The concept of attraction refers to a strong and persistent positive emotion towards someone else, which is often accompanied by desire for emotional closeness, physical contact, or sexual activity. Attraction is often influenced by factors such as physical attractiveness, similarity in personality traits, social status, and cultural norms. In the context of an organization, attraction can manifest in different ways, including interpersonal relationships between employees or leaders, and biases in hiring decisions based on personal preferences.
Organizational commitment refers to an employee's willingness to stay with their employer, invest effort in the company's success, and identify with its values and goals. Fairness means treating all employees equally and fairly, while equity involves providing equal opportunities and rewards regardless of individual differences. Inclusivity implies creating an environment where diverse individuals feel welcome and accepted.
Attraction can affect these organizational principles by creating bias in favor of certain people, leading to unequal treatment and undermining the goal of fairness and equality.
If managers are more likely to hire candidates they find physically attractive, it could create unfair advantages and lead to discrimination against non-attractive applicants. Similarly, if coworkers develop intimate relationships, it may result in unethical behavior, such as favoritism in decision-making or harassment of others. On the other hand, attraction can also foster inclusivity by promoting diversity and bringing different perspectives into the workplace. If employees feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing ideas without fear of judgment, it can improve creativity and innovation.
Attraction poses a significant challenge for organizations seeking to establish a culture of fairness, equity, and inclusivity. It requires leadership to balance competing interests, set clear policies, and train staff to recognize and avoid prejudice. At the same time, acknowledging the role of attraction in human nature and addressing its impact on the organization can contribute to positive outcomes for all employees, including those who are perceived as less desirable based on physical appearance or social status.
How does attraction affect the credibility of organizational commitments to fairness, equity, or inclusivity?
The attraction between individuals can influence how they perceive and evaluate their organization's commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusivity. When employees feel attracted to one another, they are more likely to form close relationships and develop positive feelings towards each other. This leads to increased social cohesion within the workplace and creates a sense of community. As a result, employees may be more willing to believe that their organization values these principles and is committed to upholding them.