...Running head: Consensual Relationship Contract Leadership and Organizational Behavior-BUS 520 LaDonna Oliver Instuctor: Dr. Elizabeth Strayer University July 19, 2012 Abstract With employees spending more time together in the workplace, consensual relationships are becoming more common in the workplace. This workplace romance has caused major concerns for companies and their human resource professionals. This ongoing behavior has existed many decades and is becoming more prevalent in the workplace. According to a survey by Vault.com,47 percent of 1000 professionals survey had been involved in an office romance, and another 19 percent would consider it (Hellriegel, Slocum 2009) Michelle and Barack Obama, Bill and Melinda Gates, Olivia Chow and the late Jack Layton are a few of the many employees who met in the work place and later married. The workplace continues to be the foundation of which many healthy relationships are established, yet those relationships gone badly have resulted in consequence for the employee as well the employer, whereas costly and timely claims of sexual harassment cost employers millions of dollars. Scandals such as Charles Thomas/Anita Hill, Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinski, and Joe Patrino/Jessica Dorrell just to name a few have tainted the ethic culture of the workplace. In an effort to reduce romance in the workplace, an increasing numbers of employers are instituting consensual relationship...
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...analysis of the Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Assignment 1 By: STUDENT NAME: Arlette Lamsa To: Dr. Evangeline Jefferson Professor: COURSE NAME: Bus 520: Leadership and organization Behavior STRAYER UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON, DC January, 2013 Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Introduction: The purpose of this project is to examine the Consensual Relationship Agreement case study. By Definition, consensual relationship Agreement indicates an agreement read and signed by both Employers and employees by highlighting and confirming an obviously romantic relationship between both parties. The use of consensual relationship Agreement policy in general at the workplace, is fundamental for the employers and also employees. In many organizations, employees are in risks of potentials sexual harassments. But inevitably, some workers engage in a romance adventure at the office. Sometimes those romances end in a not so good term with pretty bad consequences. According to Hellriegel and 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...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Strayer University Leadership and Organizational Behavior Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study 1. Argue for the use of Consensual Relationship Agreements (CRAs) in your current (or future) workplace. A consensual relationship agreement, according to DeMaria, is an agreement that “requires both individuals to acknowledge the following: the relationship is voluntary and consensual; they understand the company's policy against harassment; they will keep the relationship discreet to avoid claims of favoritism, and they will both conduct themselves professionally at work if the relationship comes to an end” (2011, p. 19). If two adults with common interests meet and are attracted to each other, they are likely to date. They can’t help that the workplace is where they meet. I think enforcing the use of consensual relationship agreements in my future workplace is a good idea. It would be a benefit to the company because it will protect both the company and all involved parties from a potential lawsuit should the relationship turn for the worse. Encouraging employees who date to sign a consensual relationship agreement, also known as a love contract, in my future workplace could be seen as an added benefit to working with the company. The company would be protected against a sexual harassment lawsuit because it was properly documented that the relationship was consensual and the sexual harassment policies were thoroughly...
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...going to discuss about consensual relationship agreements at work place. This is an issue that every work place and human resource management has to deal with. For this purpose the case study is analyzed on the said parameters while focusing over non-ethical difficulties. The Consensual Relationship Agreement refers to the romance and love relationships of the employees at work place. Different views have been surfaced during the course of subject study regarding the consensual relationship agreement as some are at the view that the agreement should be signed by every employee and would be effective for the organizational and employees’ performance while on the other hand some are at view point that the love and romance relationship of employees are their personal matter and should not be kept under observation by the employers (Hellriegel, 2011). In order to reach at the destination and achieve the said objectives the subject study has focused over numerous bullets including main but not limited to the use of consensual relationship agreement, creating counter arguments against the use of CRAs in existing or future organizations selected, discussing the ethical principles involved in Consensual Relationship Agreement in the United States, other options addressing the workplace romance and so forth. The subject study is conducted based on the theoretical research design using the secondary sources of data (Alderman, 1995). Consensual Relationship Agreement – Arguments: In my...
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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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...Consensual Relationship Agreements Strayer University Robert Guest Dr. Larry Hughes BUS520 In many and most large organizations the possibilities of a relationship is a very real situation. Spending at least most cases 40 plus hours a week which is more than most individuals spend at home or out looking for relationships gives a person the ability to create closer relationships with the opposite sex at the work place then it would anywhere else. Because of this there have been many opinions on whether or not to make the use of Consensual Relationship Agreements a standard practice among the work place. In today’s workplaces many organizations either prohibit or sway against any romantic engagements with other employees within their workplaces however, there are other companies that tend to let it happen and look the other way. According to the Society for Human Resources Management had no policy regarding the workplace relationship (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2010). This was until the adoption of the Consensual Relationship Agreements that turned into a contract for employees to ensure they are not allowing any workplace relationships reduce the efficiency of their work and also to protect the organizations from any legal issues that may arise from the involvement of employees and the possibility of bad breakups from relationships. A Consensual Relationship Agreement is an contract between a employee and management that states that the employee will not allow...
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...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 in managing...
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...Running head: Consensual Relationship Agreements 1 Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Tara Brooks Professor Alston Organizational Behavior, BUS 520 4 November 2012 Consensual Relationship Agreements 2 Abstract The dating scene is not easy these days, especially for dedicate singles putting in 60-plus hours at the office every week. But if you've had your eye on the gorgeous guy or girl in the next cubicle, consider that the consequences of intra-office dating can far outweigh the convenience of a consensual workplace relationship. Consensual relationships agreements are widely in the workplace in American organizations. These agreements entail and outline the dos and don’ts of co-existing with fellow colleagues while maintaining a romantic relationship with them. The public display of affection, favoritism, and lack of productivity are all addressed and managed within these documents. Some organizations argue that these documents should not be used, while others believe they should be enforced In this paper, I will discuss the argument for the use of consensual relationship agreements, create a counter argument against the use of CRAs, discuss the ethical principles involved in the principles involved in the use of CRAs and create one (1) other option besides CRAs...
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...An Analysis of the Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Assignment 1 By: STUDENT NAME: Lloyd D. Gaines Jr. TO: Dr. W. D. Wilkerson Professor: COURSE NAME: BUS 520: Leadership and Organization Behavior STRAYER UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON, DC April 16, 2012 Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Introduction The Purpose of this case study is to examine the Consensual Relationship Agreement Case Study. “Historically, sexual relationships between employees have been viewed as private matters beyond the purview of the company and not involving special ethical issues” (Stamler, Pace & 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:...
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... romance between co – workers. This may have significant consequences such as court trials, job insecurity and low morale. This paper will emphasis the importance of Consensual Relationship Agreements. A well drafted CRA works as a shield between employees and an organization. This paper will discuss the arguments against Consensual Relationship Agreements as well. BUS520 Consensual Relationship Agreement case study 1 Introduction Consensual Relationship Agreement, “the legal name for the love contract” was introduced in 1998, in the wake of expensive court trial of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and his white – house intern Monica Lewinsky, as employers grew cautious of the legal implication of workplace romances ( Selvin, 2007, para.9). According to HRM, a comprehensive document such as Consensual Relationship Agreement is needed to avoid an organization and employees from diverse circumstances. Q1 Argue for the use of Consensual Relationship Agreements in your current or future workplace. 1. Professional code of conduct Radiations of such intimate relationships influence the attitudes, values and productivity potential of employees. The CRA legally binds the romantically involved employees to professional & fair standard of corporate...
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...Running Head: Consensual Relationship Agreements Consensual Relationship Agreements Khristin Graves Peggy Terhune Organizational Behavior 10/28/2012 As we all know most jobs frown upon inner office relationships. Inner office relationships can complicate the work environment in a variety of was. These include but are not limited to sexual harassment suits or inappropriate behavior conducted by employees while on the job. So what are we to do with no time to look for love and it being against the rules at the one place we spend most of our time? I propose consensual relationship agreements or (CRA’s) a written contract in which romantically involved parties acknowledge and agree that there relationship is voluntary and consensual. (Hellriegel/Slocum, 2011) Let me explain the benefits of the consensual relationship agreements. 1. No one will need to sneak around this will stop rumors from spreading and keep the focus on work and not on office related gossip. Gossip and rumors create additional problems for a company and its employees. Gossip and rumors can bring down morale and even harm the people that the rumors are about. This is not what the work place is for so doing what we can to prevent distractions in the workplace is crucial. 2. The company is now aware of what’s going on and can better regulate any signs of harassment or favoritism that would occur among the parties. (Hellriegel/Slocum, 2011) The problems that can caused by an employee benefiting...
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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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...Assignment 1: Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Due Week 3 and worth 100 points Read the Consensual Relationship Agreements case study located in Chapter 2. In Questions 1 and 2, focus on non-ethical ramifications (save any discussion of ethics for Question 3). Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you: • Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. • Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. On the Written Assignment, "Consensual Relationship Agreements"; it's due this week Sunday, October 28th, by 11:59PM. Remember also to be sure to proofread your paper thoroughly because for each typographical mistake, incomplete sentence, or non-response to the assignment questions, points will be deducted. In addition, APA formatting has to be used which certainly includes in-text citations and a Reference page; check the Resource Center for an example of APA guidelines. Finally, once the paper is submitted, that will represent the final grade for the assignment; there are no-resubmissions allowed. Organizational Behavior Perceptions & Attributes by Tara Duggan, Demand Media http://smallbusiness...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreements – Case Study Dr. Professor Jeffrey Weaver BUS 520 – Leadership and Organizational Behavior January 19, 2013 Consensual Relationship Agreements There are many challenges in the workplace. Office romance today is having to profound effect on corporate attitudes, values, and beliefs. The workplace has become a viable meeting ground for individuals to get to know each other, date, and begin a romantic relationship. People tend to feel more comfortable dating a co-worker than someone they met at a bar or nightclub. According to a major report on interpersonal attraction written in 1969 by Ellen Bercheid and Elaine Walster, professors of Psychology at the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin, proximity is an important factor that explains why people become attracted to others. A February 15, 1988, Newsweek article reported that office romances are especially common in those professions in which employees are expected to spend long hours together on the job (Mainiero, 1989). This tends to put employers in a difficult position. Should workplace romance be managed or is any business of the company? Employers tend to take different stances when it comes to workplace romance. Some companies strictly forbid it, while some companies ignore it and hope that no one claims sexual harassment. Lastly, some companies have come up with policies that require disclosure of the relationship so that the employer can document the voluntary...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreement Amy Marie Bauer Dr. Annette M. West Bus 520 Leadership and Organizational 26 January 2013 Consensual Relationship Agreements Case Study Argue for the use of the Consensual Relationship agreement (CRAs) in your current (or future workplace. Never mix business with pleasure is a saying that I commonly hear. Judging from a survey from 2003, the majority of supervisors and executives would agree with that statement. 81% of human resource professionals and 76% of executives said workplace romances are dangerous because they can lead to conflict within the organization (Lyrem, 2003, p. 1). As a result of these findings, Consensual Relationship Agreements, which are also called love contracts, could be an important tool used to address potentially offensive behavior from parties involved in dating and relationships. Offensive behaviors include kissing, hugging, winking, verbal affection, and hostile language or speech (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2011). If offensive behavior was to occur, it could dramatically lesson the effectiveness of employees. In workplace settings, certain inappropriate behaviors could limit the ability of workers to perform efficiently. A Consensual Relationship Agreement (CRA) is essentially a written “contract” in which the romantically involved parties acknowledge the following: Their relationship is voluntary and consensual, they agree to abide by the employers anti-discrimination , anti-harassment, and workplace...
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