Reporting Sexual Misconduct in the #MeToo Era

B-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
Year: 2022
Volume: 14
Issue: 4
Pages: 761-803

Authors (2)

Ing-Haw Cheng (not in RePEc) Alice Hsiaw (Brandeis University)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We model the reporting of sexual misconduct. Individuals underreport misconduct due to strategic uncertainty over whether others will report and corroborate a pattern of behavior. Underreporting occurs if and only if misconduct is widespread. Making sanctions more responsive to reports, raising public awareness of misconduct, implementing confidential holding tanks, and appropriately calibrating damage awards can encourage reporting. However, we also show when such policies are ineffective or backfire. Managers may avoid mentoring subordinates, spilling over into reporting. A holding tank may discourage reporting by raising the bar to access reports. Overall, we highlight several unintended and intended consequences of #MeToo.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejmic:v:14:y:2022:i:4:p:761-803
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-02-02