The idea that individuals may be more likely to interact and form informal social ties with people they find attractive is well established in research.
Less clear is whether such attraction can affect how power is allocated within an organization. This paper investigates the role of sexual sympathy as a potential moderator of these processes. Sexual sympathy, defined as the extent to which one person finds another attractive, can have significant consequences for interpersonal interactions, including influencing perceptions of hierarchy and authority. Studies have shown that women who are perceived as sexually attractive tend to receive more favorable treatment from men in both formal and informal organizational settings. In one study, participants were asked to rate the attractiveness of fictitious employees and then judge their performance on various tasks; those perceived as more attractive received higher ratings than those rated as less attractive.
Studies have found that individuals with greater physical attractiveness are also more likely to hold leadership positions. It seems possible, therefore, that the presence of sexual sympathy between colleagues could influence power dynamics within an organization.
Research has also suggested that sexual sympathy is not always beneficial for women in the workplace.
A study showed that when male managers were given information about female subordinates' attractiveness, they were more likely to offer them lower salaries than those who did not receive this information. Further research has indicated that women who are perceived as highly attractive by others may face increased scrutiny and criticism from coworkers, leading to decreased job satisfaction and lower pay. These findings suggest that sexual sympathy may be double-edged sword, depending on the context and specific situation.
There is evidence to suggest that sexual sympathy can play a role in shaping social hierarchies and influencing power dynamics within organizations. While there are potential benefits to being perceived as attractive, such as increased access to resources and greater status, there may also be drawbacks associated with facing heightened scrutiny or receiving unfair treatment due to one's appearance. Further research is needed to explore the nuances of these processes and identify strategies for mitigating negative effects while capitalizing on positive ones.
Can sexual sympathies alter perceived hierarchies and influence in informal organizational networks?
The research shows that individual's sexual preferences can have an impact on their perception of hierarchy and influence within the organization. Studies show that people who identify as LGBTQ+ are often more likely to experience discrimination and microaggressions due to their sexuality, which can lead to them feeling less valued and respected by their peers.