When it comes to managing employees' tasks and promoting them in an organization, how they perform on their jobs is usually what counts.
Research shows that workplace sexual relationships can also have significant impacts on these crucial decision-making processes. In this article, I will discuss how workplace sexual relationships affect the perceptions of fairness in task allocation and promotion decisions, and offer insights into why this happens.
Perceptions of Fairness in Task Allocation
Task allocation refers to the process of assigning duties to different people within a team or group. It involves ensuring that everyone gets their share of responsibilities based on their abilities and skills. When there are no sexual relationships involved, employers tend to allocate tasks fairly among employees since the main focus is on performance. But when sexual relationships exist between supervisors and subordinates, things become more complicated. Research has shown that such superiors may give preferential treatment to their partners regarding assignments, which leads to unfairness and disgruntlement among other employees.
Promotion Decision Making Processes
The same principle applies to promotion decisions as well. Employees who engage in sexual relationships with their bosses often get promoted faster than those who don't, even if they do not deserve it. This gives rise to feelings of unfairness among non-participating employees since they believe they are being overlooked for positions they would be qualified for otherwise.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Sexual relationships between coworkers affect the dynamics of the entire team because other employees feel resentful about them. They may start viewing their colleagues differently, especially those engaged in the relationship. This can lead to a loss of trust and respect among workers, leading to a decrease in productivity. In addition, such behavior can also create a hostile work environment that discourages collaboration and communication between team members.
Workplace sexual relationships influence perceptions of fairness in task allocation and promotion decisions by favoring participants while creating feelings of unfairness among non-participants. These situations can negatively impact the team's dynamics, causing mistrust, resentment, and decreased productivity. Therefore, employers should ensure that they treat all employees fairly regardless of their relationships status and avoid engaging in any romantic or sexual relationships within the organization to promote a healthy work environment.
How do workplace sexual relationships influence perceptions of fairness in task allocation and promotion decisions?
Sexual relationships at work can have a significant impact on employees' perceptions of fairness in task allocation and promotion decisions. Research shows that individuals who are involved in romantic or intimate relationships with their coworkers may perceive themselves as being more deserving of special treatment or rewards than those who are not, leading them to feel entitled to preferential treatment in areas such as project assignments or salary increases (Murphy & Oswald, 2019).