Sexual relationships between employees and supervisors are commonplace, but they can be complicated to manage. On one hand, they can lead to increased trust, loyalty, and commitment within an organization.
They also raise concerns about favoritism and unfairness towards those who don't have access to such relationships. This article explores how sexual relationships shape employee engagement with corporate policies and ethical norms.
Academic research suggests that when an employee is romantically involved with their boss, they may feel more motivated to stay in the job because it allows them to spend time with someone they care about. In addition, the relationship might make them feel valued, leading to higher levels of productivity and better job performance.
A study by Crosnoe et al. found that female employees who were sexually attracted to their male supervisor reported greater job satisfaction than their counterparts who weren't.
These relationships can create conflict if one partner feels obligated to reciprocate favors or advance the career of the other person. This pressure could lead to resentment and lower morale for those excluded from the relationship.
There's a risk of legal problems if the affair goes sour and one party ends up feeling coerced into continuing the relationship.
In terms of policy, companies must consider whether they want to ban sexual relationships between superiors and subordinates outright or allow some flexibility based on the circumstances. Many organizations choose the latter approach, recognizing that love can develop between colleagues without any malicious intent.
Rules should be clear so everyone understands what constitutes unacceptable behavior.
Regarding ethics, the issue is less black-and-white. It's difficult to determine whether a sexual relationship influences decision-making outside of personal bias. If both partners are aware of this potential influence, they can strive to make decisions based on evidence rather than emotion. Still, it would be naive to assume all people have such self-awareness, which raises questions about how much trust we should place in an employee's judgment when romantic interests are involved.
Sexual relationships at work present challenges and opportunities for corporations. To balance these competing demands requires openness, communication, and transparency, ensuring that every employee feels valued and respected regardless of their personal life choices.
How do sexual relationships influence engagement with corporate policies and ethical norms?
Sexual relationships have been known to play an important role in shaping individuals' attitudes towards corporate policies and ethical norms. A study by Sutton (2016) found that employees who were involved in consensual romantic or sexual relationships within their workplace reported higher levels of job satisfaction than those who did not. This may be due to increased feelings of closeness and trust between coworkers, which can lead to greater commitment to organizational goals.