Abstract
Organizations pride themselves on their creation of rational structures based primarily on a male perspective of interaction. Workers are expected to set aside interpersonal behaviours that do not directly contribute to task performance. As more women enter management, norms concerning appropriate interpersonal relationships at work are undergoing strain. In addition, the phenomenon of mutual sexual attractions between co-workers is demanding attention. This study systematically describes attitudes, attributions and anticipated consequences of mutual sexual attractions at work. Findings suggest that gender stereotypes are significant factors in people's judgments of persons involved in sexual attractions at work.
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Irene Devine is currently professor and Director, School of Administration and Information Management, Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, Toronto. She was formerly Associate Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Administration, Concordia University, Montreal. Her research interests include organizational crisis, and women in organizations. She has recently co-authored a management textbook.
Dorothy Markiewicz is currently Associate Professor, departments of Psychology and Applied Social Science, and Program Director, Centre for Human Relations and Community Studies, Concordia University, Montreal. She was formerly Chairperson. Applied Social Science. Her research interests include sex differences and stereotypes, adult development, and friendship.
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Devine, I., Markiewicz, D. Cross-sex relationships at work and the impact of gender stereotypes. Journal of Business Ethics 9, 333–338 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00380331
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00380331