Abstract
The aim of this research is to investigate the experiences of third-party sexual harassment in the hospitality industry, by interviewing female employees in frontline positions in a bar/restaurant setting. It also explores the participants’ opinions as to what can be done to minimise or prevent sexual harassment from occurring in the workplace.
Semi-structured Interviews were conducted with participants to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the women’s experience of sexual harassment and any influences on this phenomenon.
The findings of this thesis show the influences that may increase the occurrence of sexually harassing behaviours are power inequalities between the customer and the participant, and customers’ intoxication, which many participants faced in their daily working environment.
The thesis concludes that by management supporting their staff and encouraging a zero-tolerance approach towards sexual harassment, sexual harassment could be prevented, which would provide a safer working environment for employees.
