Sexual connections between coworkers can have both positive and negative effects on professional performance. On the one hand, it allows for increased communication and teamwork among colleagues. On the other hand, it can lead to blurred boundaries between workplace friendships and romantic relationships. This can cause confusion about what is appropriate behavior in the workplace, leading to unethical decision-making. Studies suggest that such "blurring" may be caused by shifting employees' moral judgments in favor of personal attachments, causing them to prioritize their feelings over their ethics.
One study found that participants who had experienced sexual connections with co-workers were more likely to justify unethical actions than those who hadn't.
When presented with an ethical dilemma, they were less likely to report violations or concerns to superiors if they felt personally connected to someone involved in the situation.
They were more likely to engage in unethical behavior themselves, even if they knew it was wrong. The study suggests this phenomenon is due to a shift in moral standards towards favoring personal attachment over adherence to company rules and norms.
Another study found that employees who engaged in workplace romances were more likely to ignore company policies regarding harassment, discrimination, and conflict resolution. They also tended to see these issues as less severe than those without such connections. This indicates a shift from company values towards personal values, where employees are more concerned with preserving their relationships than upholding company standards.
Some argue that these findings don't necessarily mean sexual connections are inherently negative. They note that healthy, consensual relationships among colleagues can lead to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and creativity. They argue that companies should focus on creating a culture of respect and open communication, rather than simply prohibiting any type of relationship between coworkers.
They point out that studies focusing exclusively on problematic relationships may miss the positive aspects of professional romance.
How do sexual connections distort ethical standards by shifting employees' moral judgments in favor of personal attachments?
Sexual connections can distort ethical standards by influencing employees' moral judgments due to their close relationships with others. This is because people tend to overlook unethical behavior if it is committed by someone they like, especially when there are sexual ties between them. Close emotional bonds make individuals more likely to rationalize such behaviors as acceptable, and this can lead to serious ethical violations that may damage an organization's reputation and integrity.