How do unacknowledged sexual attractions interfere with procedural fairness and distort perceptions of neutrality in decision-making?
In social situations where people feel strongly about each other, it is common for unconscious biases to influence their interactions. This can lead to feelings of attraction between individuals, which may affect how they perceive one another's behavior and judgments. When someone is attracted to another person but doesn't express this openly, they may act in ways that are less than honest or transparent, such as ignoring evidence or engaging in behaviors that go against their stated goals. These tendencies can make it difficult for them to maintain impartiality during important decisions, leading to unfair outcomes. In this article, I will explore why unacknowledged sexual attractions create problems in decision-making, what causes these tendencies, and how they can be addressed to ensure more just outcomes.
Unacknowledged sexual attractions can have several negative effects on procedural fairness in decision-making. First, when an individual feels a strong emotional connection to another person, they may give them preferential treatment in discussions and negotiations. This can result in biased decision-making, where the recipient of the favoritism receives better outcomes than others who were not treated similarly. Second, unacknowledged sexual attractions can also cause individuals to misinterpret the intentions of others, leading to miscommunication and misunderstandings.
If two people are discussing a business deal but one has romantic feelings for the other, they may assume that the other person is trying to flirt with them rather than pursue the negotiation at hand. Third, unacknowledged sexual attractions can cause individuals to engage in manipulative tactics designed to win over the object of their desire. This can include using coercive language or even physical force, which can undermine the integrity of any discussion and compromise the quality of any resulting agreements.
The tendency towards unacknowledged sexual attraction stems from the human need for social connection and belonging. People seek relationships with others who share their values and interests, so it is natural for them to feel attracted to those whom they find desirable.
This desire often extends beyond romantic partnerships, as individuals may become emotionally invested in friends, coworkers, or acquaintances without ever acknowledging these feelings. When someone does not express their attraction openly, they may feel pressured to suppress their emotions, causing stress and anxiety. This can lead to negative coping mechanisms, such as denial or repression, which can further distort perceptions of neutrality during decision-making.
To address the problem of unacknowledged sexual attractions interfering with procedural fairness, individuals must first acknowledge their own biases. They should be aware of their tendencies towards favoritism and misinterpretation and work to avoid acting on them in situations where impartiality is required.
They should maintain healthy boundaries in professional settings, refraining from sharing personal information or behaving in ways that could be seen as flirtatious.
When necessary, individuals should consult with a trained therapist or counselor to help manage their emotional responses and work through any underlying issues related to attachment styles or past trauma. By taking proactive steps to address their biases, individuals can ensure more just outcomes and preserve the integrity of important decisions.
How do unacknowledged sexual attractions interfere with procedural fairness and distort perceptions of neutrality in decision-making?
In decision making processes where there are competing interests and parties involved, unacknowledged sexual attraction can cause biased decisions. This is because when an individual is attracted to someone they are more likely to favor that individual's opinion over others even if it goes against their better judgment. Additionally, these biases can affect how individuals perceive each other in terms of credibility, expertise, and trustworthiness.