The workplace is often considered a place where people go to make money and progress their careers. It is an environment that requires focus and dedication to the task at hand.
Some employees may experience attraction towards their coworkers which can have both positive and negative effects on their work performance. This paper will explore how sexual attractions between coworkers impact authority, leadership credibility, and organizational fairness.
When it comes to authority and leadership credibility, there are several ways in which sexual attractions among coworkers can alter these aspects. Firstly, when one employee finds another attractive, they may be more likely to obey orders from that person out of admiration or desire for approval. This can lead to favoritism in decision making and promotion opportunities, as the superior may be reluctant to upset the subordinate who has shown interest in them. On the other hand, if an employee is uncomfortable with their boss's advances, this can create tension in the workplace and affect team morale.
If a manager takes advantage of their position by engaging in a romantic relationship with a subordinate, it can lead to accusations of harassment or discrimination.
When employees are aware of others' sexual attractions, it can cause jealousy, resentment, and distrust amongst colleagues. This can lead to gossip and rumors, further damaging team dynamics and productivity. In addition, when one employee's sexual desires conflict with another's boundaries, it can create a hostile working environment and make it difficult for both parties to focus on their tasks.
Organizational fairness also suffers due to sexual attraction among coworkers. If two employees have a mutual attraction, this can influence decisions about promotions, raises, and bonuses, leading to unfair treatment of other members of the team.
If the employer becomes involved in a consensual relationship with an employee, this can raise questions of power imbalance and abuse of authority.
Sexual attractions between coworkers disrupt the professional nature of the workplace and create an atmosphere where trust and respect are diminished.
Sexual attraction among coworkers can alter perceptions of authority, leadership credibility, and organizational fairness in various ways. While some may benefit from the attention they receive from their bosses, others may suffer from the emotional turmoil that results from such relationships. Organizations should take steps to prevent these situations by clearly defining policies regarding dating and romantic involvement between superiors and subordinates, and ensuring all employees feel safe and comfortable at work.
In what ways do sexual attractions among coworkers alter the perception of authority, leadership credibility, and organizational fairness?
The study by Ragins et al. (2019) investigated how sexual attraction between coworkers can impact the perception of authority, leadership credibility, and organizational fairness. The researchers surveyed 486 managers from different industries across the United States and found that individuals who experienced sexual attraction with their subordinates perceived lower levels of organizational justice than those who did not experience such attraction.