Sexual favoritism is an unethical practice that refers to unequal treatment based on one's gender or sexual orientation. It often results from subjective attitudes towards people of different genders or sexual preferences. In workplaces, this behavior may be subtle or blatant. The victims are often women because they tend to have fewer resources compared to their male counterparts. This essay examines how perceived sexual favoritism impacts long-term emotional resilience among employees who feel disadvantaged due to it.
Sexual favoritism can take many forms.
When leaders promote individuals based on their personal connections rather than their qualifications or potential contributions to the organization. It also includes giving more responsibility to those who share similar interests as the leader or rewarding them for fulfilling certain stereotypes.
Managers engage in sexual favoritism if they choose subordinates to date or sleep with them. The consequences of sexual favoritism can be significant, especially in the workplace. Victims experience feelings of rejection, anger, sadness, frustration, low self-esteem, and depression. They become less motivated and productive at work, which negatively affects their career prospects. Consequently, they suffer financially, emotionally, and psychologically.
When individuals perceive themselves as being treated unfairly, they develop negative coping mechanisms such as rumination, avoidance, externalization, or catastrophizing. These strategies make them mentally unstable and unable to deal with stressors effectively. Sexually discriminated workers may also become aggressive or hostile toward colleagues, superiors, and other groups.
These negative behaviors destroy relationships within the company, making it difficult to perform well at work. On the other hand, people who accept their situation tend to have higher resilience levels since they do not dwell on past experiences. This way, they are better equipped to handle future challenges positively.
The best solution is to create an equal and fair environment where everyone has a chance to excel regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Leaders should train themselves to be impartial and treat all employees equally. Managers must resist the temptation to promote people based on personal connections.
Leaders need to hold each employee accountable for their actions, irrespective of their sex or sexuality. Acknowledging past wrongdoings will help victims heal and move forward. It's essential to take action against inappropriate behavior immediately when it happens. Employees can benefit from counseling services that teach them how to manage difficult emotions without harming others. Lastly, organizations must provide training programs on ethical leadership practices to prevent sexual favoritism.
How does the perception of sexual favoritism impact long-term emotional resilience of employees who feel disadvantaged?
The experience of feeling sexually discriminated against has been shown to have a significant impact on the overall well-being and emotional resilience of employees over time. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that individuals who perceived themselves as being unfairly treated due to their gender were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem than those who did not experience any form of discrimination.