The word "ethics" has been defined as moral principles that govern a person or group's behavior or conduct. It is based on socially accepted norms and values, and it can be applied to various aspects of life such as business, politics, healthcare, education, and workplaces. Ethical standards are essential for creating a conducive environment where people can feel safe and secure while working towards achieving organizational goals.
There is limited research on how sexual dynamics influence employees' perception of ethical standards and rules. This essay explores this topic by discussing factors that determine sexual dynamics, their impact on employees' perception of ethical standards, and ways to minimize the negative effects of sexual dynamics in the workplace.
Sexual dynamics refer to the relationship between men and women, masculinity and femininity, heterosexuality and homosexuality, and other related elements. These dynamics are shaped by social, cultural, religious, political, economic, and historical forces. They also depend on an individual's upbringing, education, beliefs, experiences, and personal choices.
Some cultures view sex as a taboo subject, while others see it as a natural part of human existence. Some individuals may view sex as a private matter, whereas others may talk about it openly in public spaces. Therefore, sexual dynamics are not uniform but vary depending on context and individual preferences.
In the workplace, sexual dynamics have a significant impact on employees' perception of ethical standards and rules. According to studies, sexual harassment is common in many work environments, with 60% of women experiencing sexual harassment at least once during their careers (Hill, Corbett, & Sturm, 2017). Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual comments, touching, or advances from superiors, colleagues, clients, or customers. It can create a hostile working environment, leading to low productivity, absenteeism, stress-related illnesses, job dissatisfaction, and resignations. Sexual harassment victims often face emotional distress, fear, and anxiety that affect their mental health negatively. As such, sexual harassment violates the rights of workers and undermines organizational culture, which emphasizes professionalism and respect for all employees regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
Sexual dynamics influence employees' perception of ethical standards in other ways.
Power imbalance between men and women creates an environment where female employees feel pressured into sexually favoring male bosses to secure promotions, bonuses, raises, or favorable treatment. The pressure to maintain a sexual relationship with someone senior than them may lead to compromising their ethics, such as accepting unethical business practices, embezzlement, fraud, corruption, or lying to cover up mistakes. In addition, some employees may use sexual relationships to advance their careers at the expense of others, creating disharmony and suspicion among co-workers. This undermines trust and teamwork, leading to reduced efficiency and effectiveness.
To minimize the negative effects of sexual dynamics on employees' perceptions of ethical standards, employers should implement policies that promote a positive workplace culture. These include educating employees about sexual harassment laws, providing training on how to identify and report cases of sexual harassment, offering support services to victims, and conducting regular audits to assess compliance with ethical standards. Employers should also create an inclusive work environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves without fear of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or disability. Managers must be held accountable for creating a conducive working environment where everyone can thrive.
Sexual dynamics influence employees' perception of ethical standards in various ways. They may lead to sexual harassment, favoritism, corruption, and other unethical behaviors that violate organizational norms.
With proper education, training, and support systems, employers can create a workplace free from sexual discrimination, harassment, and abuse, promoting professionalism, productivity, and harmony.
In what ways do sexual dynamics influence employees' perception of ethical standards and rules?
The study shows that both male and female individuals have different perceptions towards gender roles in the workplace and these perceptions can affect their attitudes toward ethical standards and rules. Men tend to be more likely than women to perceive themselves as having greater decision-making power within organizations, which may lead them to believe they are less accountable for unethical behaviors.