A key focus of this research project was to determine who or what was perceived to be responsible for the harassment issue. As noted in chapter two, there was a tendency to cast blame against some victims, external actors (such as the media and politicians), senior managers for being unable or unwilling to defend the organization against the claims, or against the actions of a few ‘bad apples’.
But a deeper analysis revealed that organizational culture seemingly played a much larger role. Organizational culture refers to the artifacts (such as clothing or working dress), symbols (such as company logos or messaging), rituals (meetings, ceremonies) and basic assumptions (unconscious beliefs and values) values that define how people relate to their work, to each other, and to outsiders. In short, organizational culture dictates how things are done within a particular organization, and it can be either positive or negative, strong or weak.
Given the male-dominated nature of policing and the well-documented research on the endorsement of specific masculine norms (such as toughness and physicality), it was not surprising that the culture was frequently described by both men and women as a ‘Boys’ club’. This Club was described as making it difficult for women (and nonconforming men) to be respected and to have opportunities. ‘Club’ members were also perceived to be protecting their own and not holding them accountable while actively downplaying bad behavior.
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As a whole the organization remains an....
As a whole the organization remains an “An Old Boys Club”. For an organization that promotes fair treatment and equality among its members, it is amazing what goes on internally. There is disgrace within the organization, which should not be tolerated. Too often I have heard Managers/Supervisors supporting bad behavior, by saying “Oh, it was only a joke” or “Don’t take everything so personally”.
The organization talks the talk but....
The organization talks the talk but does not walk the walk; the first person handing out the sign and initial sheets regarding workplace harassment is the Sergeant, and he is also the first person to make jokes about the “office bitch” or “pick on the cripple”. Others up the chain are well aware of his conduct…nothing was done (except a promotion to S/Sgt), nothing was said, no one was spoken to, and no attitudes changed…I have very little faith in the ability of this generation of the old boys club to make real changes. Ineffective policy, no repercussion for offenders, and continued perception of the victims being complainers amounts to window dressing.
I am a visible minority with a high level of education....
I am a visible minority with a high level of education, operational and leadership experience. I am routinely passed over for promotional and developmental opportunities. Other members are “handpicked” for career mobility for reasons that are not transparent or clear, other than a close relationship with specific managers. I believe that the promotional process is contaminated by nepotism and an absence of transparency. I feel disadvantaged and prevented from contributing to the organization at the level of my potential due to what I perceive to be an “old boys club” nepotism-based culture. I do not have any confidence that the high-ranking beneficiaries of this culture, and their ambitious acolytes can positively reform the organization.
Although I enjoy the work I do, and feel like....
Although I enjoy the work I do, and feel like I make a difference, I do not feel that this is the Organization I thought I joined 8 years ago. It really is still an “old boys club” and one must be in the inner circle for opportunities. As a hardworking, outspoken openly gay female member who will speak up when there is a problem, I find often myself being passed over for things such as training courses and different job positions.
It takes a person with thick skin and a high....
It takes a person with thick skin and a high tolerance for stress and ambiguity, over a long career…without close family nearby…lack of transparency in processes and a classic old boys club. Not a place for people who care about themselves and their families, but for those who are A types, can’t stop working and competing for promotions or jobs. We attract and promote the folks who should be sent home to use up their holidays. We bully those who promote diversity of opinion or perspective. It’s been disappointing, though there have been some signs of breakthroughs, there is no momentum to improve the sick culture.