S03 E10: A Triad of Influence: Power, Knowledge, and Truth

Season 03 Episode 10: WARNING: content on the influence of sex and culture on workplace boundaries is discussed in this episode.

"We're back to sexual boundaries!" Sara exclaims. "We never left," Trajce concedes. Trajce presents the influence of Foucault's post modernistic views on our understanding of the 'Triad of Influence: Power, Knowledge, and Truth' ."The mix of knowledge and power creates a truth when espoused as fact by a politician, medical specialist, or famous person in a privileged position," explains Trajce, "and it is most alarming when these people leverage these influences to execute nefarious deeds or satisfy sexual needs." Alan clarifies, "In these cases, sexual coercion may be used as an expression of dominance and power."

Trajce prompts the team to reflect on the 1943 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, a Theory of Motivation' and suggest that this negates the discussion on sex as a motivator for action, yet sex is primal, fundamental, and likely a behavioural driver influencing many activities that should be considered in the workplace. "Those in the most elite positions find that their poor behaviour is permissible," says Sara, The team reflect on the phenomenon of precarious masculinity, a reaction of aggression if an idea of manhood is threatened. Trajce explains caselaw when there are transgressions that are sexual in nature by those who are in a position of power. Sara reflects on the 'God complex' and how workplace culture can reinforce ideas through confirmation bias.

For more on sex in the workplace, listen to Season 01 Episode 02: Avatars, Bees, and Sex, and Season 02 Episode 09: Quid pro quo: Go hard, go prosecutorial. For more on workplaces that trade on sex, listen to Season 02 Episode 05: It's cougar time, and Season 02 Episode 06: Mi casa es su casa .