The act of having sex is an important aspect of human interaction that has both positive and negative implications on how people perceive management competency. Managers who are involved in sexual relations with their employees may be perceived as less qualified than those who do not have such encounters. This can lead to a decrease in employee morale and productivity.
Managers who engage in sexual activity with subordinates may face legal repercussions if it is discovered that they did so without consent. It is therefore crucial for organizations to implement policies prohibiting sexual involvement between managers and subordinates to protect themselves from potential lawsuits.
Competence
Sexual involvement can impact perceptions of managerial competence because it can create a power imbalance between the supervisor and the subordinate. When a manager has sex with an employee, they gain power over them, which can make it difficult for the employee to speak up or challenge the manager's decisions. This can negatively affect the manager's ability to effectively manage their team, as they may become more focused on maintaining their personal relationship than ensuring that everyone is working together towards the organization's goals. In some cases, this can also lead to favoritism, where the manager gives preferential treatment to the employee with whom they had sex. This can cause resentment among other employees, leading to decreased motivation and productivity.
Fairness
Managers who engage in sexual relationships with their subordinates may be seen as unfair by their peers and other members of the organization. This is especially true when the manager is viewed as using their position of authority to take advantage of the situation. Employees may feel like they are being exploited or taken advantage of, which can damage their trust in the organization and its leadership. The result is often lower morale and decreased performance, as well as possible retaliation against the manager if they try to address the issue.
Trust
Sexual involvement can have a significant impact on trust within an organization. If managers are seen as taking advantage of their positions to have sexual relationships with employees, it can erode trust in the company's policies and procedures. It can also lead to mistrust between colleagues, as employees may wonder whether others are engaging in similar behavior behind closed doors.
Sexual involvement can create distrust between managers and their teams, as employees may question whether they are being treated fairly and equitably. This can negatively impact collaboration and communication, ultimately leading to decreased productivity.
How does sexual involvement alter perceptions of managerial competence, fairness, and trust?
Perceived competence may be enhanced by individuals' perception that their superiors are capable of fulfilling personal and professional needs beyond mere performance (e. g. , providing financial support), which may lead them to perceive a more favorable relationship with their managers. On the other hand, sexual involvement may also create tension between work and private life, resulting in negative affective responses such as guilt and stress.