Sexual Attraction in Organizations
Sexual attraction is a powerful force that can influence decision making in organizations. While some studies have suggested that it can lead to unethical behaviors such as favoritism and discrimination, others argue that it can also promote teamwork and collaboration.
Sexual attraction may be difficult for managers to manage due to its inherent complexity and potential consequences for both individuals and organizations.
Ethical Behavior
In the workplace, ethical behavior involves treating all employees fairly and impartially without regard to personal preferences or biases. When managers are attracted to certain employees, they may be tempted to give them special treatment or prioritize their needs above those of other workers. This can create resentment among co-workers and harm organizational morale.
If managers make decisions based on sexual attraction rather than merit, they risk legal action and damage to the company's reputation.
Fairness and Impartiality
Fairness and impartiality require that managers base decisions on objective criteria such as performance, qualifications, and skills. Sexual attraction can cloud judgment by causing managers to view one employee differently from another solely based on physical appearance or personality traits. This can result in unfair treatment of employees who do not receive special attention or recognition despite being equally qualified. Managers must strive to remain neutral and avoid favoring certain employees over others regardless of sexual attraction.
While sexual attraction can enhance relationships and improve communication within an organization, it also poses significant risks. Managers should take steps to prevent favoritism and discrimination by maintaining professional boundaries and seeking advice from colleagues or mentors when necessary. By doing so, they can ensure fairness, impartiality, and ethical behavior throughout the decision-making process.
Can sexual attraction create barriers to ethical behavior, fairness, and impartiality in organizational decisions?
While it is generally believed that sexual attraction can have an impact on organizational decision making by leading to biased judgments of others based on their gender or appearance, there is no evidence that it necessarily leads to unethical or unfair treatment. Research has shown that, when made aware of such biases, individuals are often able to overcome them and make more objective decisions.