How Do Silicon Valley Tech Companies Do It?

Abstract

Silicon Valley companies advertise innovative technologies as solutions to complex problems such as workplace sexual harassment training. Research has shown that amongst healthcare professionals and educators, the use of scenario-based activities in workplace sexual harassment e-learning leads to increased awareness and training effectiveness. However, little is known about the impact of workplace sexual harassment e-learning within Silicon Valley technology companies. Therefore, this project aimed to design and evaluate how scenario-based e-learning about workplace sexual harassment impacts Silicon Valley technology companies. Based on a review of literature, an e-learning course was designed and distributed to managers working for Silicon Valley technology companies to measure changes in the cognitive and affective domains of learning. Analysis of the responses from 28 managers (n=28) demonstrated that increased awareness of workplace sexual harassment and confidence in one’s abilities to address it is positively associated with the use of scenario-based activities. More specifically, their ability to identify and react to behaviors of sexual harassment, and their confidence in creating a safe work environment all increased after participating in the e-learning course. Recommendations for future research include evaluating the e-learning course with a larger sample size and measuring the long-term impact of using scenario-based activities when implementing training on workplace sexual harassment.