The study investigated how sexual attraction patterns between colleagues influenced professional collaboration, trust, and workplace dynamics over time. It explored how coworkers' romantic or sexual desires impacted their work relationship and how those feelings changed over time. Specifically, it examined if such attractions created barriers to productive collaboration or improved it. It also studied whether they caused tension, jealousy, distrust, or favoritism within a team or organization.
Data collection
To answer these research questions, the study employed a mixed-methods approach involving both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative part involved surveying participants from different organizations who had experienced workplace romances or attraction for over six months. They were asked about their interactions, perceptions, and outcomes regarding their co-worker relationships.
How often did they interact? How did they talk about personal matters like dating or sex? Did they flirt? What was the nature of their intimacy? Did they keep secrets or share information confidentially? Did they exchange gifts or favors? Was there any physical contact? Were they friends or partners outside of work? Did their relationship continue beyond the job? Was it openly acknowledged or kept secret? Did anyone know about it? Did they change roles or departments due to the relationship? Did they try to avoid each other at work? Did they leave the company or get fired?
Analysis
The results revealed that most respondents reported positive experiences with co-workers they found attractive.
Some reported conflict, stress, or negative consequences in the workplace. These included disruptions, awkwardness, hurt feelings, embarrassment, rumors, suspicion, harassment, bullying, stalking, sabotage, blackmail, or even violence. Many felt pressure to hide their romantic interests or end them prematurely due to fear of consequences. Some had supervisors who disapproved of such relationships and took action against them. There was also evidence of favoritism towards attractive employees and unfair treatment of those without similar attractions. The study concluded that sexual desires could impede collaboration and create tension within teams or organizations if not managed properly.
How do sexual attraction patterns between colleagues influence professional collaboration, trust, and workplace dynamics over time?
Sexual attraction between colleagues can lead to various effects on professional collaboration, trust, and workplace dynamics over time. Firstly, it can create discomfort and distraction among employees who are not involved in the relationship, as they may feel uncomfortable with the close proximity of the involved parties. This can result in reduced productivity and decreased motivation for all employees, which can negatively impact business operations.