A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND POLICY EFFECTIVNESS: IN THE CASE OF COMMERCIAL BANK OF ETHIOPIA SOUTH ADDIS DISTRICT GRADE THREE CITY BRANCHES

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of sexual harassment in Commercial Bank of Ethiopia South Addis District Grade Three City Branches. A questionnaire has been developed and circulated at six branches ( Gofa Gebriel, Jemmu, Lafto, Lebu , Populare and Senga Tera branches) making female employees the focus of the study. Descriptive research design was used for this study by combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Purposive sampling was used to select branches and branch managers for the interview. The sample size of the target population were 83 female employees, census was used instead of sample. In order to collect data for the purpose of this study structured questionnaires and semi structured interview were used. The collected data was coded in to SPSS and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools by frequencies and percentages. The major findings of the study show sexual harassment is a highly prevalent problem in the bank constituting 94.7% of respondents who were sexually harassed. The sexual harassment policy of the bank lacks many details like reporting mechanism, punitive measures etc… absence of training in the bank worsened the situation of women employees. Few recommendations were made on the bank; it is advisable for the bank to conduct an organizational survey to determine the prevalence of sexual harassment and for the bank to have a comprehensive anti-harassment policy.