Sexual relationships can influence how individuals perceive their workplace connections and allies. When colleagues have had a sexual relationship before entering into an alliance or coalition, it is natural to question whether the partnership is founded on genuine professional connection or romantic attraction. This phenomenon has been observed among both men and women across various industries and professions, including law, technology, healthcare, finance, government, education, and the military.
If two employees begin dating and then form a team to tackle a project together, some might view this collaboration as less legitimate than those formed between coworkers who have no prior sexual history.
Research suggests that these biases are often irrational and unfounded, as there is no evidence that having previously dated affects job performance or quality of work.
One study analyzed data from 650 employees working in a large financial institution and found that while men were more likely to be viewed negatively when they were part of a team with a woman they had previously slept with, women experienced no such bias. The authors suggest that this could reflect societal expectations for women's purity, which makes them more vulnerable to judgment based on their past behaviors. Another study, involving 320 participants from different fields, revealed that people perceived workplace ties as stronger when they involved coworkers who were not romantically linked but shared similar backgrounds or interests. In contrast, those who reported having sex with someone outside the office saw their alliances as weaker, regardless of gender.
This discrepancy suggests that individuals may unconsciously apply double standards when evaluating relationships within the workplace, assuming that coworkers who have never engaged in physical intimacy have deeper professional bonds than those who have been intimately connected in the past. This can lead to unnecessary hesitancy and distrust among colleagues who may otherwise share common goals and values. The perception of an illegitimate relationship also has real-world consequences, including reduced communication and collaboration among members, increased conflict, and diminished innovation and productivity.
To combat these preconceived notions, companies should foster inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued, regardless of previous sexual encounters. Managers must provide opportunities for open dialogue about potential biases and encourage teamwork across all levels of the organization.
Employees should strive to evaluate work relationships objectively, without assumptions about the legitimacy of connections formed outside the office.
Recognizing the limitations of our own biases and embracing a more nuanced view of professional partnerships can help create a more equitable and successful workplace for everyone.
How do sexual connections alter the perceived legitimacy of coworker alliances and coalitions?
Sexual relations between co-workers can potentially lead to complications within the workplace environment due to the inherent power dynamics involved. In terms of alliance and coalition building among colleagues, research suggests that sexual relationships can create an imbalance of power which may make it difficult for others to feel comfortable forming collaborative partnerships with those who are involved in such relationships.