The idea that the workplace is a place for productivity has been replaced by the concept of the "psychological contract," which refers to the mutual expectations between employees and employers about what each party expects from the relationship.
This view has been challenged by studies showing that sexualized perception can alter these expectations. In recent years, researchers have found evidence that suggests a strong connection between an employee's perceived level of attractiveness and his/her job performance. This finding raises important implications for how we think about workplace culture and the ways in which it impacts individual behavior.
One study showed that women who were more physically attractive than their colleagues received higher ratings on performance reviews than those who weren't. Another study found that men who believed they could impress their supervisors through physical appearance performed better than men who thought looks didn't matter as much. These findings suggest that sexually attractive workers may be seen as more valuable to organizations because they are considered to be better performers.
But beyond just their ability to excel at their jobs, sexually appealing individuals may also receive greater rewards in terms of promotions, pay, and other benefits. Research shows that leaders often promote people based on their social status or popularity with others rather than their actual skills. When this happens, it creates a situation where those who aren't as good-looking or charming feel like outsiders within the company. And when people don't fit into the dominant group, they tend to act differently, leading to conflicts between different groups within the organization.
There is evidence suggesting that sexualized perceptions influence the way managers treat employees. A 2016 study found that bosses who held biased views towards women tended to give them fewer opportunities for advancement compared to male counterparts. They also rated female employees lower on performance measures even though they worked harder than their male peers. In addition, studies show that managers who perceived women as less capable than men tended to assign them tasks involving manual labor instead of office work. This kind of discrimination can lead to dissatisfaction among both men and women who want equal treatment regardless of gender.
Sexualized perceptions seem to have significant impacts on organizational culture. By creating an environment where some employees are viewed as more valuable than others based on appearance alone, companies risk losing talented workers who don't fit into the mold. As such, organizations should strive to create a level playing field where all employees feel valued regardless of how attractive they might be.
How does sexualized perception modify the psychological contract between employees and organizations?
The perception of being sexually objectified can have significant impact on the psychological contract between employees and organizations, as it creates an imbalance of power that may affect employee motivation and job satisfaction. The way employers perceive their workers' gender identity and appearance influences how they treat them, which can lead to discrimination and harassment. When employees feel undervalued because of their physical attributes, they are less likely to invest effort into their work and be committed to the organization.