Beyond the headlines: understanding the organizational dynamics of sector-specific sexual harassment

Purpose – Sexual harassment, a global concern, varies in prevalence across sectors. This article analyzes in detail the higher prevalence of harassment in these sectors. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on data from a representative sample of European workers and using the inductive method, we posit four propositions regarding the organizational dynamics in four different sector-specific scenarios. Findings – Contrary to perception, our research finds no conclusive evidence supporting a higher prevalence of sexual harassment within the armed forces. Economic and labor conditions drive sexual harassment in the entertainment industry, while the hospitality and non-profit sectors exhibit an elevated incidence potentially attributed to environmental factors. The healthcare industry presents a concerning scenario, with heightened prevalence due solely to organizational. Originality/value – The originality of the paperis in its focus on how external and environmental factors, rather than just internal organizational mechanisms, contribute to sector-specific dynamics of sexual harassment. This approach provides deeper insights for developing tailored interventions and prevention strategies across different sectors.