Sexualization is the act of portraying or representing sexual behavior in an exaggerated way for entertainment or commercial purposes. It can be seen in advertising, television shows, movies, music videos, video games, social media posts, and even in some jobs. Sexualization has become so prevalent that it is now part of our everyday lives. It has changed how we view sex and how we interact with others, which can lead to unethical behaviors such as harassment, discrimination, and abuse. The question remains, how does sexualized perception affect ethical decision-making, adherence to professional standards, and organizational integrity?
Effects on Ethical Decision Making
When people are exposed to sexualized images, they may begin to perceive sexuality as something that should be used to get ahead in their career. They may think that being sexy will make them more successful or popular at work, which can lead to unethical decisions like taking advantage of subordinates or accepting bribes from clients. This can create an environment where employees feel pressured to engage in sexual activities, even if they do not want to, which could lead to legal issues.
A male employee who receives sexual advances from his female boss may be afraid to say no because he thinks she might fire him if he doesn't comply. He may also believe that his job security depends on keeping her happy, so he agrees to go along with her requests despite feeling uncomfortable.
Adherence to Professional Standards
Sexualization can also impact adherence to professional standards by blurring the lines between personal life and work life. When employees feel pressure to dress or act sexy at work, they may start to see their jobs as a means to achieve social status rather than as a way to provide services for customers or clients. They may become less focused on doing their jobs well and more interested in impressing others through physical appearance or behavior. This can lead to poor quality work, missed deadlines, and other problems that could damage the company's reputation and bottom line.
When employees feel objectified at work, they may become more likely to break other ethical guidelines, such as stealing supplies or lying about their qualifications.
Organizational Integrity
Sexualized perception can affect organizational integrity by creating a culture of fear and secrecy. Employees who feel uncomfortable talking about sex-related issues may avoid reporting harassment or discrimination out of fear that they will be labeled as "difficult" or "prudish." They may even stay quiet if they witness illegal activities like embezzlement or fraud. Managers who engage in sexual misconduct may cover it up by firing whistleblowers or blackballing them from future employment opportunities. As a result, companies lose valuable talent while those responsible for wrongdoing go unpunished.
This undermines trust within the organization, which is essential for long-term success.
Sexualization has many negative effects on how we think about ethics, professionalism, and honesty in the workplace. It encourages employees to prioritize their personal desires over professional standards, leading to decreased productivity and increased risk of legal liability. Companies must take steps to address these issues proactively before they spiral out of control, including implementing policies against sexual harassment, providing training on appropriate behavior, and promoting a diverse, inclusive culture where all employees feel comfortable speaking up.
How does sexualized perception affect ethical decision-making, adherence to professional standards, and organizational integrity?
It is undeniable that the phenomenon of sexualization influences various elements of human behavior such as cognition, perception, emotion, motivation, and action (Fredrickson & Haselton, 2009). Sexualized perception can lead to a range of negative outcomes both at individual and group levels including unethical decisions, lowered professional standards, and compromised integrity of organizations.