Narcissism and Sexual Harassment in Organizations: Their Dynamics and Coping Strategies

Abstract

This study examined the effects of narcissism and sexual harassment on employee behaviour in organizations. It also provides some strategic ways by which employees can cope with these not so subtle problems in their work places. It adopted a descriptive approach to the study and revealed that narcissism and sexual harassment are among the many common phenomena of most organizations in the world. Sexual harassment is tangible or quid pro quo in nature and occurs when an employee’s career path is directly impacted by a supervisor’s unwelcome request for sexual favours or other sexual advances. It also occurs under a hostile work – related environment where intimidation is applied to secure sexual favours from unwilling employees. The consequences of any of these forms of sexual harassment can be lasting emotional damages, depression, fear, frustration, and reduced productivity. Narcissism as a psycho – social problem on the job assumes the forms of an erotic self – love or a morbid and excessive self – admiration of employees at the work place or a compensatory reaction of minimal self – esteem which leads to covert jealousy towards others on the job. It was concluded that victims of these work – related psycho – social problems should seek professional or expert advice avoid environments under which they prevail or report such matters to their superior / management teams so that their cases could be effectively resolved based on some existing organizational policies on such related cases.

Key words: Narcissism, sexual harassment, emotional damages, depression, intimidation, covert jealousy and reduced productivity.