Sexual relationships are often viewed as taboo topics in workplaces around the world, but they have been shown to impact how team members interact and behave. Research shows that these interactions can lead to the formation of informal hierarchies and covert power networks within professional teams.
Informal hierarchies refer to social structures where some team members hold more power than others, even though their formal job titles may be equal. These structures are not officially recognized or acknowledged, making them difficult to identify. Covert power networks refer to behind-the-scenes agreements between individuals who share secrets and influence each other's actions. They can include anything from shared gossip to secret deals.
How do these dynamics develop? One possible explanation is the concept of "social exchange theory." This theory posits that people make decisions about whether to interact based on what they expect to gain from the interaction. In the context of sexual relationships, this could mean that employees engage in sexual activity with one another in order to obtain rewards such as promotions or favorable treatment. If one employee is involved in multiple sexual relationships with different team members, they may begin to feel obligated to grant special favors or advantages to those partners.
This can create an informal hierarchy within the team.
Another factor that can contribute to the development of informal hierarchies and covert power networks is the phenomenon known as "mate poaching." Mate poaching occurs when a person pursues a partner who is already in a relationship with someone else. In a work setting, mate poaching can happen when two coworkers become romantically involved and then continue dating after one of them leaves the company. The remaining partner may feel like they have lost status within the organization because they no longer have access to both potential mates. This can lead to feelings of jealousy, resentment, and competition among colleagues, which can further exacerbate existing power imbalances.
In addition to impacting team dynamics, sexual relationships can also affect job performance. Employees who are distracted by their personal lives may struggle to focus on their work tasks, leading to lower productivity and reduced efficiency.
The knowledge that other team members are engaged in sexual activities may create discomfort for some individuals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their jobs.
Sexual relationships can have significant effects on professional teams, both positively and negatively. Teams must be aware of these impacts and take steps to ensure that all employees feel comfortable and supported regardless of their personal choices.
How do sexual relationships influence the development of informal hierarchies and covert power networks within professional teams?
Informal hierarchies and covert power networks can develop within professional teams due to sexual relationships between team members. These hierarchies may be based on factors such as favoritism, intimidation, and coercion, which are often present when there is an imbalance of power between individuals.