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The Relationship between the Increased Sexual Harassment and the Coping Strategy among the Employees

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Sexual harassment is an issue that often happens among workers but is, however, always not reported to the authorities. The impact not only disrupts productivity at the workplace but also disturbs employees' mental health. Hence, this study is done with an aim to analyze the employees’ perception of sexual harassment that’s been happening among their colleagues, analyzing the employees’ ability to be aware and identify the form of sexual harassment on them and their colleagues, studying the workers’ capacity to realize and identify the forms of sexual harassment on themselves and their colleagues, and determining the anticipated coping strategy used by the workers if faced with sexual harassment. 385 respondents, comprising 186 male workers and 199 female workers who have been selected, consisted of individuals that are still working or used to work in the public or private sector, aged 18 until 40 years old for this quantitative research. 100 people have been involved in its pilot study meant to see the consistency of its test equipment. The study findings show the relationship between the increase in sexual harassment and the ability to cope among the employees (r = 0.66, p > 0.05). In terms of understanding and awareness of sexual harassment, there’s a significant difference among employees in the private sector (t=7.63, p<0.05). Other than that, there’s a significant difference in perception for coping between male and female if they are involved in sexual harassment (t = 2.89, p < 0.01). Workers must remain vigilant and receive increased education on sexual harassment. The employer should shoulder this responsibility, and it is compulsory for the employees to abide by the rules set. Finally, the findings of this study aim to broaden the awareness, understanding, and perception of sexual harassment in the workplace among Malaysian society.
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