Originally published August 15 2005
New study shows why women shouldn’t flirt in the office
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A new study has shown that women who flirt during work time receive fewer bonuses and raises.
In the first study to make plain the negative consequences of such behavior, 49% of 164 female MBA graduates said in a survey that they have tried to advance in their careers by sometimes engaging in at least one of 10 sexual behaviors, including crossing their legs provocatively or leaning over a table to let men look down their shirts.
The other half said they never engaged in such activity, and those women have earned an average of three promotions, vs. two for the group that had employed sexuality.
After searching managerial literature, Tulane professor Arthur Brief and colleagues Suzanne Chan-Serafin, Jill Bradley and Marla Watkins found no evidence showing such behavior to be effective or ineffective.
This study is ground-breaking, he said, probably because the topic of workplace sexuality is considered taboo.
Such statements are not unchallenged, and Dianne Durkin, president of management consulting firm Loyalty Factor, says any unprofessional behavior is detrimental to a career.
Brief said the study goes so far as to suggest that women should even be careful about letting men open doors or lift boxes that aren't particularly heavy, because chivalry is "benevolent sexism" that advances the stereotype that women are vulnerable and weak.
"Our story is really a feminist story, because we argue that there are negative consequences for women who use sexuality in the workplace," Brief says.
But Durkin says the pendulum can swing too far, and she praises men for opening doors, says hugs between longtime business friends are OK, and is happy that more feminine attire has replaced the female suit and tie.
Women need to be aware that when they say "It's a nice day," men will often conclude "She wants me," Benton says.
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