The relationship between sexual relationships and leadership is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, sexual relationships can lead to favoritism and bias, which may negatively impact perceptions of leadership fairness and credibility.
Some argue that there are also benefits to having a close personal connection with those you work closely with, such as increased trust and understanding. It all depends on the nature of the relationship and how it is handled.
When leaders engage in sexual relationships with their subordinates, it creates an inherent power imbalance. This can lead to a feeling of unequal treatment and favoritism, which can undermine the leader's credibility and ethical conduct. The person who engaged in the relationship may feel that they have more influence than others due to the personal connection. This can create a culture where other employees fear speaking up or reporting issues for fear of being seen as "jealous" or "bitter."
If the relationship ends badly, it can cause significant tension and resentment within the team.
Some believe that sexual relationships can actually improve communication and collaboration among team members. When there is a close personal connection, teammates may be more comfortable discussing difficult topics and offering feedback without fear of retaliation. They may also be more willing to take risks and push themselves because they know that their leader has their back. Some even argue that sexual relationships can increase productivity and creativity by allowing for a greater level of trust and openness.
These arguments are not always supported by research. Studies have shown that leaders who engage in sexual relationships with their subordinates often face criticism and negative publicity, regardless of whether the relationship was consensual or not. They may also struggle to maintain objectivity and fairness when making decisions related to their partners' performance or assignments. In fact, many organizations have strict policies prohibiting such relationships precisely because of these concerns.
While sexual relationships between leaders and their subordinates can bring both benefits and drawbacks, it is ultimately up to each organization to decide how they want to handle them. Leaders should weigh the potential advantages against the potential disadvantages carefully before entering into any kind of romantic or sexual relationship with someone they supervise.
How do sexual relationships affect perceptions of leadership fairness, ethical conduct, and credibility?
In terms of perceptions of leadership fairness, the literature suggests that there is some evidence for a positive relationship between romantic or sexual involvement with leaders and perceptions of their fairness. Specifically, individuals who are involved in such relationships tend to perceive their leader as being more equitable, just, and fair than those who are not (Kaiser et al. , 2017).