...paper contributes to the debate on the issue of consensual relationship agreements (CRA), also known as “love contracts,” within the workplace. It seeks to define what a CRA is and also argue for the use of CRAs in the workplace and argue against the use of CRAs in the workplace. It also addresses the ethical principles involved in the use of CRAs and offers other options besides CRAs that would address workplace romances. Consensual Relationship Agreements 1 Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study What is a Consensual Relationship Agreement? It is believed that over 70% of single employees will become romantically involved with someone on the job at some point in their career. Research shows that people are more likely to date a coworker than anyone else. Even though romantic relationships in the workplace are common, employers are increasingly turning to consensual relationship agreements or “love contracts.” This document, signed voluntarily by both employees, and management, generally acknowledges a relationship. It confirms that the relationship is consensual and will not interfere with job performance, and reinforces the principles of the employer's harassment prevention policy. The agreement often states that either party will seek arbitration rather than file a harassment grievance if the relationship ends. If done properly, a consensual relationship agreement will make it more difficult for an employee to claim that the relationship was "unwelcome" and is used...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreements Consensual Relationship Contracts are often referred to as “Love Contracts.” These contracts are fairly new and have only recently been introduced into the workforce; they date back approximately to six or seven years ago. (Kellog forum) A consensual relationship agreement (CRA) is a written contract in which many companies are now presenting to employees who are romantically involved, within the same company. The contracts are often presented by human resources and the parties involved are asked to voluntarily sign them. Not to only protect the 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...
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...Vastano Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study November 10, 2012 Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Consensual workplace agreements are being adopted by some companies it response to workplace romances. I am going to argue for the use of them and also counter against their merit. There will be a discussion of the ethics involved in their use. I also plan to give an alternative to the consensual workplace agreements. There are many reasons for using Consensual Relationship Agreements in the workplace. We will examine a few of the reasons I feel are that they are valid and have merit for use. These are protection from sexual harassment lawsuits, it will allow the inevitable workplace romance between employees, it sets boundaries for behavior at the workplace and can help with the levels of relationships if one or both move into different positions in the company. Most companies are concerned about the possibility of sexual harassment in the workplace. It is estimated that in the United States nearly 10 million workplace romances occur each year, and that nearly 40% of all employees have had one. (Pierce & Aguinis, 2009) This is of concern for the employer. Keeping the workplace romance in the open and having those involved, by signing a consensual relationship agreement, may help with a reduction of raising sexual harassment lawsuits. The agreement of the relationship may help in instances where the romance dissolves. Also if the relationship is clandestine...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreements: A Case Study Zachary -- Dr. Kimberly A Carter BUS520 Leadership and Organizational Behavior April 22, 2012 Consensual Relationship Agreements: A Case Study Introduction A consensual relationship agreement is a written contract between coworkers used by their employer to publicly disclose a romantic relationship. The purpose of this contract is to protect the employer from future litigation in the event that the said relationship goes bad or to address office favoritism in play of a romance between superiors and subordinates. Some may argue that the agreements provide legal protection for all parties involved; others may feel that their employer has no right to meddle in their private lives. While there are alternatives to these “love contracts,” most companies do adopt some policy on workplace romances in order to abide by ethical principles and avoid costly lawsuits and hostile work environments. Arguments for consensual relationship agreements A 2004 survey by Human and Legal Resources interviewed over 1,000 workers in the United Kingdom of which 66% claimed to have participated in workplace romances (Easen, 2004), of which some have become long term relationships and even marriages. While there are many who, in attempts to keep their professional and private lives separate, choose to keep their relationships a secret from others in the workplace, in the event the relationship is revealed the couple may be asked to sign...
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...Homosexuality - Theological Intro By Thomas Coy September 2008 Introduction to the theological aspects of homosexuality and the gay rights movement As a student of the medical debate over homosexuality, the gay rights movement, and the Bible, I believe I have an insightful perspective on the debates over homosexuality. In the last half of the twentieth century a divisive theological debate over homosexual behavior developed when gay activists created their own revisionist interpretation of the Bible to support their claim that homosexual behavior is neither immoral nor sinful. This revisionist theology has been labeled “gay theology.” Many Christians are not aware that in 1968 a gay activist started a Christian denomination called the Metropolitan Community Church based on gay theology. In this introduction I will point out some obvious errors in gay revisionist arguments and outline a much wider scope of biblical principles that are related to how the church deals with homosexuals and the gay political movement. Scripture and gay revisionism Gay activists contend there are only seven scriptures that address homosexuality in the Bible and therefore homosexual behavior is insignificant in scripture. Gay activists also contend that theologians have misinterpreted the seven scriptures. The seven main scriptures are the Genesis account of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), the Mosaic Law in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, the letter by Jude verse 7, and the Apostle Paul’s letters...
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...| Consensual Relationship Agreement | | | The office seems to be a hotbed of romance and a more effective one than dating Web sites or the corner bar. The social nature of many workplaces provides the perfect environment to get to know your co-workers. Between get-togethers every Friday after work with alcohol, food, and possibly music (which leads to dancing) and the softball and volleyball teams, barbeques and pot lucks, there are plenty of opportunities for employees to enjoy each other’s company. HR Solutions’ 2009 National Normative data confirms that 88 percent of all workers strongly feel the people they work with are friendly. We all spend so much time at work and are often attracted to people who share common interests; it only makes sense that one of these very friendly co-workers is going to eventually jump to the top of your dating to-do list. A study by Vault.com shows that almost half of us have been romantically tied to someone at work and that workplace relationships often can be successful; roughly one-quarter result in long-term relationships and even marriage. It is believed that people are more likely to date a coworker in the office rather than someone outside of the workplace. Although, romantic relationships are common in the office, many employers are increasingly turning to consensual relationship agreements. A Consensual Relationship Agreement (CRA) is essentially a written “contract” in which the romantically involved parties acknowledge...
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...| Consensual Relationship Agreement | Leadership and Organizational Behavior Strayer UniversityBUS520Dr. Browder CoatesInstructor | | | Janice DixonJuly 24, 2012 | The office seems to be a hotbed of romance and a more effective one than dating Web sites or the corner bar. The social nature of many workplaces provides the perfect environment to get to know your co-workers. Between get-togethers every Friday after work with alcohol, food, and possibly music (which leads to dancing) and the softball and volleyball teams, barbeques and pot lucks, there are plenty of opportunities for employees to enjoy each other’s company. HR Solutions’ 2009 National Normative data confirms that 88 percent of all workers strongly feel the people they work with are friendly. We all spend so much time at work and are often attracted to people who share common interests; it only makes sense that one of these very friendly co-workers is going to eventually jump to the top of your dating to-do list. A study by Vault.com shows that almost half of us have been romantically tied to someone at work and that workplace relationships often can be successful; roughly one-quarter result in long-term relationships and even marriage. It is believed that people are more likely to date a coworker in the office rather than someone outside of the workplace. Although, romantic relationships are common in the office, many employers are increasingly turning to consensual relationship agreements. A Consensual...
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...Varying Definitions of Consensual Sex and Their Effects on College Students Kyla McGirr Eastern Kentucky University Abstract One of the greatest issues, by far, with our society today is the struggle with consensual sex, and what the boundaries for sexual relations between a male and a female are. What exactly is sexual consent and should it be given before not only sex involving penetration, but so many other kinds of sensual scenarios, too. In the Journal of Sex Research, the authors experiment with the parameters of sexual assault and give it a rather straightforward definition. Sexual assault is the nonconsensual sexual activity obtained through force or threats, verbal coercion, or intoxication (Jozkowski & Peterson, 2013) and it continues to be an underlying problem throughout the United States. However, most of the studies conducted throughout the assessment of what consensual sex is and how do you agree or disagree to sexual relations is a huge debate amongst many college students, both male and female. According to the academic journal, Journal Of Sex Research, college women are at an increased risk for falling victim to sexual assault compared to women of the general public throughout the United States. How so? College students are placing a great emphasis on nonverbal cues of sexual consent, and this is where opportunities of confusion arises amongst the sexes (Jozkowski & Peterson...
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...CONSENSUAL RELATIOSHIP AGREEMENTS CASE STUDY Ethic is a one of important competency in the relationship between the basic organizational behavior models of individual, group, and organizational processes. Ethic competency is a wide section, which include vary sub topic related with organizational behavior. This paper discuss one section of Ethic Competency is diversity and specifically Consensual Relationship Agreements into diversity section. The paper clarifies to followings. • Consensual Relationship Agreements (CRAs) in my future workplace. • A counter argument against the use of CRAs in my future workplace • The ethical principles involve in the use of CRAs • One other option besides CRAs that would address workplace romances. Consensual Relationship Agreements ( CRAs ) are becoming more important everyday into business environment. Several research show, whoever share same work place in average 40 hours per week, some of workers discover their common interest and enjoy sharing time together. Different companies have different policies and procedures and the company would like to sign contract before hiring someone and they will show companies vision about consensual relationship into work place. In the future I would like to choose my career path in the health care industry and I would like to work at a pharmaceutical company due to my previous experience and my background of education. Merck is a one of the company into...
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...CONSENSUAL RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENTS: LOVE CONTRACTS When we think of work its’ connotation leads us to think of our way of life. It’s our way to make money, keep a roof over our heads, as well as put food on the table. Over time, through many studies, it has become a known fact that America is one of the most work-oriented nations in the world. Americans have a reputation for spending more time at work than we do at home. With that in mind, why is finding love in the workplace considered something that would not, could not, and should not be done? According to a study published in the L.A. Times (2007), 43 percent of Americans admit to dating someone from their place of employment. There used to be a time when dating at work was considered taboo and was even forbidden by many companies. Presently, more companies are beginning to view the subject differently and allowing dating inside the companies under certain guidelines. The most common guideline these companies employ is known as a, Consensual Relationship Agreement which is also known as a love contract or a CRA. A CRA ensures that both parties have entered into a relationship voluntarily and consensually. WHY USE CONSENUAL RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENTS Consensual Relationship Agreements are beneficial for almost any work environment. According to the L.A. Times, (2007)Consensual Relationship Agreements are a type of contracts that shield employers from liability if intimacy later congeals into a sexual harassment lawsuit...
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...Assignment #1 - Consensual Relationship Agreement Case Study Professor Dr. Maggie Sizer Leadership and Organizational Behavior – BUS 520 Strayer University October 23, 2012 Abstract As companies begin to acknowledge the existence of work place romances, the use of consensual relationship agreements (CRAs) has become an area of discussion. While many of today’s organizations prohibit the romantic involvement of its employees with one another, there are other companies that have adopted the use of consensual relationship agreements. Although employers find the CRAs an easy solution to this situation, the employees romantically involved, employees are against the agreement, arguing that the contract is intrusive in their personal lives. They go further on their arguments, stating that the agreement is an invasion of their privacy, and that the document goes against some ethical principles. From the Human Resources professionals perspective, they will try their best to make sure employees and employer agree with the contract and are happy with the situation, so a negative influence do not impact other coworkers, and their performances will not affect their jobs. 1. Critics of CRAs assert that they are too intrusive, ineffective, and unnecessary and that they can cause as many problems as they solve. Identify the specific reasons and examples that might justify these criticisms. Critics are relying on the concern-for-others principles that focus on “the need to consider...
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...overlaps between interest and political groups and as a result, political decision-making is reached through negotiation and compromise (Manley 1983). Indeed, when examining the progressive debate concerning the legal recognition of same-sex relationships in Australia, the perception that power is bartered through interest groups becomes highly plausible through the lens of classical pluralist theory. There are competing visions of diversity in Australia, and behind the main positions; supportive, neutral, and opposing, there are a multitude of perspectives underlying these umbrella groupings. For some in the community, the concept of gay and lesbian marriage is controversial, and its complexities raise fundamental social, religious, moral and political questions. In analyzing how power has operated in this situation, I will apply classical pluralism to converse sides of the moral argument to reveal how Australian attitudes have changed over time in a progressively consensual political environment. For this issue, the strengths of pluralism lie in its empirical nature; it is an observable and comprehensive view of understanding how power operates in society, with regard to a multitude of perspectives and interest groups. However, further analysis will reveal that while there are many voices in the debate concerning marriage equality, they are not created equally. A form of ‘elite pluralism’ prevails that refutes classical pluralist ideals of diversity. Interestingly, a weakness of classical...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study The Purpose of this project is to examine the Consensual Relationship Agreement Case (CRA) Study. In developing the project 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 an written agreement in which consenting romantically involved staff members acknowledge their relationship is consensual and voluntary; to avoid actions that others may find offensive in the office; follow the employers workplace rules of conduct to include anti-harassment and anti-discrimination; relationship must not affect work performance and behave professionally; report actual or perceived harassment immediately; and not engage in favoritism. After reviewing a second CRA on the internet, an employer and employee confirms that a sexual or romantic relationship between employees is consensual and voluntary. (Bloomsbury Business Library, 2007) In analyzing the case, Consensual Relationship Agreements, the following categories will be addressed: (1) Argue for the use of Consensual Relationship Agreements in Your current (or future) Workplace; (2) Create a counter argument against the use of CRAs in your current (or future) workplace; (3) Discuss...
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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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...The Debate over Emergency Contraception What are the basic assumptions about sexuality, health decision-making, doctor-patient relationship that inform the positions of opponents and proponents of emergency contraception (EC)? As sexual intercourse revolves all around everyone’s lives during the age of adulthood the debate of emergency contraception is argued as it is a controversial issue upon society. As the opponents of EC fears adolescents will form “sex-based cults” as contrast to the proponents portrayed it will aid adults who experiences torn condoms during consensual sex or women who experience sexual assaults Wynn & Trussell (2006). The FDA proposal on permitting the emergency contraception pill Plan B to be allowed purchase over the counter is questioned upon as the positions of both the opponents and proponents provide evidence if it should be prescription based or not. EC also known as emergency contraception is viewed as an intense social debate as it questions both the topics of life and sex. A debate over EC in the US women’s bodies are viewed as a site of control where the politics of sexuality, discourses on public health, and medical constructions of biological processes intersect Wynn (2013). The main problem with the use of the EC in regards to sexuality was the correct use by commoners as non-prescription availability would negatively impact many other aspects of sexuality Wynn & Trussell (2006). Many women use the EC due to a contraceptive failure...
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