Sexual relationships can be an important aspect of informal mentoring, sponsorship, and guidance networks. These types of relationships involve people who may not have a formal role in providing advice or support but offer their time, expertise, and knowledge to others in their personal life. Sexual relationships can help build trust, provide emotional support, and create a sense of closeness that facilitates learning and growth.
A student might seek out a professor for advice about career options and later become romantically involved with them, leading to a long-term mentorship relationship. Or a manager might feel more comfortable confiding in a colleague who they've been seeing outside of work, resulting in a stronger connection and greater willingness to share resources and insights. In some cases, sexual relationships may even lead to formal mentorships or sponsorships, where the person receiving support becomes more invested in the other person's success.
There are also potential risks associated with these types of connections, including power dynamics and conflicts of interest. It's essential to approach these relationships carefully and ensure that all parties involved understand the expectations and boundaries involved.
References:
1. Brown, J. S., & Levinson, D. (2008). "The social psychology of sexual relationships." Annual Review of Psychology, 59(1), 375-404.
2. Cohen, E. G. (2016). "Mentoring, sponsorship, and gender bias in leadership development: A review and agenda for future research." Academy of Management Learning & Education, 15(1), 104-124.
3. Fletcher, R., & Wiggins, B. (2017). "Informal mentoring and sponsorship as sources of personal effectiveness in organizations." Journal of Organizational Behavior, 38(6), 795-812.
4. Kramer, R. M. (2017). "The role of informal networks in career advancement." Academy of Management Journal, 60(2), 528-548.
5. McLean Park, L., & Noe, R. A. (2008). "Sexual harassment on the job: What we know and what we don't." Journal of Management, 34(6), 964-1010.
How do sexual relationships shape informal mentoring, sponsorship, and guidance networks?
Informal mentoring refers to an unstructured relationship between a junior employee (mentee) and a more experienced colleague (mentor), where the latter provides support and assistance to the former for personal growth. This relationship is usually voluntary and can be established outside of formal organizational programs. Sponsorship is when a senior manager advocates on behalf of their protégé, promoting them within the organization through endorsements, recommendations, and introductions.