Coworker reactions to observing sexual behavior at work

Abstract

PurposeThe goal of the present research is to investigate the association between observing consensual sexual behavior at work (e.g. flirting, joking) and job outcomes – specifically, job satisfaction and turnover intentions.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires were administered about observed consensual sexual behavior and job attitudes in two separate studies of working adults. Participants in Study 1 were 113 workers from 33 workplaces in the Midwestern USA; participants in Study 2 were 242 adults working in a variety of industries.FindingsIn support of the hypotheses, results from Study 1 indicated that employees who observed more sexual behavior at work reported lower job satisfaction. Study 2 replicated this result, but only for female employees. Observed sexual behavior at work was positively related to turnover intentions for both genders.Research limitations/implicationsIn both studies, the research design was cross‐sectional, which prohibits causal inferences about the data. Second, it was not possible to assess whether the observed sexual behavior occurred between friendly peers, married coworkers, or coworkers married to other people – thus it is unclear how this factor is related to employee reactions.Practical implicationsHuman resource managers should consider formulating policies regarding consensual sexual behavior at work to guide managers in handling potentially difficult situations, such as romantic relationships between peers.Originality/valueThis research is the first to explicitly link consensual sexual behavior at work with two specific job attitudes: job satisfaction and turnover intentions.

Retaining Employees Through Anti-Sexual Harassment Practices: Exploring the Mediating Role of Psychological Distress and Employee Engagement

“…Both variables have been widely studied in management research due to their strong relationships with employee performance and turnover decisions (Griffeth et al, ; Meyer, Stanley, Herscovitch, & Topolnytsky, ). Consistent with previous SH research (e.g., Salvaggio, Hopper, & Packell, ; J. H. Williams et al, ; Willness et al, ), we propose that individuals’ perceptions of anti‐SH practices (experiences of SH) will be positively (negatively) related to affective commitment and intentions to stay.…”

Romantic Relationships at Work: Why Love Can Hurt

“…The psychological and structural context of work, such as the norms for sexual behaviour, are more relevant for understanding workplace romance than basic demographic characteristics of employees such as age or gender ratios (Salvaggio et al . ). Research has also found that slow‐paced, traditional and conservative organization cultures (e.g.…”

“…Jobs that are characterized by a sexual simmer (Giuffre and Williams ) or a high level of sexual innuendo and flirtation offer a more hospitable climate for romance: for example, restaurants (Salvaggio et al . ). The psychological and structural context of work, for example the norms for sexual behaviour, are important to understanding the antecedents of workplace romance.…”

“…Little attention has been given to the context in which workplace romances occur (Williams et al 1999), but research has found that they are more likely to occur if the environment is characterized by both men and women being sexualized through flirting, joking and provocative dressing (Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology 2013). The psychological and structural context of work, such as the norms for sexual behaviour, are more relevant for understanding workplace romance than basic demographic characteristics of employees such as age or gender ratios (Salvaggio et al 2011a). Research has also found that slowpaced, traditional and conservative organization cultures (e.g.…”

“…Romance is also more likely in 'hot' workplace climates: those characterized by a hedonistic orientation and a focus on physical attractiveness (Mano and Gabriel 2006), for example spa resorts. Jobs that are characterized by a sexual simmer (Giuffre and Williams 1994) or a high level of sexual innuendo and flirtation offer a more hospitable climate for romance: for example, restaurants (Salvaggio et al 2011a). The psychological and structural context of work, for example the norms for sexual behaviour, are important to understanding the antecedents of workplace romance.…”