One way to examine how sexual dynamics can impact organizational culture is through looking at power dynamics within an organization. Studies have shown that individuals who feel more powerful are less likely to adhere to organizational norms and rules when compared to those who feel less powerful. This means that if employees feel like they are able to get away with breaking rules due to their status or perceived authority, they may be more likely to do so.
Another factor to consider is gender roles and expectations. Research has found that men are often expected to take risks and make bold decisions while women are often seen as being more risk-averse and conservative in decision-making. If this is true, then it could create a situation where men feel pressure to act in certain ways to uphold these stereotypes and potentially engage in unethical behavior.
A man may feel pressured to take risks that result in financial gain for the company but also put his coworkers' safety at risk. Women may feel pressured to avoid taking risks altogether out of fear of coming across as too aggressive or not living up to societal norms about what constitutes femininity.
Sexual harassment can also play a role in ethical decision-making and compliance with organizational norms. When someone feels sexually threatened, they may not report incidents or stand up for themselves out of fear of reprisal or retaliation from higher-ups who hold greater power than them. This creates an environment where unethical behavior goes unchecked because people feel unable or unwilling to speak up. It also reinforces a culture of silence around sexual misconduct which makes it harder to address issues when they arise.
Sexual dynamics can impact corporate culture by creating barriers between employees based on gender, race, and other characteristics. People may be hesitant to work together if they have different values or perspectives related to sex due to cultural differences or personal experiences. This can lead to isolation and conflict within teams which ultimately reduces productivity and morale within the organization.
How do sexual dynamics affect ethical decision-making, compliance with organizational norms, and corporate culture?
Sexual dynamics can have significant impact on individuals' perception of ethical standards and their willingness to comply with organizational norms. A study by Ziv et al. (2019) found that sexual attraction between supervisors and subordinates may increase the latter's willingness to engage in unethical behavior.