Case It Takes Two

Destiney Freeman, department supervisor at WhinCo, takes great pride in the organizational culture the company has worked diligently to establish. Employees are encouraged to develop healthy relationships among one another, and positive manager-employee relationships also serve a vital role. Recently, however, Destiney has been hearing breakroom gossip regarding other employees' concerns about a developing relationship between Timothy Kane and Rebecca Caldwell. Timothy is the shift supervisor of the sales merchandise depanment, where Rebecca serves as a sales specialist.

Timothy conducted onboarding and training sessions with Rebecca when she began her role at WhinCo. Since the first month under Timothy's supervision, it was obvious to other employees that their relationship was more than platonic. Recently, Destiney has received complaints that Timothy and Rebecca have developed an obvious, physical relationship that they often openly display in the workplace. As a supervisor, Destiney fears this behavior will not only disturb her employees, but also make the customers feel uncomfortable. Gossip has spread around the department about the employees' fear of managerial favoritism toward Rebecca. She has received additional work hours during the week, whereas other employees' hours continue to dwindle. Destiney has also considered that if the relationship goes awry the company's reputation may be at stake and result in legal repercussions.

To resolve the situation, Destiney is considering sev¬eral solutions. Also, because ethical behavior is a strong part of the WhinCo organizational culture she wants to maintain that while making her decision regarding this case. Destiney's first solution includes setting a one-on-one meeting with each of the two employees where they will discuss the situation with her and develop a mutual solution. However, to appease her other employ¬ees, she is also considering moving Rebecca to a differ¬ent department where she will not have direct contact with Timothy. The most drastic solution would involve dismissing both employees for their misconduct in the workplace. Destiney hopes to provide a solution that will alleviate employee concerns about the developing romance, while keeping in mind the rights of Timothy and Rebecca as employees.

RESPONDING TO DE CASE

1. Describe the potential risks of permitting romance in the workplace. How, and to what degree may these risks affect the organization and its employees?

2. As a department supervisor, what decision(s) should Destiney make in regard to this romance? How would you respond to other employees' uneasiness, while still maintaining an ethical stance toward the situation? Explain.

3. Upon acceptance of employment, should new hires be required to sign and agree to a contract to keep all relationships in the workplace platonic? If so, what consequences would result from breaking this upfront contract?