Exploring Workplace Incivility and Harassment against Women at University Level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

Workplace harassment is one of the mostly reported issues confronted by women in the modern day workplaces around the globe. Studies have found varying causes underlying the phenomena of workplace harassment in various time and places. This study aims to learn about various contributing factors and underlying causes of workplace harassment within the universities of Pakistan. A qualitative research method was adopted to collect data from 12 female faculty members of Hazara University Mansehra through an interview guide. The collected data was thematically analyzed as suggested by Braun and Clark (2006). Four major themes were extracted, and the results reveal that female workers are confronted various forms of workplace harassment. Furthermore, the findings indicated that patriarchy in the institution, a lack of proper implementation of workplace harassment policies, and a power imbalance between male and female workers contribute to workplace harassment. The majority of men occupy authoritative positions in institutions that contribute to workplace harassment. The government and institutions ensure the proper implementation of policies within workplaces and also organize awareness programs to provide workers with knowledge about policies related to workplace harassment.