Abstract
The current study explored the dynamics of sexuality that are embodied in secretaries’ work experiences. The study found that sexuality infused the process for recruitment, selection, and personnel development in organisations, but it made a distinction between junior and senior secretaries. The study also revealed that the boss-secretary relation was linked to Chinese cultural values and traditions, especially those associated with filial piety and respect for authority. The boss-secretary relation remained personal, but the Confucian ethic governed and guided the behaviour within the relationships. Secretaries accepted the “patriarchal right” and were deferential and compliant to meet men's professional and personal demands. In respect to the boss-secretary relation, the male boss might be a soft father, a demanding master, or a peer-like friend with some overlapping qualities. Father-daughter discourse was the most visible aspect of structural domination. Limitations and implications for future study are discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 506-522 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | Journal of Managerial Psychology |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2002 |
Scopus Subject Areas
- Social Psychology
- Applied Psychology
- Management Science and Operations Research
- Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
User-Defined Keywords
- China
- Discrimination
- Gender
- Secretaries