Sexual relations between managers and their employees are known to have an effect on both parties' performance levels. On one hand, they may provide motivation for better work output due to the increased level of trust between them. On the other hand, it can create feelings of resentment if either party feels used or abused by the relationship. This article will explore how these connections impact managerial competence and perceived fairness.
Let's discuss how sexual relations affect perceptions of managerial competence.
When a manager has a sexual connection with an employee, there is often a sense that this person is more skilled than others who do not share such a bond. The belief that the manager knows how to get what they want through sexual means might lead subordinates to think that they also know how to handle difficult situations. It could even be seen as a sign that the manager is good at manipulating people.
Some may believe that the manager has inside knowledge about promotions or raises due to the connection. These factors contribute to a positive view of the manager's ability in the eyes of their workers.
These positive views may not always hold up under closer inspection.
Once the honeymoon phase ends, the effects of the sexual connection begin to wear off, and the realities of daily interactions come into play. If the manager does not live up to expectations or treats their employees unfairly, they may lose credibility quickly. Employees may question why they were given preferential treatment and wonder if it was only because of the physical relationship. This can cause morale issues within the organization as coworkers feel like they are being passed over for advancement opportunities. In addition, if the manager's performance drops after the romantic involvement ends, it may further damage their reputation and harm any trust built during the affair.
Sexual relationships between managers and their employees tend to have mixed results on perceptions of fairness.
While they can initially improve perceptions of competence, they can also backfire once the glow wears off. Managers should be aware of this dynamic and try to maintain professionalism regardless of their personal connections with their staff. This includes giving equal opportunities to all employees, providing feedback fairly, and keeping lines of communication open to avoid resentment. By doing so, both parties can focus on what matters most – getting work done effectively without distractions from outside influences.
How do sexual connections alter perceptions of managerial competence and fairness?
Perceptions of managerial competence and fairness can be affected by sexual connections due to various reasons. Firstly, research shows that managers who have close personal relationships with their employees are often perceived as more competent than those who don't, especially if they are seen to prioritize employee needs over company goals (Vasilopoulos et al. , 2014).