Purpose – This study explores the relationship between sexualization of the work environment and emotional exhaustion, and develops some key antecedents of sexualization of the work environment. It was conducted in an emerging society, India, with high rate of crime against women, particularly related to sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Design/methodology/approach - To test hypotheses,
structural
equation modelling
was
performed
.
T
he hypotheses
were tested
with data from 1101 white collar workers in India in
three ways.
Findings - Contact with other gender and flexible work arrangements were positively associated
with sexualization of the work environment; and sexualization of the work environment
was
positively associated with emotional exhaustion. In addition, sexualiza
tion of the work
environment mediated the relationship between the two antecedent variables and emotional
exhaustion.
Research limitations/implications - There is a possible bias arising from the use of cross
-
sectional data. However, a number of methods were implemented to minimize it, including
survey design and data analysis.
Practical implications - The study offer
s some important suggestions for work
places with a
greater proportion of young male employees, particularly in a societal context like India.
Originality/value –The paper provides evidence of the negative impact of sexualization of the
work environment, and thereby contributes to
current understanding of the “dark side” of
behavior at work that might have significant impact on society.