Exploring the impact of the #MeToo campaign on workplace culture, practices and policies about voice

#MeToo spread virally in October 2017 as a hashtag used on social media in an attempt to demonstrate the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace. The last twelve months has seen a large amount of media publicity, making it difficult for organisations to ignore the many victims who claim they had previously not had the opportunity to speak up about their situation. The aim of this research project is to explore how the social movement, #MeToo, has impacted on workplace culture, practice and policy on speaking up about sexual harassment. The topic of sexual harassment has been discussed in the voice and silence literature previously with both power and gender being identified as key variables underpinning reasons for voice and silence (Pinder and Harlos, 2001). Future development of workplace practice and policy about voice is dependent upon robust research into sensitive topics. This research project will explore what we can learn about voice from the #MeToo movement to prevent sustained and large scale sexual harassment in workplaces from happening again. Applications are invited for this PhD proposal from strong candidates with experience and interest in both qualitative and quantitative methods.