Workplace Romance
SEXUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE
Licresha Pierce
Strayer University
Professor Honore
Workplace romance exists when two members of the same organization develop a relationship with mutual attraction. Individuals who develop workplace romances may cause damages to morale and productivity. However companies are still confused whether or not they should interfere in the romantic relationship. Many companies are trying to figure out what department should get involved and what policies should be set and should there be set guidelines? There are pros and cons to developing a relationship with a co- worker. Some advantages would be to motivate employees, improve teamwork, communications and cooperation. Some disadvantages would be work performance declining, conflict of interest, co worker confusion, and threatening career advancements. According to (Corser 2011) “Given that we spend more than one third of our time at work, it is not unusual for people to become romantically involved with a co worker. Some organizations have policies that discourage employees from having relationships at work for many reasons, conflict of interest, co-worker confusion, concerns of productivity and career advancements. So how do you survive an office romance? Keep work and personal issues separate, discuss it together, be honest but only at the right time. Keep it professional. Don’t forsake your workmates.” (p30). Not all work romances constitute sexual harassment or assault some are consensual sexual relationships and reflect as positive expressions of a person’s sexual desire, which is also prevalent at the workplace. Is it wrong or right?
Sexual Harassment and consensual sexual agreement
Sexual harassment is intimidation of a sexual nature or the unwelcoming or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. Harassment can be verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. For examples emails and inappropriate touching can be considered as
Licresha Pierce
Strayer University
Professor Honore
Workplace romance exists when two members of the same organization develop a relationship with mutual attraction. Individuals who develop workplace romances may cause damages to morale and productivity. However companies are still confused whether or not they should interfere in the romantic relationship. Many companies are trying to figure out what department should get involved and what policies should be set and should there be set guidelines? There are pros and cons to developing a relationship with a co- worker. Some advantages would be to motivate employees, improve teamwork, communications and cooperation. Some disadvantages would be work performance declining, conflict of interest, co worker confusion, and threatening career advancements. According to (Corser 2011) “Given that we spend more than one third of our time at work, it is not unusual for people to become romantically involved with a co worker. Some organizations have policies that discourage employees from having relationships at work for many reasons, conflict of interest, co-worker confusion, concerns of productivity and career advancements. So how do you survive an office romance? Keep work and personal issues separate, discuss it together, be honest but only at the right time. Keep it professional. Don’t forsake your workmates.” (p30). Not all work romances constitute sexual harassment or assault some are consensual sexual relationships and reflect as positive expressions of a person’s sexual desire, which is also prevalent at the workplace. Is it wrong or right?
Sexual Harassment and consensual sexual agreement
Sexual harassment is intimidation of a sexual nature or the unwelcoming or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. Harassment can be verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. For examples emails and inappropriate touching can be considered as
References: Michelson, G., Hurvy, R., & Grünauer, C. (2010). WORKPLACE ROMANCES AND HRM: A PRIVATE MATTER OR ORGANISATIONAL CONCERN?. International Journal Of Employment Studies, 18(2), 117-149. Sanders, D. E., Pattison, P., & Bible, J. D. (2012). LEGISLATING "NICE": ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WORKPLACE BULLYING PROHIBITIONS. Southern Law Journal, 22(1), 1-36. 2001 SHRM Career Journal.com Work place Romance Survey Williams, C. L., Giuffre, P. A., & Dellinger, K. (1999). SEXUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE: Organizational Control, Sexual Harassment, and the Pursuit of Pleasure. Annual Review Of Sociology, 25(1), 73.