Don't screw the crew: exploring the rules of engagement in organizational romance

Riach, K. and Wilson, F. (2007) Don't screw the crew: exploring the rules of engagement in organizational romance. British Journal of Management, 18(1), pp. 79-92. (doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8551.2006.00503.x)

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Abstract

Thirty years ago sociological research began to discover what workplace romance might mean for the participants. Since then management research has tended to adopt a functionalist approach, using survey methods, or third-party approaches to ask about company policy and negative consequences of workplace romance, warning of the dangers and consequences of romance and offering solutions for managers on how to deal with this potential problem. Drawing on the sexuality of organization and critical literature, and adopting a position of constructivist structuralism with a qualitative research method, this research looks at how the concept of workplace romance is defined and negotiated within a public-house setting. It examines the 'rules of engagement', the personal experiences and views of both managers and workers, as well as first-hand stories of workplace romance. Romance was conceptualized as 'natural' and something that could not be legislated for, where unwritten rules were defined but often ignored. However, the 'rules of engagement' emerged as favouring particular groups depending on gender, position in the hierarchy and sexual identity. Subjective value judgements are made, often resting on gendered assumptions of male and female behaviour.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Wilson, Professor Fiona and Riach, Professor Kathleen
Authors: Riach, K., and Wilson, F.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:British Journal of Management
ISSN:1045-3172
ISSN (Online):1467-8551
Published Online:12 July 2006

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