Sexual involvement among employees can have significant impacts on their perceptions of managerial impartiality and credibility in the workplace. When an employee engages in sexual activity with a supervisor or co-worker, it creates a power dynamic that can affect how they view their relationship with their boss or colleagues. This is because sexual relationships often involve a sense of favoritism or special treatment that can undermine feelings of fairness and objectivity in the workplace. As a result, those who are involved in such relationships may be more likely to believe that decisions made by management are influenced by personal preference rather than merit.
Sexual involvement can also create tension and conflict within the workplace, making it difficult for managers to maintain credibility with other employees.
If one employee has a romantic or sexual relationship with a manager and is granted certain privileges or advantages as a result, this can lead others to question whether they are being treated fairly. This can erode trust and damage morale, leading to decreased productivity and negative attitudes towards management.
It's important to note that not all sexual involvement between employees and managers leads to these negative outcomes. In some cases, sexual relationships can actually improve employee satisfaction and performance, especially when there is mutual respect and consent. When both parties feel comfortable with their level of intimacy, it can foster open communication and collaboration, leading to better results for everyone.
Having clear policies in place regarding sexual harassment and discrimination can help ensure that employees feel safe and supported regardless of their relationship status.
The impact of sexual involvement on employee perceptions of managerial impartiality and credibility depends largely on the context of each situation. Managers should take care to avoid creating an environment where favoritism or special treatment is seen as acceptable, while also acknowledging that healthy relationships between colleagues can have positive benefits. By striking a balance between professionalism and personal connection, employers can promote a culture of fairness and accountability that benefits everyone involved.
How does sexual involvement influence employee perceptions of managerial impartiality and credibility?
Research shows that individuals often have biased attitudes towards people who hold different opinions from them regarding social issues such as sex and gender roles (Moskowitz & Dunning, 2019). In addition, employees may perceive managers who engage in sexual relations with subordinates as having lower integrity than those who do not (Bass & Riggio, 2006; Zohar & Luria, 2015).