...average about 40 plus hours a week at work, is no wonder how romance in the workplace happens. I met my husband in the workplace. Our President also met his wife at work. People that work together have some similar interest and hobbies so a connection is bound to happen. Weather we want it to happen or not work relationships happen all the time. Vault surveyed and 47 percent of individuals had been involved in office romance, 19 percent would consider it and 11 percent dated their manager (Hellriegel / Slocum, p.65). Office romance is an avoidable trend and instead of stopping it there should be some policies and procedures in place to address the issue when it occurs ( Losee & Olen, 2007). One policy that can be adopted is the consensual relationship agreement (CRA). A CRA often called love contracts it is a written contract between both parties that helps address some of the issues that office romance often creates. Office romance can end in a happy ending but they can also end in a sour note and in order for the employer to protect themselves using a CRA would be something to consider. In this paper i will discuss the pros and cons of using CRAs and give an alternative to address office romance as well as the ethics of using CRAs to address workplace romance. It is often troublesome to deal with a relationship that just ended, it is harder to deal with it when both parties work for the same company. When workplace romance goes sour it can lead to accusation of harassment, favoritism...
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...more typically prevent employees from supervising or directing coworkers related to them by blood or marriage. Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Question 1 Argue for the use of Consensual Relationship Agreements (CRAs) in your current (or future) workplace. Answer Stephanie Losee and Helaine Olen, authors of "Office Mate: The ..[->5] so Dating and romance in the workplace is an interesting topic that will cause quite a discussion among many professionals and their coworkers. In the book titled Office Mate: The Employee Handbook for Finding and Managing Romance on the Job, 38% of employees ages twenty- five to twenty-nine have had an office romance (Losee & Olen, 2007, p. 55). Now, many individuals view office romances as an unavoidable trend as a result of people working together that share the same common interests (Losee & Olen, 2007). However, many people wonder what can be done to decrease the problematic situations that can arise when office romances occur in the workplace. A Consensual Relationship Agreement is a written contract that helps to address the issues created by office romances (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2011). This agreement acknowledges that such relationships will develop and ask that the parties inform their immediate supervisor of any romantic relationship (Merrill & Knox,...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreement: Pros and Cons Esosa Dickey Organizational Behavior/520 April 13, 2012 Dr. Lila Jordan Consensual Relationship Agreements: Pros and Cons Avoiding the mixture of business and pleasure has been an age-old mantra in which many have sworn by. Yet, in today’s workplace, there are many who have made the decision to pursue and maintain interoffice relationships. This is likely attributed to the record number of working women currently in the workforce, high divorce rates, longer working hours and increased dedication to the job. Across nearly every industry and organization, corporate will has attempted to minimize the inevitable wave of affection and affairs by means of frowning upon its existence, legislating, transferring, firing and revising handbooks and company policies (Sills, 2008). Why? Possibly to avoid major disruption in the workplace related to social, professional and financial conflicts. As a result, several companies have developed consensual relationship agreements (CRAs). Hellreigel & Slocum (2011) define CRAs as written contracts in which involved parties acknowledge their relationship as voluntary and consensual, agree to abide by workplace policies, and agree to avoid behaviors that could potentially offend or influence each other or fellow employees. The benefits and ramifications of implementing such an agreement have been highly debated by both employees...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreements (Case Study) Dr. Tameria Vickerson Business 520 – Leadership And Organizational Behavior January 27, 2013 Strayer University Abstract The focus of this paper is to outline the pros and cons, explain, and explore the ethical issues of a Consensual Relationship Agreement (CRAs) between coworkers, corporate vice-presidents, executives, and/or managers in the workplace. It will present arguments for and against the use of CRAs in the workplace by analyzing the relationships between the basic organizational behavior models of individual groups and organizational processes. Additionally, this paper will discuss the ethical principles that are involved in the use of a CRA, how ethical decisions are made within an organization as it pertains to a CRA, and how these relationships impact and/or affect productivity. Finally, it will explore other options that would address the issue of workplace romance (Don Hellriegel & John W. Slocum, Jr., 2011). Keywords: Consensual Relationship Agreements, CRA(s) CONSENSUAL RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENTS (CASE STUDY) Discussion What is a Consensual Relationship Agreement (“CRA”)? “An agreement signed by employer and employees confirming that a romantic or sexual relationship between employees is voluntary and consensual” (Don Hellriegel & John W. Slocum, Jr., (2011). Let us face it, in today’s society; the majority of us spend most of our waking hours during the week...
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..."Dating game"? By conducting a survey of employees at three major Calgary Corporations the answer would be "yes". At the very least the coupling process at work has become accepted, almost common. When asked "Have you ever been involved in an office romance?" 36% of men said yes, while 30% of women had a positive response. When asked, "What would you do if you found out about an office romance?" 60% of males and 72% of females answered "Nothing!" It would seem the new "club scene" takes place between nine to five. Are companies worried about their well-paid employees running around like rabbits on a brisk spring morning? They can not be very concerned seeing as 72% of males and 48% of females were not even aware if their offices had a policy on office romance while only 8% out of the hundred we surveyed knew for certain that there was a policy. Perhaps the policy makers are a little busy with the new clerk in accounting…. However, before you start "arranging" the seating plan at the next office soiree consider that only 4 of all surveyed actually married their romance. Two had lost credibility and three say it interfered with their work. Then again 9 people surveyed began a long-term romance. It would seem that office romance has become a romantic stomping ground, but is there situations that are seen as unacceptable? It appears that about 36% of the gals and 28% of the guys are not very comfortable with an employee dating their boss. As a matter of fact surveys show...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreement Case Study Tracy Duckett Dr. Ronnie Jones Bus. 520 Leadership and Organizational Behavior Fall Quarter 2012 Abstract It is not uncommon that an office romance will develop between co-workers; based on the fact that majority of their lifetime is spent at their place of employment. Employers are aware of this possibility and have workplace romance policies to protect themselves and the parties in the relationship. Consensual Relationship Agreements (CRAs) are one of the policies that protect the company and the parties involved from the outcome of the relationship ending that could result into sexual harassment claims or bad publicity. There are pros and cons to having these policies and procedures for protection of employers and employees. Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Eighty percent of an individual’s life is spent at their place of employment, sometimes even more. Usually they are in the presence of their co-workers at a minimum of 40 hours a week, learning, growing and building relationships. It is a strong possibility that one could turn into a romantic one. Hellriegel and Solcum (2011) stated that Valut.com, an online career center, surveyed 1000 professionals about having a romantic relationship with a co-worker, with the results of 19% would consider having one and 47% had been involved in one. The relationship may start out rosy but circumstances could change the dynamics between the two that could affect...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreements BUS 520 April 3, 2012 Abstract This report will examine the issue of consensual relationship agreements (CRA), also known as love contracts, within the workplace. It will define what a CRA is, and argue for the use of CRAs in the workplace and argue against the use of CRAs in the workplace. It will also address the ethical principles involved in the use of CRAs and offer another option to CRAs that would address workplace romances. Consensual Relationship Agreements or CRAs are known to some people as love contracts. Lawyers may define it as a liability of intimacy, and a U.S Military member will be familiar with the term PDA or Public Display of Affection. Regardless of which sector a person is employed, they may be subject to a company's policy on dating or consensually becoming involved in romantic relationships with other employees in their workplace. We can best define CRA's as a document, presented by human resources, and signed voluntarily by both employees, acknowledging a "consensual" relationship. This contract is to specifically state in writing, that a romantic relationship will not interfere with job performance, and reiterates the principles of the company's harassment policy. The agreement will require arbitration rather than a harassment grievance if for any reason the relationship ends, which protects the employer of any liability of any claim being presented at a later date...
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...In the workplace today, some employers adopt policies on romance at work to prevent uncomfortable situations that might arise between coworkers. In other workplace environments, some employers do not adopt any policy regarding this issue at all. Still some employers create other documents that address romance in the workplace. The issues describe above as well as the different ethical issues associated with Consensual Relationship Agreements will be discussed in the upcoming paragraphs below. There are many pros for the use of Consensual Relationship Agreements in the workplace. In a study by Parks in 2006, fewer than 15% of employers had a policy dealing with romance or sexual relationships in the workplace (Parks, 2006). The workplace has always been a major place for individuals to meet and learn about each other. This proximity may lead to attraction and romance, which in turn could make more problems for the organization. According to Clark (2006), “About 80% of employees may be involved in or know of a workplace romance” (p. 350). Some employers try to ward off sexual harassment charges and other problems stemming from office romances by having the employees who are romantically involved read and sign a consensual relationship agreement. According to Schwartz and Storm (2000), “A sexual harassment lawsuit can arise from either 1. A supervisor who has a habit of asking subordinates out of dates; 2. An employee who files a lawsuit after a consensual relationship...
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...certain boundaries of behaviors so as to keep the integrity required to fulfill the job. With that said, all humans have emotional, spiritual and physical needs. Studies show, Vandewater (2012), “the number of people who have had an interoffice relationship has risen to 59 percent--with half of those respondents reporting having developed a serious, long-term relationship with a colleague.” Those same studies also report that an alarming majority of employers do not have a policy regarding workplace relationships. Riccobono (2011) stated, “While often harmless, consensual co-worker relationships can create a myriad of problems for the employees involved, their co-workers, and their employer. In addition to the obvious distractions of the romance, when the relationship sours, ends or is no longer consensual, the potential for sexual harassment, discrimination, or retaliation claims increases.” Are consensual relationship agreements (CRAs) necessary at work? Whom do they intend to protect? Are there any valid reasons why a...
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...Movie Review on Serendipity Walking into this movie I had expected to like it. I am a sucker for clichés. Cliché romantic tropes, and anything that has to do with things of that sort such as fate, and love. Things like 27 dresses, dirty dancing, and the notebook are a few examples of romances I’ve been automatically drawn to because it contained those aspects in it. As a hopeless romantic sap, I can’t turn away from these movies no matter how bad. And they do get bad sometimes they are almost always disappointing. The movies that tend to have these aspects in them tend to be awful, and extremely predictable. But I still fall for it every time. Because what is more heartwarming than a couple brought together by fate when they were separated to never see each other again? Love causing people to crash into each other, over and over again like the waves do when reaching out to the beach sand. That’s Romantic, and I can’t keep my hands off of it. In this movie the two Jonathan Trager (John Cusack), and Sarah Thomas (Kate Beckinsale) meet in a Burlington store looking for gifts for their significant others but when they both go to grab the same pair of gloves they end up face to face with each other. From then on they connect, and a short romantic sequence starts with them at a café called serendipity, and at ice skating bonding, and getting close. It’s a sort of instant love connection that they begin to form within a few ours that both began to feel confused about it...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreement Case Study Tamiliah S. Spivey Dr. Gail Ferreira BUS 520- Leadership and Organizational Behavior April 22, 2012 Introduction: My paper will interpret the issues that may arise when there are relationships in the workplace where I presently work. For any organization to thrive and be successful in a recession and other companies that are competition, they must have certain policies and procedures in place. The current consensual relationship agreement that we presently have in place at Clarks Companies specifically entails if there is a consensual relationship between a supervisor and subordinate, they would need to contact human resources as soon as possible. The reason being is the other employees that may have knowledge of the relationship will say that they are receiving preferential treatment because they are dating someone they report to. Consensual Relationship Agreement – Arguments: I feel that having and using the consensual relationship agreement can protect our workers and they will feel comfortable with coming into work and not worried about being retaliated by the individual they were dating, especially if they were the one to end the relationship. While some companies prohibit workplace relationships, Clarks Companies know that it’s inevitable while working in a company of 500 employees, we try to give them the tools needed to use good judgment if they find themselves being in a relationship with someone they work with...
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...Case Study Tina Fleck Dr. Browder Coates Bus 520 – Leadership and Organizational Behavior October 23, 2012 Ethical behavior is idealized in all facets of life from business and professional relationships to scholarly activities and personal relationships. The standards an individual holds for oneself should portray honesty, respect, and dignity of the rights of individuals as well as groups of individuals. Applying these standards in the workplace is essential to the success of an organization. When identifying various problems in the workplace associated with ethical behavior, interoffice relationships tend to weigh heavy. “A 1998 survey by the Society for Human Resources Management predicted that 55 percent of office romances would likely result in a marriage, but that 28 percent of these office relationships may result in complaints of favoritism from coworkers, 24 percent in sexual harassment claims, and another 24 percent in the decreased productivity of the employees involved” (Wilson, Filosa & Fennel, 2003). Due to these troubling statistics, employers have been faced with enforcing policies outlining workplace relationships as protection from litigation and liability (Wilson, Filosa & Fennel, 2003). A consensual relationship agreement (CRA) is a policy which is being adopted to avoid such issues (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2011). A CRA is a contract between the romantically involved individuals acknowledging they have a consensual relationship...
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...Stone p.218 1997) Employees who engage in workplace relations usually have to sign a contract. This contract ensures that the involved parties will uphold the strict policies and standards of employee etiquette. A typical consensual relationship agreement includes the guidelines on how love struck staff should behave. In analyzing the case, concepts will be identified in the areas of organizational behavior models of individual, group, and organizational processes how ethical decisions are made, and concepts of individual differences, personality traits, and perspectives. According to Hellriegel & Slocum (2011) the characteristics of a Consensual Relationship Agreement is defined as contract that set boundaries on certain office romance situations. They go as the following: Decreasing sexual harassment litigation risk, reducing perceptions of favoritism, creating a forum to discuss professional workplace behavior, and reminding dating employees the lack of privacy in the workplace. This is to ensure all relationships are voluntary and consensual. 1. Argue for the use of Consensual Relationship Agreements in Your current (or future) Workplace. There have...
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...BUS520 – Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Dr. Wilkerson Week 3, Assignment 1 Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study April 22, 2012 Tiffany Hurt Reference page 1. Organizational Behavior – Hellriegel/Slocum 2011 Custom edition In my current workplace, I believe that having a Consensual Relationship Agreement (CRA) in place would be beneficial to the agency. Considering all the training, we now have to take pertaining to sexual harassment, ethics, and security, etc. having the Consensual Relationship Agreement in place could cut down on various lawsuits, and sexual harassment claims filed by employees, saving the agency time and money with investigating employees when time and money can be spent more productively within the agency. I have witnessed a few relationships develop within our agency and a few resulted in marriage but those relationships were kept very quiet and no one was aware the individuals were dating. In my opinion the only way the couples were not scrutinized is because they kept their relationships a secret and they were very lucky and professional with one another while in the workplace so that no coworkers were able to detect they were dating one another. It is a given fact that individuals spend more time at work then at home, which sometimes results in relationships being developed when your spend vast amounts of time with coworkers on projects, and work assignments. Employees’ start to form basic relationships with coworkers...
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...companies interest but the employees as well. The “Love Contracts” are being implemented by companies to assure that company policies and company conduct ethics are not breached by the romantic involvement between two of its employees. Workplace romances and relationships are becoming more commonplace as work hours are becoming longer and the concept of “team building” is become more widespread in the workforce. Most companies at some time used to have policies that prohibited interoffice dating. Now many experts warn against such policies stating that the outcome often concluded with employees rebelling against the policy and dating for the thrill. (Hellriegel, Slocum 65) Corporate culture had to become more flexible due to the change in the dynamics of their employees. In an environment where individuals with common interests are working in close proximity for 40 or more hours per week, an office hook-up becomes inevitable. (Hellriegel, Slocum 65) Vault.com performed a recent survey and found that 46 percent of the employees questioned had admitted to having and in-office romance at some point in their work history. An additional 13 percent admitted that although they had not, they would not be against having an office romance. Of those surveyed, 15 percent dated their boss and the...
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