ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how heterosexuality is maintained and constructed in masculine cultures at work. The concept of heterosexuality, as a mechanism of inequality, can result in professional women being reduced to sexual objects during the production process, and in the production of gendered job functions and work hierarchies. The chapter illustrates the belief of all executives are sexless business technocrats is a myth. It explains how whiteness and a middle-class position are rarely equated with predatory behavior toward women the comments from many men. The chapter describes how women's sexual agency at work is manifested in many ways, from flirtatious banter, dressing and behaving provocatively to having sex with male colleagues. In organizations where heterosexuality is compulsory, much like showing up for work, it cannot be viewed as a parallel construction to the work or production process. The organizational construction of heterosexuality is an important component used to structure work cultures and decisions regarding hirings, promotions and interior office spaces.
