What is implicit expectation?
Implicit expectations are non-verbalized beliefs about what someone else will do. They can be based on gender roles, social norms, culture, family upbringing, personal experience, media influence, or physical appearance.
If you grew up around women who cooked for their families, you may have an implicit expectation that your wife will also be the main cook. If you grew up watching Western movies where men save damsels in distress, you might have an implicit expectation that men should always protect women. Implicit expectations are often unconscious but still influence behavior. How does sexualization play into this?
When colleagues perceive one another sexually, they create implicit expectations of each other's behavior. Sexual perception is when people see others as potential romantic or sexual partners. When two coworkers interact in a professional setting while feeling sexually attracted to each other, they may assume certain roles or behaviors from the interaction. This can lead to feelings of awkwardness, confusion, or even harassment.
If a male manager flirts with his female employee, she may feel pressured to reciprocate or accept his advances. She may also feel confused because he seems to be treating her like a love interest instead of a co-worker. He may also feel pressure to act in ways that reflect masculinity and leadership skills, such as taking charge, making decisions, or speaking more authoritatively. These interactions can affect work performance, job satisfaction, and productivity.
How can we address these issues?
To prevent these situations, it helps to set clear boundaries at work. Companies can implement policies against sexual harassment or discrimination. Managers can train employees on appropriate behavior. Leaders can model respectful conduct towards all employees regardless of gender or appearance. Communication between colleagues can help clarify relationships and intentions.
Companies can promote equality and inclusion by offering equal pay, promotions, and benefits for all workers, regardless of their background or demographics.
What role does sexualized perception play in creating implicit expectations among colleagues?
Sexualization is a common phenomenon in workplaces where people often interact with one another. It involves making assumptions about an individual's romantic or sexual preferences based on their physical appearance or behavior. Sexualization has been found to be a source of implicit expectations between coworkers regarding how they should behave towards each other.