Deviant Behavior in Computer-Mediated Communication: Development and Validation of a Measure of Cybersexual Harassment

Abstract

The use of computer-mediated communication continues to increase dramatically in organizations, bringing with it new avenues for sexual harassment. Despite the recognition that cybersexual harassment is an important phenomenon and that the online behaviors of employees can adversely affect the organization, there is little research on the development of instruments to measure related constructs. In the present study, scales are created to measure perceptions of the online environment that are thought to precipitate the occurrence of harassment and intentions to engage in sexually harassing behavior. It is found that perceptions of the online environment as stimulating (where risk taking is exhilarating), and as an environment in which blatant prejudice is acceptable, are related to multiple forms of cybersexual harassment.