Sexualization refers to the process of making something appear more sexual than it really is. It may involve physical appearance, dress, posture, gestures, language, tone of voice, facial expression, touching, eye contact, personal space, proximity, body movement, gaze, attention, conversation topics, etc. Sexualized perception affects how people perceive others, themselves, situations, events, and social interactions. It can influence their behavioral tendencies and moral decision-making. This article explores how employees' perception of sex shapes their ethical decisions and actions in the workplace.
When sexual desires are activated, people tend to be less rational and reasonable. They become more emotional, impulsive, aggressive, and short-term oriented.
They might engage in unethical behaviors like stealing or lying if it helps them achieve their immediate goals.
Sexual attraction and arousal alter cognitive processes such as attention and memory. This makes it harder for individuals to think clearly about the consequences of their actions or the morality of a situation.
Sexualized perception influences people's interpretation of social cues. People often misread nonverbal signals, assuming others have an interest when they don't, leading to confusion, frustration, and conflict. In the workplace, this can lead to harassment, discrimination, assault, or retaliation claims. Employees who feel objectified, threatened, exploited, or violated may act out emotionally, disruptively, or legally.
Sexualization affects relationships by creating power dynamics and dependencies. Those with greater power or control over others (like managers) may use sexual pressure or coercion to manipulate subordinates. Victims may feel compelled to maintain professionalism or fear losing employment opportunities. They may also experience guilt, shame, anxiety, self-blame, or depression, which reduces productivity and wellbeing.
Employees who perceive themselves or others sexually may engage in risky behavior.
They might ignore safety protocols or take shortcuts that jeopardize physical or financial security. They may also break company policies, laws, or ethics codes to pursue personal gain at the expense of colleagues or shareholders. Therefore, companies must educate employees on appropriate conduct and provide support for those facing harassment or abuse.
Sexualization shapes how employees perceive and respond to situations, decisions, and interactions. It influences their ethical decision-making, moral reasoning, and behavior. Companies should prioritize a safe, respectful, inclusive environment where employees can express themselves freely without judgment or punishment. By doing so, businesses can maximize employee satisfaction, efficiency, and success.
How does sexualized perception shape employees' ethical decision-making, moral reasoning, and behavior?
Sexualized perception can influence employees' ethical decision-making, moral reasoning, and behavior in different ways. Firstly, it can lead to cognitive dissonance wherein individuals may experience conflicting thoughts and beliefs about their actions, which affects their ability to make sound judgments (Harris & Fiske, 2015).