Tracing the evolution of workplace sexual harassment reporting and investigations: A historical scoping review

Recent legislation has expanded organizational responsibility for employee safety, reframing workplace sexual harassment reporting and investigation procedures as an essential risk management strategy. Initially shaped by legal frameworks that prioritized criminal investigation models, these processes focus heavily on punitive measures and overlook a growing interest in educational, restorative and supportive mechanisms that better sustain psychological safety and strong business practice. This chronologically structured scoping review (N = 55) traces the evolving landscape of workplace sexual harassment management across several decades, highlighting key shifts in both academic research and legislative frameworks. The findings reveal persistent challenges such as bias, limited sample diversity, and inconsistent methodologies across decades. A notable gap in the literature is the lack of longitudinal research assessing the long-term effectiveness of current reporting procedures. Our thematic analysis presents the progression of scholarly inquiry into WSH reporting, showcasing the evolution from punitive measures (i.e., disciplinary actions and legal protections for the organization) to acknowledgement of the underlying structural factors that perpetuate harassment and the need to relieve victims of the burden of proof and responsibility. By mapping changes in the literature, this review illustrates how both societal and legal developments have shaped current practices and exposed ongoing challenges. The findings underscore the need for future research to prioritize evidence-based, alternative approaches that promote safer and more transparent organizational cultures.