A study conducted to investigate how unit-level culture influences disclosure, intimacy, and relational satisfaction among LGBT personnel revealed that the level of closeness within an organization is crucial in promoting these three factors. The researchers examined data from the National Survey of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity collected between 2016 and 2018, which involved more than 94000 participants. In this survey, the researchers examined how LGBT individuals' perceptions of their workplace environment influenced their likelihood to disclose their identity and engage in intimate behaviors such as kissing, holding hands, or touching one another in public.
The results showed that LGBT employees who perceived their workplace culture as accepting were more likely to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity compared to those who did not. This suggests that when organizations create a positive and supportive environment for LGBT people, they are more willing to be open about themselves and form stronger relationships with colleagues.
LGBT individuals who reported higher levels of social integration in their workplaces also had greater levels of closeness and shared experiences with coworkers, leading to increased feelings of intimacy and satisfaction in their relationships.
The study also found that unit-level culture had a significant impact on the extent to which LGBT individuals engaged in intimate behaviors outside of the workplace. Those who worked in organizations where they felt accepted were more likely to share personal information and physical contact with coworkers, indicating a sense of comfort and security in their surroundings. This behavior could be attributed to the lack of fear of retaliation or negative reactions from other staff members, allowing them to express themselves fully without the need to keep secrets or hide their true selves.
The study demonstrates that creating a safe and welcoming workplace culture can significantly impact disclosure, intimacy, and relational satisfaction among LGBT personnel. By fostering an inclusive environment, employers can promote acceptance and openness within their organization while also encouraging healthy, fulfilling relationships between team members.
How does unit-level culture influence disclosure, intimacy, and relational satisfaction among LGBT personnel?
The cultures of units that an individual is part of can significantly impact their willingness to disclose personal information about their sexual orientation and gender identity. The level of acceptance, inclusion, and support provided by these units, as well as the attitudes and beliefs of other individuals within them, play a crucial role in shaping how comfortable they feel disclosing such information. This can have implications for both personal and professional relationships.