Ethical aspects of aesthetic labour, and links to an earlier concept: sprezzatura. Where next?

Abstract

The term aesthetic labour is considered with reference to earlier literature on the influence of attractiveness on recruitment, selection and retention issues for employees, for Human Resource managers and the processes of selecting candidates for training opportunities. The subjectivity and emotional nature of beauty are both noted. A link for future research is suggested to the term sprezzatura from the Italian Renaissance. An unsettling presence of power is considered as a link between aesthetic labour and sprezzatura. Both terms are considered from an employee choosing to use these methods for self advancement and in the case of aesthetic labour when role requires certain behaviour and image. A research question is posed around the tensions between creating the best image for an organisation and adhering to ‘correct’ Human Resource professional practice, with identification of conflict of personal and organisational ethics. A less well known framework for ethics is introduced. The paper is brought to a close by asking conference members about realistic linkages between aesthetic labour, sprezzatura ethics professionalism the role of the Human Resource manager and power.