As social creatures, humans are naturally drawn to physical closeness and intimacy. When working together in a team, it is natural for people to form close bonds based on shared experiences, values, and goals.
There are some instances where these bonds can lead to feelings that go beyond just friendship or mutual respect. Sexual relationships within teams can impact how members view each other's authority, trustworthiness, and competence. These perceptions have far-reaching consequences for both the individual and the team as a whole.
Authority
When a member of a team engages in a sexual relationship with another member, it can affect how they perceive their authority. The person who has had a sexual encounter may feel more confident and empowered than before, while the one who did not may feel threatened or inferior. This can create tension and conflict within the group, leading to decreased productivity and morale.
If a leader has a sexual relationship with a subordinate, it can undermine their authority and make them seem unfit to lead. Conversely, if someone lower down in the hierarchy has a sexual relationship with a higher-up, it can be seen as inappropriate and disrespectful.
Trust
Sexual relationships also impact how members of a team view each other's trustworthiness. If two individuals are involved in an affair, it can make others question whether they are reliable or loyal to the team. This lack of trust can create mistrust and suspicion among the rest of the group, leading to damaged relationships and decreased collaboration.
If a team member feels betrayed by a co-worker's infidelity, it can damage their ability to work together effectively.
Competence
Sexual relationships can influence perceptions of competence. When two people on a team become romantically involved, others may see them as less focused on their job duties. They might prioritize personal matters over professional ones, which could lead to missed deadlines or poor performance.
If the relationship ends badly, it can cause animosity between those involved and everyone else on the team. This can have a negative impact on overall productivity and success.
While sexual relationships within teams can provide intimacy and closeness, they can also lead to problems that affect workplace dynamics. It is essential for teams to understand these potential consequences before engaging in such relationships and take steps to mitigate any negative effects. Teams must ensure that all members feel respected and valued regardless of their level of involvement in such affairs.
Can sexual relationships affect perceptions of authority, trustworthiness, and competence in teams?
In teams, it is possible for sexual relationships to affect how members perceive one another's authority, trustworthiness, and competence. The literature on this topic suggests that mixed gender teams tend to have higher levels of competition than same-gender teams due to differences in social norms about appropriate behavior and communication styles (Cannon et al. , 2014).