The sexual attraction between individuals often influences the way people behave around each other, including in organizational settings. This phenomenon has been extensively studied and documented, leading to the emergence of a new field of research called "erotomanagement." Erotomanagement examines how organizations respond to and deal with sexual feelings among employees, managers, and leaders. One area where this issue is particularly prevalent is in the workplace, where it can impact informal norms, rituals, and cultural expectations in various ways.
One such way is through the creation of social hierarchies based on sexual attractiveness.
Studies have shown that women who are considered more physically attractive tend to receive higher salaries and promotions than those deemed less attractive. In addition, male leaders may be more likely to hire and promote female subordinates they find attractive while ignoring their professional abilities. This practice is often referred to as "sexual harassment," which is legally prohibited in many countries.
Another example of how sexual attraction can influence informal norms within an organization is through the development of gendered power dynamics. Men and women may interact differently when one or both parties find the other sexually appealing.
Men might feel pressured to act masculine and dominating while women may try to appear submissive or passive. These behaviors can lead to tension and conflict within teams and even create an uncomfortable work environment for everyone involved.
Sexual attraction also affects how individuals communicate with each other, as it can cause them to focus on physical rather than intellectual qualities. People might avoid certain topics or interactions due to fear of being judged negatively by their colleagues based on their looks rather than their skills or experience. This phenomenon can limit collaboration, creativity, and innovation in organizations, leading to reduced productivity and competitiveness.
Sexual attraction can impact cultural expectations by creating a culture of silence and secrecy around relationships in the workplace. Employees may not want to admit to having romantic or sexual feelings towards coworkers out of fear of repercussions from supervisors or managers. As a result, companies tend to discourage dating among staff members, sometimes by implementing strict policies against it.
This approach does not always solve the problem because many employees still engage in secret affairs that can compromise their professionalism and ethics.
Sexual attraction is a complex issue in organizational settings, influencing informal norms, rituals, and cultural expectations in various ways. By understanding these influences, leaders can take steps to create more equitable and inclusive environments where all workers are treated fairly regardless of gender or appearance.
In what ways can sexual attraction influence informal norms, rituals, and cultural expectations within organizations?
Sexual attraction has been shown to play an important role in determining social interactions between individuals in formal and informal organizational settings. Research suggests that the presence of such attraction often leads to the formation of close relationships, which may be perceived as desirable by both parties involved (Carmichael & Smith, 2016).