Who helps who? The role of stigma dimensions in harassment intervention

Abstract

Observer intervention can be useful in preventing workplace harassment. This research extends the workplace harassment literature by using the Jones et al. (1984) stigma dimensions and related research (Summers et al., 2018; Weiner et al., 1988) to highlight differences and similarities between three forms of harassment (i.e., sexual, sexual orientation, religious) and their relations to observer intervention in workplace harassment incidents. Results from two studies reveal differences (controllability, stability, visibility) and similarities (disruptiveness, peril, bystander efficacy, position authority) across forms of harassment in associations with observer intervention. Several differences across harassment of different religious subgroups (Atheists, Christians, Jews, Muslims) are also noted. We explore the implications of these findings and suggest future directions for research in the observer intervention and workplace harassment literature.