Romance in the Workplace - Research Paper Example

?Running Head: Romance in the Workplace Romance in the workplace s Romance in the Workplace I. Introduction Romance in the workplace is an intriguing phenomenon and is becoming highly synonymous with the world’s population; as more and more people find their soul mates in their organizational environment. In 1977 Robert E. Quinn became renowned for his groundbreaking research on office romances and its management. The author’s essay was the first one to ever bring the issue in light and therefore, described its prevalence in the modern contemporary world. (Quinn, 1977) It is important to know that how these workplace romances affect an individual’s productivity and all the negative sides of this phenomenon and positive sides; if there are any. The substance of this prose focuses on this highly intriguing aspect of the society that is gaining so much popularity. The prose will further highlight the positive and negative consequences and how various authors and research analysts view the subject. There has been much debate on the subject and this prose will objectively discuss all facets of workplace romances and how it compromises professionalism in the workplace. II. Literature Review As mentioned earlier, there are a number of researchers who have done substantial amount of researches regarding romance in a professional environment. Robert E. Quinn was the pioneer in producing a prolific research and article that provides ample amount of information on the subject. The study was then followed by Lisa Mainiero, who further discusses and updates the research conducted by Quinn in 1977 that paves way for an accurate comparative analysis to be drawn and clearly shows how the society has changed from what it was in the 70’s to what it has become now. According to Robert E. Quinn, about 60% of people had either known about a workplace romance or were in such a relationship themselves. A more recent research in to the matter by Lisa Mainiero puts the figure at 76% and this only shows how drastically the numbers have risen. As professional life becomes more and more challenging for an average individual, it often renders them incapable of maintaining a healthy social life. As a result, people usually turn to people in their workplace in search for romance and hence, there are a number of repercussions that an individual experiences. (Mainiero, 1989) Hence, the most commendable fact about the researches done by Mainiero and Quinn is that their hypotheses are backed up by statistical evidences, which not only gives qualitative but also quantitative insight in to the subject. Quinn has further stated that only 10% of the cases resulted in increased coordination amongst the employees and led to greater understanding. However, in most cases the romance usually creates more problems in the working environment than benefits. Though, there may be some statistical variation but Quinn’s work is the pioneer and forms the basis for further research. (Mainiero, 1989) III. Study of Human Effectiveness The study of human effectiveness has a strong association with how one function in his or her professional environment. Professional growth is highly important aspect that contributes to self-actualization as hypothesized by John Maslow and this ideology was further propagated by his hierarchy of needs. Therefore, office romances not only hinder one’s ability to view things objectively but also results in nepotism and widespread favoritism in the workplace. The findings of Quinn showed that only 10% of organizations showed increased coordination and understanding amongst employees, however, the remaining 90% of the organizations showed a highly negative impact of workplace romances on the entire fabric of the organization. (Montana & Charnov, 2004, p. 238; Quinn, 1977 cited in Mainiero, 1989) It is human nature when an individual becomes romantically involved with someone in his or her workplace, the individual is likely to become biased and often treat others unfairly. And this is particularly so, with people who get involved with people who are in a position of authority such as the employer or the supervisor. When a person at a superior position becomes involved with his or her subordinates there are likely to be deep-seated resentment amongst other employees and often results in low productivity in other employees as they may feel that no matter how much effort they put in to their work, their work will never be recognized by their superiors. Human effectiveness is enhanced by greater understanding and a good rapport with our peers. Rosa Pascual pointed out that when young children are taught to share their things. Sharing things an increase understanding amongst peers and leads to greater communication; however, one must understand the difference and certain limitations that are applied to an individual when establishing a close rapport and a relationship. Relationship can have detrimental repercussions on the quality of the employees work when the relationship ends and personal conflicts can have a strong impact on one’ work. (Dottin et.al, 2004) Often when employees get involved with one another there is a problem of setting one’s limits regarding how one should behave in an office. Several times, couples indulge in public displays of affection in the workplace that causes immense amount of discomfort to people around them. However, the most beneficial aspect of employees getting involved in romantic relationships is that it significantly reduces absenteeism and often critics have stated that couples working in the same organization can car pool and help to conserve gas. (Dottin et.al, 2004) IV. Philosophy of human effectiveness and workplace romances As discussed earlier, there is a huge difference between human effectiveness and workplace romances. Human effectiveness actually refers to the capability of one’s individual to carry out various tasks and also includes the way an individual communicates and coordinates with other members. Human effectiveness can be enhanced by enhancing one’s rapport with other people but forming romantic relationships is a far more complicated situation for employees and other members of the fraternity. (Dottin et.al, 2004) Workplace environment should stimulate individuals to creatively find solutions to problems and requires immense amount of focus and concentration. Often such romantic involvements can lead to reduced focus and the individual may find him or herself indulging in activities that seriously hamper their professional growth. Long breaks and avoiding work just to text or see each other in secluded areas of the office are some examples of how people are unable to do justice to their work and as a result the business suffers great losses. When individuals see how individuals are getting advantages as a result of their relationship with their superiors, certain employees might try to emulate the same behavior and as a result adopt a very flirtatious attitude towards their superiors and other employees. Such behavior can cause immense amount of distress to men and women, who are focused and highly professional and often such behavior can give rise to serious workplace conflicts. Furthermore, majority relationships often end up in a break-up and as a result the interpersonal relationship suffers greatly and most of the time; the organization loses a very productive member of the staff as a result of the break-up. V. Conclusion In conclusion, it is incredibly lucid that workplace romances are a gamble that many people should avoid. It is true that sometimes that just how someone ends up finding their soul mates but most of these romantic relationships do not have a very happy ending. There are a number of factors involved and sometimes an individual needs to think about the organization they are working for and not about their own selves. Therefore, one should avoid getting involved in such relationships at all costs and if it is extremely impossible to do so, then there are certain guidelines that one must follow at all times. Workplace is a highly professional environment; therefore individuals must try to subdue their emotions and must try to communicate about personal problems with their significant others once they leave their office. Office romances can be a highly essential tool in creating greater rapport between people but it cannot be done unless, people know their limits. References Dottin, E.S. 2004. Bringing out the best in human effectiveness: Lessons from educators in upward bound project. University Press of America. Mainiero, L. 1989. Office romance: love, power and sex in the workplace. Rawson Associates. Montana, P. & Charnov, B. 2008. Management. Barron’s educational series. Quinn, R.E. 1977. Coping with Cupid: The Formation, Impact, and Management of Romantic Relationships in Organizations' Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 22, No. 1, Read More