Sexual attraction is a powerful force that can have a significant impact on our moral decision-making, workplace conduct, and commitment to our employers. It has been shown that people who experience strong sexual attraction towards their coworkers may be more likely to overlook unethical behavior when it comes from someone they find attractive, which could lead to serious consequences for both themselves and their organization.
Sexual desire can create conflicts between personal and professional loyalties, leading individuals to prioritize one over the other. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in organizations where employees are expected to maintain high standards of ethics and accountability, such as law firms, government agencies, and medical facilities.
One study examined how sexual attraction affects ethical judgment among male police officers. The researchers found that officers who were attracted to female civilians were less likely to report misconduct committed by those women than by males or non-attractive females. In another experiment, participants were asked to judge whether different scenarios involving romantic relationships were acceptable. Those who reported feeling stronger attraction toward their partners tended to be more lenient about engaging in infidelity, lying, and other morally questionable behaviors.
Professional accountability refers to the obligation to act according to established norms and guidelines. When an employee experiences sexual attraction towards their supervisor, boss, or colleague, this can challenge their ability to remain objective and abide by company policies.
If an executive asks an employee to do something illegal or unethical, but also desirable due to physical attraction, the individual may feel conflicted about their choices.
Organizational loyalty involves a commitment to one's employer above all else. Individuals with strong sexual feelings towards coworkers may find it difficult to separate their personal lives from their work responsibilities, which can lead to problems at both levels.
They might neglect their duties while pursuing a relationship with someone they see regularly, or prioritize their partner over the organization's interests.
How does sexual attraction influence ethical judgment, professional accountability, and organizational loyalty?
Sexual attraction can influence all three elements by creating an intense desire for one's partner and heightened feelings of intimacy, which may lead individuals to overlook potential unethical behaviors or violations of professional standards in order to maintain their relationship with that individual. Additionally, this heightened sense of connection may also create strong bonds of loyalty towards one another within organizations, which can be difficult to break if there are conflicts between personal interests and organizational obligations.