Women still view sex with a boss as a way to get ahead
Not unlike malt shops, bellbottoms and the integrity of the Emmy Awards, the notion that a woman needs to sleep with her boss to get ahead should be a thing of the past.
This is, after all, a new professional era; one where, though women may not earn as much as men in the workplace, they sure command the same levels of respect.
So why is it, in 2010, that a staggering percentage of executive women participating in a recent survey admitted to having had an affair with a superior?
According to a study conducted by New York’s Center for Work-Life Policy, 15 per cent of currently employed executive women said they’d engaged in sexual relations with a higher-ranking male colleague.
Perhaps more troubling, about 37 per cent of those same women surveyed said they still believed such affairs would pay off with promotions and other work-related perks.
The full study’s results aren’t expected out till this fall, the Star reports, but a few choice findings were leaked ahead of time – and in the wake of a notorious, topical workplace sex scandal.
As you no doubt heard, Hewlett-Packard CEO Mark Hurd was forced to resign earlier this month when it was revealed he’d engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with Jodie Fisher, an ex-reality TV star who has also done some work in softcore porn.
But Fisher, it was later revealed, was also a contractor of some form for HP, and she received “numerous inappropriate payments from the company” in her time with the computer giant.
Because of Fisher’s professional ties with HP, the Hurd scandal has done little to help the perception of women in the workplace, the Center for Work-Life Policy’s survey suggests.
Now, notes the Center’s president, fewer male business leaders are likely to take ambitious female execs under their wing for fear of a sexual dalliance, or more accurately, the appearance that one is taking place.
What do our readers think of these findings?
Are these survey results unnecessarily negative towards women, or is this an accurate representation of the modern female executive?
By Jason Buckland, MSN Money
Posted by: a person | Aug 30, 2021 7:58:15 PM
sex is a manipulative tool that many women consciously use to their advantage.
it will be interesting to see if the results of said survey back up the age-old "i felt i had to, because he was my boss" (he used me) AS WELL AS "i felt i had to, because of my relationship with her" (she used me).
Posted by: one more thought | Aug 31, 2021 9:49:29 AM
I find it interesting (or not) that this article takes the "side" of the female. It points out that Miss Fisher received "inappropriate" payments. Another way to look at this, Miss Fisher was willing to take these payments. Somehow the male is always to blame. Interesting.
Yes, "inappropriate" things still happen in the workplace. Who says it's inappropriate though?
Posted by: Me | Aug 31, 2021 11:07:51 AM
In theory, blackmail and extortion are illegal, yet in the business world and divorce courts milliions of young women learn that it is how all 'successful' women get ahead. Three cheers for equality legislation!
Posted by: John | Aug 31, 2021 11:11:50 AM
Unscrupulous women don’t even have to have a physical sexual relationship with higher ups. All they have to do is flirt and the first time the flirting is reciprocated they threaten sexual harassment.
Posted by: mj | Aug 31, 2021 11:18:57 AM
Yep, my mother used to work with a woman who had a grade 9 education. She told Mom: I'll do whaterever it takes to get ahead. So she had an affair with the guy from head office. Shortly after the manager of Mom's office retired, guess who got that job? Yep, it works.
Posted by: don | Aug 31, 2021 12:20:29 PM
There is fault on both sides here. It takes two...... Although I dont agree with women using their feminine wiles the men are just as guilty if not more so. How do they justify promoting these women? Giving promotions for this type of behaviour just ensures it continues. The behaviour would not continue to occur if it did not work. If this is happening in your workplace and a woman wants a promotion then in order to be considered for one they have to play this game too? I guess they can just go wothout any recognition or promotion so they can be morally clean for a boss that isnt? What is the problem with these men saying no and taking care of their business instead of their own gratification? Who is the position of power here?
Posted by: Hasan Abedi | Aug 31, 2021 1:16:38 PM
Let's focus on question:
Are these survey results unnecessarily negative towards women, or is this an accurate representation of the modern female executive?
No, the results are not unnecessarily negative towards women.
This seem pretty accurate conservatively, the 15%.
"15 per cent of currently employed executive women said they’d engaged in sexual relations with a higher-ranking male colleague."
The actual percentage or aggressive assumption could be 20 to 25%.
It would be nice to know or to differentiate as what % married woman Vs. Single women have had this kind of affair.
Hasan
Posted by: Ali Habib | Aug 31, 2021 1:22:07 PM
Let's face facts; A women can go to a bar and walk out 5 minutes later with a man for sexual purposes. A man, may not be able to complete this task in several visits. Men know this so when a women presents herself it makes it that more enticing. These girls who are getting ahead this way are geniuses because they know it works with men who just want to get a head.
Posted by: A | Aug 31, 2021 1:59:33 PM
Hasan...if these results, according to you are not unnecessarily negative towards women...then why are you asking if they are single or married? What does it matter? Do you want more negativity towards women?
Don...these men want their own gratification and their own business. They figure why can't they have both? Then yes, the woman can and sometimes does assume the position of power. Makes a person think, doesn't it?
Posted by: misso | Aug 31, 2021 2:08:40 PM
1. ambitious woman should sleep with the entire management team.
2. management team should call a management meeting and evaluate/ asses ambitious woman
3. the management team should cast vote upon ambitious woman
4. once ambitious woman passes she should be promoted accordingly.
5. the senior vp should post / distribute a memo explaining to employees how this ambitious woman got the promotion.
6. then the transparency policy of the company remains intact therefore aware employees return to their cubicles.
Posted by: misso | Aug 31, 2021 2:18:41 PM
addendum:
throughout the ages ambitious women have been performing one job only; the rest were divertions.
Posted by: Frank P. | Aug 31, 2021 4:04:20 PM
I recently bought a business that had mostly women employees. Within a week I had a couple "ambitious" employees start with the flirting, and sexual innuendos even though I am old enough to be their parent. One of them persisited with "accidental" unappropriate touching or rubbing during walk by's. I resisted for a long time but I did finally give in. Am I to blame or am I a victim? I know that they say this is a man's world but I doubt that it is....
Posted by: Ron Joseph | Aug 31, 2021 5:36:43 PM
I am sure this is gonna get all the 'liberal' crowd really steamed, but here goes anyway!
Most women even in North America will try anything to get a roof over their heads, a guy to bring home the bacon. Sheesh, in the third world what choice do they have? In North America, Europe and down under why would it be any different in the workplace? Look at the women that flock to sports figures, the ones with ludicrous incomes anyway. How about the women that will do anything for their local crack dealer? How about the women that surround the bike gangs? All of it is for perks they would have to work for like all the rest of us, its just easier this way.
lol, u should've seen what the image code for passing this comments security was! maybe a story could get written over 'inaproriate' coincidences. It was f*U*K* jqp. this is too funny, just like the Gynecologist who was arrested last year for 'inapropriate' touching. His name? Molesti !!! I kid you not.
Posted by: diane10 | Aug 31, 2021 6:41:00 PM
If fewer male business leaders are afraid to have female execs working near them, it just proves the age-old adage "men can't keep their peckers in their pants". Yes, I think it is wrong to use sex to get ahead in a work place. However it takes two to tango as they say. Why can't men just simply say NO instead of constantly blaming the woman. And then I would file a harrassment charge and get her fired. On the other side there are many more men in higher up positions that get into "one night stands" or affairs with women working under them. Often these women are afraid to say NO because they fear they may lose their job. As long as it's two CONSENTING adults with no cohersion - overt or subtle - I don't see the problem.
Posted by: Leah | Aug 31, 2021 7:11:46 PM
The solution to this is plain and simple: If you want to sell your body or have sex in exchange for money, then work as a prostitute, stripper, or porn star like Ms. Fisher. No one would complain.
Of course the woman might get hired and probably get promotions, but how pathetic are you of a person to have to depend on sex and selling yourself for money? The reason businessmen etc. and men of wealth pay is because they can. They have the money and don't mind spending it, plus if they want some, then any easy woman who hops along can give them some. It doesn't mean the woman will get respect that way. It actually puts the man at a much more powerful position and boosts his ego, because he figures he's rich and can get laid. Women, on the other hand have always been confused trying to earn respect and don't seem to know the definition of it. All I can say is that sex and similar jobs can easily get a woman money, but isn't a woman like that still going to be viewed as "EASY" and a "SLUT"? So what's the point. If you want RESPECT, that's NOT how you get it. Period. A man would respect a woman MUCH more if she respected herself and kept her legs closed--and if she's good at what she does and likable, she can get paid EVEN MORE, because the respect is THERE as well. That's just how our society works. And, that's why it's still a man's world and will always be, as long as women dress like skanks and sleep around and still expect to get "respected". Yeah right. Good Luck. No sense of morals whatsoever--for both parties (men and women). And ironically, men still get paid MORE anyways. I wonder why... Hmmm...
Posted by: Joe | Aug 31, 2021 10:42:14 PM
I think this article unfairly blames men and doesn't make the women take any blame. I once heard of a case where a woman gave her boss a bj and then tried to file a sexual harassment case against him saying he forced her to do it. If you're going to claim sexual harassment, I think you could've done it without giving the bj. Yes, men like to sleep with women, especially attractive women. Women like men who can take care of them financially, ie men who may be their bosses. Put the two together and you get "inappropriate behaviour"!
Posted by: Jimmy | Sep 1, 2021 11:44:16 AM
Agree with Joe, you cannot blame men only. Women need more sex than men, Women even hire men for sexual encounters ( Read book 'gigolos '). So if they are using sex for promotions, its not strange. I think the percentage will be more than 15%. It will be interesting to know how many married and single are doing the trick for getting high up the ladder. Sorry ladies no offense!!
Posted by: Eleanor | Sep 1, 2021 4:48:36 PM
I agree that it is completely wrong and sad that some women still feel the need to sleep with their superiors in order to get ahead. But as someone already said, there's fault on both sides. While these female execs should stave off solicitations and consider if any promotion garnered this way is a true reflection of their worth, these men also need to exercise a little self-restraint. Everyone is bombarded with temptations on a daily basis; depending on your education, your upbringing, your responsibilties and your position of power, it is *your* responsibility to refrain. Fine, so guys have a harder time finding an easy lay; I don't care what your excuses are -- make a date with your right hand if you must -- but when you take on a managerial or exec position, the workplace is *not* the place to find one, no matter how easy. What's more, the men trip a second time when they exchange a promotion/benefits (purely work-related) for the sex (purely personal). I can understand sexual tension in the workplace (though it's still no excuse in my opinion), but the act of giving the benefit is now a conscious decision, and as another blogger pointed out, one that furthers this vicious cycle.
So yes, some women use truly inappropriate means of attaining their positions, but these men have some serious disregard for what their own status requires of them.
I think these surveys are necessary. Yes, they throw a negative light on the people involved (and I would argue on *both* sides, not just women), but if it's the truth, it needs to be made known. I would be more interested to hear *why* some of these women still feel it is necessary to sleep to get ahead. Is it as simple as just wanting an easy way out, or are there perhaps some systematic issues that can be dealt with-- and I think that is the true value of such a survey. It is a shame that some male execs are less inclined to mentor ambitious females as a result. There are many who work really hard to try to get to where they would like to go without resorting to underhanded means. I would agree however, that for the sake of public image, males do really have the short end of the stick when it comes to sexual harassment *allegations*.
Posted by: mark | Sep 1, 2021 9:42:10 PM
interesting survey,,best secrets are unsaid so i would think this activity is more prevelant than the survey suggests,,after all prostition is considered the earhs oldest profession,sorry about spelling,than theiviery r robbery,,and a co-worker can really clean u out when they know the bottom line profits and what expenses you can rack-up as a write off,,love r shall i say lust has cost many men their life savings and business,,trophy wives usually are gold diggers that wont even drive you to the clinic if you got chest painsso buyer beware is a safe motto,,if it floats, f/////, or flies lease it as it is probably safer and cheaper in the long run,,i learned from the other guys mistakes,,so b it..its knot too late..just love my attorney who said :thats when the knives come out
Posted by: Bryan | Sep 2, 2021 11:52:06 AM
This is for diane10. Don't you understand that, it is between consenting adults? The problem is that as soon as the guy she was with has to use his position of authority to make a business decision that isn't in her favor, she changes her tune about how consenting the affair was. And it happens like this all the time, and it's not fair to men who are under the impression that the girl is interested in him for him. Every single woman that does this is a whore, just selling their body for sex. Selling it for a promotion, a raise, a bonus...Something, anything to get ahead, instead of just doing it because they enjoy sex or are interested in the guy. And then when it doesn't work out to their advantage they have the guy fired for harrassment so they can move on to the next guy with a good postion.