What role does flirting play in strategic interactions at work? Who does it, what motivates it, and what are its consequences? How does it relate to sexual harassment?
Laura’s research investigates the intricate relationship between social sexual behavior and workplace dynamics, focusing on behaviors that contain sexual elements but are unrelated to professional tasks. By examining how gender and power intersect in mixed-sex, one-on-one strategic interactions, her work provides valuable insights for organizations and individuals working to create safer, more professional workplace environments.
The research reveals nuanced findings about “feminine charm,” an impression management strategy that blends friendliness with flirtation. When employed by women negotiators in single-encounter negotiations with male strangers, this approach can yield economic benefits by effectively communicating women’s commitment to their own interests. Moreover, in mixed-sex negotiations involving both cooperative and competitive elements, feminine charm can facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes, suggesting that certain forms of strategic social behavior can serve productive purposes.
A significant factor in workplace social sexual behavior is self-identity. Individuals who consider themselves “flirts” demonstrate a greater propensity to employ social sexual behavior when pursuing personal objectives. This tendency manifests differently across gender lines, with men more readily embracing a flirtatious identity than women. Particularly noteworthy is how this behavior pattern intensifies when men occupy subordinate positions relative to female superiors. In such scenarios, men’s flirtatious behavior appears to function as a power-reclamation strategy, as observers perceive flirtatious low-power men as more powerful than their actual organizational position would suggest.
The research provides crucial insights into the psychology of sexual harassment, highlighting several key findings that challenge common assumptions. Contrary to popular belief, sexual attraction rarely drives harassment; instead, the desire for power serves as a primary motivator and warning sign. The research also dispels the stereotype that low-power women use sexuality to compensate for their organizational status, finding no evidence to support this assumption. Importantly, while harassers may be perceived as powerful, their behavior often stems from feelings of powerlessness, suggesting that addressing underlying power insecurities could be crucial in preventing harassment.
Gender identity plays a particularly significant role in workplace social sexual dynamics. The research demonstrates that men’s responses to workplace flirtation are strongly influenced by their sense of masculine identity. Because masculinity is often viewed as a precarious social status requiring constant reaffirmation, men whose sense of manhood feels threatened show increased receptivity to flirtatious behavior from attractive female colleagues. This vulnerability can lead to problematic workplace behaviors as men seek to reinforce their masculine identity.
The findings point toward several practical recommendations for reducing sexual harassment in professional settings. Organizations should focus on building genuine professional relationships rather than allowing power dynamics to dominate workplace interactions. Individual workers should be cautious about rationalizing potentially inappropriate behavior as “playful” and should actively seek feedback when uncertain about the appropriateness of their actions. The research suggests that creating workplace cultures that emphasize relationship-building over power dynamics could help reduce instances of sexual harassment.
These insights collectively demonstrate how social sexual behavior in the workplace operates within a complex web of power dynamics, gender identity, and organizational hierarchy. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote professional behavior and prevent sexual harassment while acknowledging the legitimate role of positive professional relationships in workplace success. The research underscores the importance of moving beyond simplistic explanations of workplace sexual behavior to address the underlying psychological and social factors that shape these interactions.
