An investigation into the impact inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature towards women has on the female customer experience at student targeted events in the UK.

Abstract

This thesis aimed to evaluate and explore the influences that inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature, physical and verbal, experienced by female students had on their customer experience whilst attending events during their time at university. The motivation for this research was the authors hypothesis that sexual harassment and assault exists prominently in events, particularly within student night life. Whilst previous research on this behaviour against women sheds limited light on experiences from students, it lacks depth within the presence of inappropriate behaviour at events and the influences this has and does not adequately represent female student’s experiences of sexual harassment and assault. The findings of this study demonstrate that this behaviour towards women has a large impact on the female customer experience, as well as having the potential to create a negative reputation for events and venues in which this behaviour is prominent, leaving room for recommendations from the researcher to event managers and promoters in the industry. Keywords: sexual harassment, higher education, events management, student events, night clubs