Sexual Harassment, Cohesion, and Combat Readiness in U.S. Army Support Units

Abstract

Sexual harassment as a work climate variable was examined in relation to acceptance of women, gender composition of the work group, cohesion, readiness, mission requirements, and expectations among male and female soldiers in U.S. Army combat support and combat service support units. Using group level analysis, the study found that soldiers' assessment of sexual harassment in the unit was significantly correlated with poor leadership climate, lower acceptance of women, and lower combat readiness. Among female soldiers, a higher percentage of women in the work group was associated with fewer sexual harassment experiences and with higher acceptance of women. Male soldiers in units with a higher percentage of women were more likely to perceive sexual harassment as a problem in the unit. Higher percentage of women in the unit and male soldiers' perceptions. of sexual harassment as a problem in the unit were both associated with more days spent in the field training. Perceived time pressure was correlated with lower acceptance of women and lower combat readiness for male soldiers, while for female soldiers, increased days in the field were associated with lower combat readiness.