Sexual relationships have profound impacts on standards of subordination and professional etiquette. In many workplaces, there is an unspoken code of conduct regarding appropriate behavior between co-workers. This code often includes avoiding personal topics such as family life, religion, politics, and romantic relationships.
When coworkers engage in sexual relationships, these boundaries can become blurred and lead to challenges with maintaining a professional environment.
One challenge that arises from sexual relationships in the workplace is the potential for favoritism. If one employee is involved in a relationship with another employee's supervisor, this could create tension and resentment among colleagues who feel that their work is being judged based on their personal lives rather than their job performance. It may also be difficult to separate personal feelings from professional ones, leading to accusations of favoritism or unfair treatment.
If a couple breaks up, it could result in animosity in the office and disrupt productivity.
Another issue is the effect on office morale. When employees witness sexual relationships between their peers, they may feel uncomfortable or even harassed. They may worry about privacy issues or feel like they are being objectified. This can lead to decreased morale, absenteeism, and turnover.
It can create a hostile work environment and damage the company's reputation.
Some companies encourage sexual relationships among employees to boost morale and improve productivity.
This approach can backfire if the relationships do not remain private or if they involve power imbalances.
An older manager dating a younger subordinate could be seen as exploitative or abusive. In addition, it might make some employees feel excluded or uncomfortable.
Sexual relationships in the workplace can have both positive and negative effects on standards of subordination and professional etiquette. Companies must establish clear policies and guidelines to ensure a safe, healthy, and productive work environment for all employees.
What are the effects of sexual relationships on standards of subordination and professional etiquette?
Sexual relationships have several effects on standards of subordination and professional etiquette. It can lead to favoritism, biased treatment, and workplace discrimination. A study by Eagly (1987) showed that men who engaged in intimate relations with their female colleagues were more likely to be favored than those who did not.