Which of the following is a risk factor for harassment measured on the DEOCS?

• A. Sexist behaviors
• B. Team loyalty
• C. Meeting attendance
• D. Office location

Answer: (A)

Sexist behaviors are a risk factor for harassment because they reflect a workplace climate where gender bias and disrespect are tolerated. When sexist actions, jokes, stereotypes, or unequal treatment are present, the environment signals that harassment may be tolerated or go unchallenged, increasing the likelihood that harassment occurs and is not addressed. The DEOCS uses indicators like sexist behaviors to gauge this risk because they directly map to norms and norms-based pressures that enable harassment. The other choices don’t directly measure harassment risk in the DEOCS framework: team loyalty indicates cohesion, meeting attendance relates to participation, and office location concerns the physical setting—none of which are direct harassment risk indicators.