Perspectives on Workplace Romance: A Comparison of Workplace Romance Participants and Organizational Observers

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Organizational Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Workplace romances are common and their prevalence is only increasing. Despite this, perceptions and effects of workplace romances are generally negative, especially in terms of status-differential romances. Negative implications include perceptions of workplace romance participants as less caring and trustworthy, not motivated by love, and receiving unfair advantages. Workplace romance participants are also trusted less and deceived more by their colleagues. Sexual harassment is also a concern. As most research has focused on the perspectives of coworkers/observers of workplace romance, we aimed to compare these perceptions with the beliefs workplace romance participants have concerning their coworkers’ perceptions of the romance and themselves. That is, do workplace romance participants understand how other organizational members perceive them and the romance? Results indicate that, overall, workplace romance participants underestimate their coworkers’ negative perceptions of them. Further, sex differences exist in perceptions of individuals in workplace romances.

Authors

• Hailey Grace Gillen, West Virginia University

• Rebecca M. Chory, West Virginia U