Love at the Office? Understanding Workplace Romance Disclosures and Reactions from the Coworker Perspective

Abstract

Nonplatonic workplace romances (WR) are common in contemporary organizations. Academic research, although sparse, has pointed to both positive and negative outcomes associated with these relationships. Less attention has been placed on others (i.e., coworkers) perceptions of WR. Prior studies have acknowledged the lack of research examining how coworkers learn of WR. Using qualitative methods, we uncovered two themes concerning how coworkers described WR disclosures and their subsequent reactions, 1) a personal disclosure paired with a positive reaction and 2) an impersonal disclosure paired with a negative reaction. Coworkers' reactions to workplace romances were also influenced by several other factors including the actors involved in the romance, the coworkers' personal views on workplace romances, and the culture of the organization/business unit. These findings are discussed along with theoretical and practical implications.

Keywords:

• Gossip
• Nonverbal Communication
• Organizational Policy
• Qualitative Methods
• Relationships
• Work/Life Border
• Workplace Romance

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Renee L. Cowan

Renee L. Cowan (PhD, Texas A&M University, 2009) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Sean M. Horan

Sean M. Horan (PhD, West Virginia University, 2009) is an Assistant Professor in the College of Communication at DePaul University.