In modern workplaces, the phenomenon of "workplace romance" is becoming increasingly common. While it may seem like an innocuous aspect of office life, it actually has significant implications for the organization's power structure and strategy. When two employees are attracted to each other, they often begin to view themselves as equals despite their formal hierarchy, which can lead to confusion and conflict in decision-making processes. In this article, we will explore how mutual sexual attraction between employees unintentionally shifts informal hierarchies and influences strategic objectives.
Shifting Informal Hierarchies
One way that mutual sexual attraction shifts informal hierarchies is through the creation of a sense of entitlement. When two employees are attracted to each other, they may begin to see themselves as having more value than others in the organization. This can create tension and resentment among colleagues who feel excluded or devalued. The result is a shift in the way people interact with each other and a potential disruption of normal communication channels.
If a manager is dating a subordinate, they may be less likely to receive constructive feedback from their team because the relationship creates a feeling of intimacy that makes it difficult for others to provide honest criticism.
Interpreting Strategic Objectives
Another effect of workplace romances is the influence on strategic objectives. When two employees are sexually attracted to one another, they may become focused on pleasing each other rather than the organization's goals. This can cause them to prioritize personal desires over professional ones, leading to poor decisions and missed opportunities.
If a salesperson is pursuing a romantic interest within the company, they may be more likely to cut corners or make risky deals in order to impress their partner. This can harm both the individual and the business as a whole.
Collective Interpretation
Mutual sexual attraction between employees can influence how collectively interpreted strategic objectives are executed. When individuals are preoccupied with their own relationships, they may miss important details about the broader organizational context. This can lead to mistakes, misunderstandings, and failures that have far-reaching consequences.
When employees focus on their personal lives instead of their jobs, they may lose sight of the bigger picture and struggle to see how their actions fit into the larger mission of the organization.
Mutual sexual attraction between employees has significant implications for power structures and decision-making processes in modern workplaces. It can create confusion, resentment, and tension among colleagues, shift informal hierarchies, and distort the interpretation and execution of strategic objectives. Companies should take steps to address these issues by establishing clear policies around workplace dating and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration.
In what ways can mutual sexual attraction between employees unintentionally shift informal hierarchies and influence how strategic objectives are collectively interpreted and executed?
Although not all researchers agree on the exact nature of mutual sexual attraction between employees, there is evidence that it does occur more frequently than previously thought (e. g. , Beltz & Schreurs, 2019). This phenomenon has been associated with various outcomes in organizations, including changes in workplace dynamics and performance (Schneider et al. , 2007; Saguy & Goldberg, 2015).