Romance in the workplace, perceptions, performances and pitfalls.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to create, through a comprehensive review of historic and contemporary literature, critical contributors to the development of workplace romance as a challenge, its effects on the organization's performance and its employees, as well as strategies for action. This study analyses the impact of workplace romance in organisations. The study further explores the extent to which workplace romance influences employee performance and the perceived influence on the relationship between employees and employers, as well as between co-workers. It further establishes differences in perceptions of workplace romance. The increase of female workers in organisations has impacted on and has therefore increased the possibility of workplace romance occurring. This study employs quantitative analysis because the study seeks explanations and predictions that generate meaningful analysis of the data. The population of this study is currently registered MBA students, due to the small number it was decided to do a census. The nature of the study and the small population of 100 deemed acceptable to use census. An electronic questionnaire sent via QuestionPro was used to collect the data. The questionnaire was pretested to ascertain whether it was suitable, and would yield the desired results. The electronic questionnaire was perceived to be the least inconvenient sampling method. It was also compatible with SPSS, a widely used computer software tool for the analysis of quantitative data. Organisations need to develop healthy working environments for their employees, middle management and top management. In South African, law does not cover the dissolved workplace romance apart from where there are allegations of sexual harassment. The study can benefit organisations in identifying these problems, and recommends strategies that can be used in dealing with dilemma of romance in the workplace. Organisation may also develop a policy on workplace romance. This will protect not only employees, but the organisation against publicity of lawsuit.