Annotated Bibliography-Week 4 Assignment

GEN103: Information Literacy

Research Question: What impact does dating in the workplace have on the business?

Jones, Kevin J. & Mainiero, Lisa A. (August 1, 2013). Academy of Management Perspectives:

“Sexual Harassment Versus Workplace Romance”. Vol. 27, No. 3,187-203 (189-190) http://dx.doi.org/10.5465/amp.2012.0031

The article provided detailed information on sexual harassment becoming an issue when dating in the workplace. Although it is not illegal many companies frown upon it due to the many issues that can arise. The first paragraph explained how a survey took place and many people said they didn’t have a problem with dating a co-worker they worked with and some didn’t like it due to violation of privacy and admitted that they have dated a co worker in the past. Some workplace romance work out fine and perform job duties better, but there’s the few that end up breaking up and cause retaliations. One might go to Human Resources to file a sexual harassment claim to get the other terminated causing investigations and updating company policies. This can also raise issues and concerns of favoritism, conflict of interest and other issues causing high turn over in the corporation. Maybe back in the old days it was easier to get over it but in today’s world and social media it can make a company look bad along with other issues with the couples involved or even with other employees causing rumors to spread.

This source helps address the impact of dating in the workplace along with the issues of sexual harassment, favoritism, and retaliation.

Wilson, Fiona (January 1, 2015). International Journal of Management Reviews:

“Romantic Relationships at Work: Why Love Can Hurt” Vol. 17, 1–19 (pg.7-10) (2015)

DOI: 10.1111/ijmr.12034

The article by Fiona provided useful information on the good and bad of dating in the workplace. In her article she explains how many of the employees she spoke to provided negative feedback on dating a co-worker and the company does not take further action on the issue. Their concerns were the extended lunches and the job not being completed properly. If someone’s having a difficult day it causes a hostile environment for the other employees. Another research Fiona mentions that having a workplace romance can improve job performance and can be a good thing. When someone gets involved in a relationship at work they may not know the others intention. They might be married and have a family at home making it dramatic if the spouse finds out they can cause a big scene. Both articles provided similar information but different. Many employers have banned workplace dating to avoid sexual harassment and other issues from arising.

This source helps address the impact of dating in the workplace along with the issues of job performance, sexual harassment, and hostile work environments.

Gross, Barrie (1999-2018). Workplace Romances: Potential Risks for Employers

The web page article by Barrie Gross provided similar information as the other sources I used. The only difference Barrie provided data from surveys that were conducted in 2006. Although workplace romances can not be avoided it does offer ideas of what can done. A few examples mentioned was putting a policy in place about dating in the workplace, training staff on harassment issues and dealing with workplace romances, being prepared to take action when policy is violated. And just like other articles it talks about favoritism issues, retaliation, and sexual harassment claims.

This source supports my research question and helps by providing detailed on information on steps that can be taken when policies are violated.

Soloman, Charlene (July 1, 1998). The Truth of Workplace Romance: Workforce, July 1998, Vol. 77, No. 7, pp. 42-50.

The web article by Charlene gives useful information and the article is a question and answer article. Mentions how the work environment can become uncomfortable place as well as going to the restroom. Especially when it’s the manager involved in dating an employee. This article also supports my research question and provides the pros and cons of dating in the workplace. It also affects productivity and other issues to arise to HR department.

This source is helpful as well even though it’s from 1998, it shows that dating in the workplace has been an ongoing thing and most of the time it cannot be avoided. But it can affect the company and lose money at the end.

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