Sexualized Behavior Complicates Performance Management Systems
Performance management is the process of setting goals for employees and monitoring their progress towards those goals. It involves assessing employee performance, providing feedback, and taking action to improve performance when necessary.
Sexualized behavior can complicate this process in several ways.
It can create distractions that prevent managers from focusing on job-related tasks. When an employee engages in sexually suggestive behavior, such as flirting or touching, it can be difficult for managers to concentrate on evaluating work performance. This can lead to incomplete or inaccurate assessments and incorrect decisions about promotions or raises.
Sexualized behavior can lead to legal issues if it creates a hostile work environment. If an employee feels uncomfortable or threatened by another's behavior, they may file a complaint or lawsuit against the company. This can be costly and disruptive for the organization.
Sexualized behavior can make it difficult to accurately evaluate employee performance. Managers need to objectively measure an employee's contributions to the organization, but when someone is behaving sexually, it becomes harder to do so.
If an employee receives a raise because of their sexual behavior rather than their actual performance, this can create resentment among other employees who feel undervalued. Similarly, if a manager rewards an employee for sexual behavior instead of hard work, it can send the message that performance isn't important.
Sexualized behavior can undermine trust between managers and employees. If managers are seen as sexualizing their interactions with employees, workers may become less likely to share honest feedback or seek help with problems. They may also feel that they cannot rely on their manager's judgement or advice.
This can erode morale and negatively impact productivity.
Sexualized behavior can distract from more important goals. When managers focus too much on an employee's sexual behavior, they may lose sight of bigger picture goals like improving customer service or increasing sales. This can harm the entire organization's success and reputation.
Sexualized behavior complicates performance management systems in several ways. It creates legal issues, distractions, reduces trust, and takes attention away from larger organizational goals. To avoid these problems, organizations should establish clear policies about appropriate behavior and enforce them consistently.
In what ways does sexualized behavior complicate performance management systems?
Sexualized behaviors can complicate performance management systems because they can create an uncomfortable work environment, lead to legal issues, and impact employee morale. In the United States alone, 71% of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment at work, with many cases involving supervisors or managers who abuse their power (Murphy & Zawadski, 2019).