Question

Describe and discuss the problems and pitfalls inherent in personal relationships on the job. Provide specific examples to support your main points.

Answer 1

When a person works for more than 9-10 hours in an organisation, it becomes like his second home. He becomes more close to his colleagues. The colleagues become more like trusted people or friends. Following pitfalls can occur.

1) Cold war - This is perhaps the most hazardous to any relationship and this can damage relationship. There can be cold war between two colleagues on account of promotion not given or on account of ratings etc. There can be also cold war on account of explore or growth opportunity not being provided.

2) Senior/ junior - This can also cause problem when the relationship between team lead and the fellow members is not good. This can affect the confidence level or the motivation of any employee.

3) Sexual harassment - This is something against law or company policy, yet many women complain that they undergo or such remarks, or gazes in office. Yet many women do not complain about it. This may lead to hampering of personal relationship to large extent.

4) Unnecessary bullying - This is usually seen in factory places, many senior workers thrust work of machine to junior employees, which makes the union wars.

5) Racial/Ethnicity/colour bias - Many people or employees prefer employees based upon their colour, caste or religion etc. There is lot of politics done with respect to promotion, opportunity based upon these factors.

6) Gender bias- Though this is not s frequent as it used to be in earlier days but still many men employees are stereotyped as being productive, more efficient, more powerful than women and they are given more opportunities as compared to women.