Some managers do not want to become overly friendly with their subordinates because they are afraid that if they do so, their objectivity when conducting performance appraisals and making decisions about pay raises and promotions will be impaired. Some subordinates resent it when they see one or more of their co-workers being very friendly with the boss; they are concerned about the potential for favoritism. Their reasoing runs something like this: If two subordinates are equally qualified for a promotion and one is a good friend of the boss and the other is a mere aquaintance, who is more likely to recieve the promotion?

Question:

1. What, if any, are (a.) the managerial and (b.) the ethical implications of managers becoming friendly with their subordinates? Please be thorough in your analysis.