The research question at hand is whether sexualization influences the interpersonal dynamics of a group. In recent years, there has been much debate about the role that sexual attraction plays within teams and how it affects team members' interaction. Some studies suggest that sexualizing others can create an atmosphere of mistrust, which impedes cohesion and discourages collaboration. On the other hand, some scholars argue that sexuality may be instrumental to boost motivation and engagement, particularly when groups are faced with challenging tasks. To understand this phenomenon, we need to explore the various ways that sexualized perception shapes engagement, motivation, and team cohesion.
Sexualized perception
Let's define what we mean by "sexualized" and "perception." When something is sexualized, it means that it carries erotic connotations or has been transformed into a sensual object. This could apply to physical features such as eyes, hair, breasts, legs, buttocks, etc., but also to social interactions and behaviors. Perception refers to how individuals interpret their environment through sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, or feelings. So, sexualized perception implies that people perceive another individual or situation in terms of sexual attraction. It involves both subjective and objective components.
Engagement
Engagement occurs when individuals become involved emotionally and cognitively in a task. In a team setting, it manifests itself through commitment, effort, attention, communication, participation, and enthusiasm. When engaged, employees feel personally invested in the project and have a strong sense of purpose and belonging. They are likely to work harder and go above and beyond their job requirements. There is evidence that sexualized perception can lead to increased engagement in certain contexts.
Research shows that men who find women attractive tend to perform better on cognitive tests.
The opposite may be true for women: if they are sexually aroused by men, it may distract them from performing at their best.
Motivation
Motivation refers to an internal drive to achieve a goal. In teams, motivational factors include recognition, challenge, autonomy, mastery, and feedback. Sexualization may encourage motivation in several ways. On one hand, it creates positive emotions such as excitement, lust, desire, and pleasure. These feelings trigger the release of dopamine and other hormones associated with reward-seeking behavior. As a result, team members may become more energized and productive. On the other hand, sexual attraction can also act as a deterrent by creating anxiety, stress, guilt, shame, or jealousy.
How motivated people feel depends on individual characteristics (e.g., age, culture), situational factors (e.g., proximity, power dynamics), and the type of task involved.
Team cohesion
Cohesion describes how well team members get along and collaborate towards common goals. It involves interpersonal connections, trust, respect, support, communication, commitment, and loyalty. Research has found that sexual attraction can enhance teamwork by promoting closeness and intimacy among members. When individuals perceive each other as physically attractive, they may engage in social activities outside work hours, share personal information, and form strong bonds based on mutual admiration.
Sexualized perception can also backfire if it leads to competition, conflict, jealousy, and exclusion. Teams must learn how to manage these issues for optimal performance.
Sexualized perception shapes engagement, motivation, and team cohesion through complex mechanisms that depend on various contextual factors. While some studies suggest that sexualization may boost productivity and creativity, others warn against its negative effects on focus, concentration, and professionalism. Organizations need to develop clear policies regarding appropriate behaviors and communication styles to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or harassment.
To what extent does sexualized perception shape engagement, motivation, and team cohesion?
Sexualized perception may play an important role in shaping engagement, motivation, and team cohesion as it can affect how individuals perceive themselves and others within the group. According to research, individuals who view their teammates as potential romantic partners may be more likely to feel a sense of belonging and connection with them, which can lead to increased motivation and engagement.