Sexual favoritism is an issue that has been present in organizations for many years, but it has become more prevalent since the MeToo movement. It occurs when managers give preferential treatment to certain individuals based on their gender, race, age, or any other personal characteristic. This can have negative consequences on employee performance and job satisfaction. In this article, I will explore how the perception of a psychological contract between an employee and his/her organization is affected by sexual favoritism.
The term "psychological contract" refers to the implicit agreement between an employer and an employee regarding mutual expectations, obligations, and benefits. When employees feel that they are being treated unfairly due to sexual favoritism, it creates a feeling of betrayal and distrust. They may start to question whether their hard work is actually valued and appreciated. As a result, they might become less motivated to perform well and could even leave the company altogether.
When some employees receive special privileges while others do not, resentment and hostility can build up, leading to increased conflict within the team.
Sexual favoritism can also impact the level of trust between employees and supervisors. Employees who perceive favoritism as a problem may withdraw from their manager, avoiding communication and collaboration. This can lead to a lack of information sharing and decrease in overall productivity.
Employees who feel like they are not receiving fair treatment may be less likely to ask questions or seek help from their managers, which could negatively affect the quality of their work.
Sexual favoritism has significant implications for the psychological contract between an employee and an organization. It undermines trust, damages morale, and decreases productivity. Organizations must take steps to address this issue by creating clear policies and procedures that promote equality and fairness. By doing so, they can create a more positive work environment where all employees feel valued and supported.
How does the presence of sexual favoritism impact the psychological contract employees perceive with the organization?
Sexual favoritism can lead to a situation where some employees feel that they are treated unfairly, leading them to lose trust and faith in their employer. This can negatively impact their perception of the psychological contract between themselves and the organization. The psychological contract refers to an unwritten set of expectations that employees have regarding their employment, such as job security, fair treatment, recognition for hard work, and career advancement opportunities.