Sexualization refers to the act of making something sexual or relating it to sexual activity. Sexualization can occur in many different contexts, including advertising, movies, television shows, video games, music videos, and social media posts. When an object or idea is sexualized, it becomes associated with sex, even if there was no intention for it to be so.
A product that is marketed towards men often features scantily clad women to sell the product because men are assumed to respond positively to seeing attractive females. Similarly, songs with suggestive lyrics or suggestive visuals are popular among young adults who may not fully understand what they mean yet still find them appealing due to their suggestive nature. These types of messages are prevalent in today's culture and have a profound effect on employee risk tolerance and decision-making behavior. Research has shown that exposure to sexualized messages leads individuals to engage in risky behaviors such as gambling, substance abuse, and unprotected sex. This phenomenon is called "risk taking" and occurs when people take unnecessary risks without considering the potential consequences of their actions. Risks can include anything from speeding while driving to having unprotected sex with multiple partners. Individuals exposed to sexualized messages are more likely to engage in these types of activities than those who do not experience this type of messaging. The psychological process behind risk taking begins with an increase in arousal levels. Arousal is a state where someone feels excited, energized, or alert. It can also cause someone to feel anxious or fearful. Sexualization triggers these emotions by stimulating certain areas of the brain associated with reward seeking behaviors. As arousal increases, so does one's willingness to take chances; this is known as the Yerkes-Dodson law of performance. In other words, too little stimulation will lead to boredom, but too much stimulation can overwhelm the individual, leading to anxiety and stress. When faced with high levels of arousal, individuals seek out ways to reduce it, including risky behaviors. Risk-taking is often viewed positively because it provides a thrill or excitement, which reduces anxiety and tension.
It is important to note that not all risks lead to positive outcomes. Some may result in serious injuries or even death. Therefore, understanding how sexualized messages affect employee decision-making behavior is crucial for employers and managers alike.
If a company has strict policies against employees engaging in risky behavior on social media (e.g., posting nude pictures), then they should consider implementing additional measures to prevent such actions from occurring.
How does sexualized perception affect employee risk tolerance and decision-making behavior?
Sexualized perception is defined as an individual's tendency to perceive things that are not related to sex, such as workplace scenarios, with sexual undertones. It can lead to distorted judgement and impaired ability to make decisions and assess risks accurately.