Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Abstract
This master thesis explores three different interconnected themes: Acknowledging Sexual Harassment, Practice of Prevention and Challenging the Status Quo: Tolerance of Sexual Harassment, which were developed by utilizing reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). By conducting 8 semi-structured interviews with 9 relevant leaders from the Norwegian hotel industry. Addressing sexual harassment (SH) with specific attention to customer sexual harassment (CSH). The participants' reflections on the scope varied, ranging from zero incidents to descriptions of prevalent workplace issues. Legislative reforms and the promise of a comprehensive report on SH in the workplace from the Norwegian Government, underscore the continued relevance of discussing SH prevention. Awareness of these changes also varied, with the majority not being familiar with the new amendments to the Norwegian Work Environment Act. The distinction between customer and employee perpetrator SH raises important considerations regarding power dynamics and organizational responses. Ultimately, changing attitudes and norms surrounding SH remains a significant challenge, requiring concerted efforts from all stakeholders.