What are the effects of public disclosure of sexual orientation on career trajectories and professional relationships?
Disclosing one's sexual orientation is an important decision that can have significant consequences for both personal and professional life. It involves revealing information about one's romantic, sexual, or attraction preferences to others, which may involve potential risks such as discrimination, harassment, or even violence. In recent years, there has been increased attention towards understanding how sexual orientation impacts career success and interpersonal relationships in various work environments. This essay will explore the research findings regarding the relationship between disclosed sexual orientation and professional outcomes, including job performance, promotions, salary increases, and networking opportunities.
Research Findings
A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that LGBTQ+ individuals who had come out to their coworkers were more likely to experience negative reactions from colleagues, supervisors, and customers compared to those who remained closeted (Gonzaga et al., 2016).
LGBTQ+ individuals reported experiencing decreased access to mentoring and sponsorship opportunities, limited social interactions with coworkers outside of work hours, and exclusion from informal networks within their organizations.
They were less likely to be promoted into leadership positions and received lower salary increases than their heterosexual counterparts. Another study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that LGBTQ+ employees who did not hide their sexual orientation experienced higher levels of burnout and psychological distress due to the stress associated with hiding their identities at work (Griffith & Kane, 2015).
Some studies have found positive effects of disclosing one's sexual orientation on professional relationships. A study conducted by the Williams Institute found that gay men and lesbians who were open about their sexuality were more likely to receive higher performance ratings from supervisors than those who remained closeted (Badgett et al., 2013). The researchers suggested that this was due to a perceived lack of bias among employers towards openly-gay employees, which may lead to increased job satisfaction and motivation for better performance. In addition, a study published in the journal Sex Roles found that LGBTQ+ employees who revealed their sexual orientation to coworkers reported greater feelings of inclusion and belongingness (Kreager & Mottet, 2014). This suggests that disclosure can help create a sense of community and support amongst colleagues.
The current research evidence indicates that public disclosure of sexual orientation has both advantages and disadvantages for career trajectories and professional relationships. While it may bring negative consequences such as discrimination, harassment, and limited opportunities, it can also improve interpersonal connections within an organization.
Individuals must weigh the risks and benefits before deciding whether or not to come out in their workplace, taking into account factors such as organizational culture, industry, and personal goals.
What are the effects of public disclosure of sexual orientation on career trajectories and professional relationships?
In recent years, many studies have been conducted on the effects of public disclosure of sexual orientation on career trajectories and professional relationships. Overall, research has shown that individuals who disclose their sexual orientation may experience both positive and negative consequences depending on various factors such as organizational policies, workplace culture, and individual characteristics.