Sexual attraction is an intense feeling that may lead to romantic or sexual behaviors between people. It involves physiological responses such as increased heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure; feelings of anxiety, excitement, and pleasure; thoughts about the person involved and their relationship with them; and social interactions based on these thoughts and feelings. Sexual attraction can be influenced by many factors including physical appearance, emotional closeness, shared interests, past experiences, and cultural norms. Professional settings are environments where individuals work together to accomplish tasks, goals, or objectives for compensation. These settings often involve power dynamics, hierarchies, and networks of influence.
Power networks refer to the ways in which power is distributed among employees within a company. They can take various forms such as informal, formal, horizontal, vertical, centralized, decentralized, or networked. Informal power networks are those that do not follow organizational policies but develop naturally due to relationships, personalities, and other factors. These networks are often more subtle and difficult to identify than formal ones. Research has shown that there are several ways in which sexual attraction can shape informal power networks in professional settings.
It can lead to favoritism and nepotism, whereby one employee receives preferential treatment because of their perceived attractiveness to another colleague. This can result in unequal distribution of resources and opportunities, affecting productivity and morale.
Sexual attraction can create tension and conflict in the workplace if it goes unaddressed. Employees may feel awkward or embarrassed when discussing their feelings openly, leading to misunderstandings and resentment. It may also lead to sexual harassment or discrimination, violating company policies and creating legal liability. In addition, sexual attraction can be used strategically to gain advantage over others. Some individuals may use their physical appearance or flirtatious behavior to manipulate colleagues into granting them favors, promotions, or privileges. This can cause resentment and mistrust among coworkers, damaging teamwork and collaboration.
In what ways does sexual attraction shape informal power networks within professional settings?
Although gender discrimination is prevalent in most workplaces, there are certain professions where it is more evident than others. Sexual harassment in the workplace often results from sexual attraction between individuals of different ranks or statuses. This can result in favoritism, where one individual receives special treatment due to their sex appeal, which may influence decision-making processes and job assignments.