Sexual attraction is a natural human impulse that can influence our thoughts and actions. It has been shown to affect how people perceive fairness, equity, and inclusion in various settings, including the workplace. This article explores some examples of how this occurs.
Let's define what we mean when we talk about "fairness" in the context of employment. In general, fairness refers to treating everyone equally under similar circumstances, without favoring one person over another based on personal preferences or biases.
When it comes to sexual attraction, things become more complicated because feelings may get involved.
If an employee feels strongly attracted to their boss or colleague, they might be tempted to give them special treatment or preferential treatment in order to keep that person close to them physically or emotionally. They may also feel compelled to avoid confrontation or negative consequences for fear of losing their romantic interest.
Sexual attraction can distort perceptions of fairness by making us see things from a subjective lens rather than an objective one. We may start viewing someone as more competent or successful just because we are sexually attracted to them, which creates a dangerous power dynamic between employees who have such feelings and those who do not. This can lead to unequal opportunities for advancement, promotion, pay raises, and other benefits within the organization.
Gender roles and expectations often play a role in these dynamics as well. When men and women approach situations differently due to cultural norms around masculinity/femininity or stereotypes about what is acceptable behavior at work (e.g., aggressiveness vs. passivity), there is potential for misunderstandings or even abuse of authority when mixed with sexual attraction.
The bottom line is that sexual attraction should never override common sense or professional ethics in any situation - including work-related ones. It's important that all individuals understand this principle so that everyone can feel safe and respected regardless of their personal feelings towards each other. By acknowledging our own desires while maintaining objectivity during interactions with others, we can ensure that both parties remain on equal footing while still enjoying healthy relationships outside of work hours.
In what ways can sexual attraction distort perceptions of fairness, equity, and workplace inclusion?
Sexual attraction is a powerful force that can have significant impact on how individuals perceive fairness, equity, and workplace inclusion. Research has shown that people who are sexually attracted to someone tend to see them as more competent, hardworking, and deserving of rewards than those they are not attracted to (Ross & Greene, 19774; Berscheid & Walster, 1969).