Sexualization is an important factor that influences people's behavioral patterns, especially in social settings such as workplaces. It refers to the creation or exploitation of situations, products, images, performances, and events that have an erotic character or exude sexuality. Sexualization may involve nonverbal communication through body language, physical contact, voice tone, clothing style, and many other factors. Sexualized behaviors can be considered unprofessional in a professional setting where employees are expected to remain focused on their tasks rather than indulge in flirtation or romantic relations. This paper explores how sexualized behaviors affect employee commitment and loyalty to organizations.
The impact of sexualized behaviors on organizational commitment can be evaluated based on three dimensions: attitudinal, normative, and continuance. Attitudinal commitment measures how much an employee identifies with the organization and its values, while normative commitment reflects his/her perception of external pressures for staying within the company. Continuance commitment relates to the perceived costs of leaving one job for another and is mainly influenced by financial considerations. Studies suggest that sexual harassment leads to high turnover rates among victims and contributes significantly to low morale.
It has been found that women who experience sexual harassment at work are more likely to leave their jobs than those who do not. A survey of 301 participants showed that 26% had experienced sexual harassment and of these, 40% left their jobs due to the unwanted advances. Another study indicated that sexualized behavior creates a hostile environment and reduces productivity.
There is no clear evidence linking sexualization to organizational commitment.
Sexualized behavior also influences organizational loyalty, but this relationship is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, employers may encourage sexualized relationships between employees as part of team building efforts aimed at promoting cohesion and motivation. In such cases, employees may feel committed to the organization because they have developed a sense of belonging through intimacy. Conversely, sexualized behaviors can lead to favoritism, leading to resentment and decreased loyalty among non-sexually involved coworkers.
If managers promote employees based on personal attraction rather than merit, others may view them unfavorably, resulting in lower levels of loyalty. Another factor affecting organizational loyalty is whether or not an employee considers his/her supervisor romantically attractive. Research shows that having a crush on your boss can be distracting and negatively impact performance. Moreover, some individuals may feel uncomfortable working with their colleagues after discovering they have romantic interests. These factors may contribute to lower job satisfaction and reduced loyalty to the company.
Sexualized behaviors can have negative consequences for employee commitment and loyalty to organizations. While some companies may use sexuality as a tool for fostering closeness, it should never become the only criterion for promotion or recognition. Instead, employees should focus on developing strong work ethics and competencies, which are more likely to result in long-term success. Organizations must strive to create a healthy and supportive environment where all staff members feel valued and respected regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. This will help minimize instances of sexual harassment and enhance productivity while promoting professionalism and trust.
To what degree do sexualized behaviors impact employee commitment and organizational loyalty?
Sexual behavior can have a significant effect on employee commitment and organizational loyalty. When employees feel sexually harassed or discriminated against at work, they may experience decreased job satisfaction, lower levels of engagement, and increased intentions to leave their current employer. Sexual harassment can also lead to legal action being taken against an organization, which can result in high costs and damage its reputation.