Exploring the impact of sexual harassment in entrepreneurial contexts: A call to action and research roadmap

Abstract

Sexual harassment continues to be a common yet understudied problem that occurs in entrepreneurial environments. Although prior studies have clarified its impacts in conventional organizations, the distinct effects of harassment in the informal, high-pressure realm of entrepreneurship remain largely overlooked. We address this gap by investigating how both anticipated and experienced sexual harassment may influence women's participation, actions, and success in entrepreneurship. Adapting insights from the organizational behavior and sexual harassment literatures, we examine the effects of harassment not only on individual women entrepreneurs but also on stakeholders and broader ecosystems. Anticipated harassment may discourage women from entering high-growth sectors or participating in vital networking and fundraising efforts, while experienced harassment experiences can result in psychological stress, diminished visibility, and early departure from ventures. Stakeholders—including mentors, investors, and family—may also shift their engagement in response to perceived risks, limiting access to essential support. At the ecosystem level, harassment likely reinforces exclusionary norms and creates structural barriers that impede gender equity and innovation. Through this multilevel perspective, we provide a framework for better understanding the compounding effects of harassment on women in entrepreneurship and propose new directions for future research.