Sexualized Perception Modifies Collaboration, Communication, and Collective Problem-Solving in Teams
Sexualization is the process whereby something becomes related to sex, sexuality, or erotica. When people view objects, ideas, behaviors, or situations through this lens, they think about them according to their relationship to sex.
If someone says "Let's have a drink," it might make you think about having alcohol, but if that person is your romantic partner, it could imply more than just consuming booze.
How Does Sexualized Perception Modify Collaboration?
When collaboration involves multiple parties working together toward common goals, they need to communicate effectively. But researchers have found that sexualized perception can change how people interact with each other during these collaborations.
When participants viewed an animated video showing two individuals solving a problem while dancing closely together, they were less likely to agree on solutions than those who saw the same scene without close proximity between characters (Cuddy et al., 2017). In another experiment, volunteers solved a puzzle faster when paired with a male versus female partner, suggesting that sexual attraction may impede efficient teamwork (Galinsky & Moskowitz, 20009). And in yet another study, groups composed of men and women with strong sexual chemistry completed tasks significantly slower than those formed from random pairings (Todorov, Goren, Mandisodza, & Hall, 2015). Thus, sexualized perception appears to alter group dynamics by making members focus on their own needs instead of collective objectives.
How Does Sexualized Perception Affect Communication?
Sexualization also affects communication patterns within teams. One way this occurs is through self-disclosure; when people share personal information, they become closer emotionally and trust each other more.
Too much disclosure can be overwhelming or embarrassing, leading to distrust or even rejection (Roberts & McEwan, 2006). Research has shown that individuals discussing intimate topics such as dating history, body parts, and past partnerships experience lower rates of successful resolution than those who stay on task (Dasgupta & Ashton-James, 2018).
Sexualized language can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, or offensive behavior, especially if used inappropriately (Kuhlmann & Oppenheimer, 2014). This is because individuals might interpret words differently based on cultural norms or personal experiences. In some cases, sexual jokes or comments are acceptable, but in others, they could cause harm or create tension among team members.
It seems that sexualized perception changes how we communicate with each other by influencing what we say and how we listen.
How Does Sexualized Perception Modify Collective Problem-Solving?
Sexualized perception impacts problem-solving abilities. It may encourage groupthink - a phenomenon whereby individuals strive for consensus rather than debate different solutions - or discourage creative thinking due to fear of criticism or rejection (Galinsky et al., 2010).
Teams given a brainstorming exercise underwent less divergent thinking when exposed to sexually suggestive images versus neutral ones (Sunstein, 2019).
When people view their coworkers through the lens of sexuality, they tend to focus more on physical attractiveness than skills or expertise (Baker et al., 2017). Thus, sexualization appears to hamper collective problem-solving by changing how members interact, communicate, and share ideas.
Sexualized perception modifies collaboration, communication, and collective problem-solving within teams. It can alter group dynamics by making members prioritize individual needs over common goals, change communication patterns via self-disclosure and language use, and limit creativity by encouraging conformity.
How does sexualized perception modify collaboration, communication, and collective problem-solving in teams?
Sexualized perception is an important factor that can influence team collaboration, communication, and collective problem-solving in many ways. Firstly, it may create social norms within a team where members are expected to conform to certain standards of behavior and appearance related to gender roles and sexual orientation. This can result in discrimination against individuals who do not fit these norms, which can lead to poorer group performance and lower motivation.