Sexual relationships have been found to modify how people perceive, react to, and experience workplace betrayals. When an individual experiences an act of betrayal in their organization, they often feel hurt, angry, and disappointed.
Research suggests that individuals who are involved in a romantic relationship tend to process these feelings differently than those who are not. This difference can be explained through the concept of attachment theory, which states that humans have a need for closeness, intimacy, and security from others. In order to fulfill this need, individuals develop attachments to those around them, including coworkers, supervisors, and managers. When a betrayal occurs, it threatens the attachment, leading to negative emotions such as anxiety, distrust, and fear.
Individuals in sexual relationships may view betrayals more positively due to the presence of physical intimacy between partners. Physical touch, affection, and sex all create a sense of safety and comfort, reducing the psychological impact of betrayal.
Sexual relationships provide a unique level of trust and loyalty, which can help individuals cope with betrayal in the workplace.
If one partner is aware of the other's infidelity but chooses to stay in the relationship, it can reinforce the idea that the relationship is worth saving despite betrayals.
Sexual relationships can also make the consequences of betrayal worse. If both parties are involved in a sexual relationship, a betrayal can have even more far-reaching effects. The loss of trust and intimacy within the relationship can be devastating, leading to feelings of betrayal, guilt, anger, and even depression. Similarly, if only one party is aware of the betrayal, they may feel alone and isolated in their pain, further exacerbating negative emotions.
The emotional impact of organizational betrayal is influenced by many factors, including the nature of the relationship, the severity of the betrayal, and individual personality traits. While sexual relationships can alter these effects, they do not always protect against them. Therefore, it is essential for organizations to promote open communication, trustworthiness, and respect to prevent betrayal from occurring in the first place.
How do sexual relationships alter the emotional consequences of organizational betrayal?
Sexual relationships can amplify the emotional consequences of organizational betrayal as individuals become more invested in their workplace and colleagues when they experience intimacy outside it. Organizational betrayal is characterized by deceitful behavior that violates trust between an individual and his/her organization, such as manipulation, humiliation, and exploitation (Wu & Cheng, 2017).