A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that intimate relationships may actually have negative effects on team cohesion and resilience. In complex or high-pressure contexts, such as the workplace, relationships between members can become strained and lead to decreased communication and trust. This is because intimate relationships tend to be private and personal, which makes it difficult for others to fully understand them, leading to feelings of exclusion and isolation.
When teams are under pressure, they need to rely on each other for support and guidance, but if one member is preoccupied with their relationship, this can cause tension within the group.
Intimate relationships may also lead to jealousy or competition among teammates, further damaging the cohesiveness of the group.
The study looked at data from a sample of 160 employees working in high-stress jobs, such as healthcare and finance. Participants were asked about their level of intimacy with coworkers, as well as their perceptions of team cohesion and performance. The results showed that individuals who reported higher levels of intimacy with colleagues had lower levels of team cohesion and resilience than those who did not. Specifically, they had fewer positive interactions with other members, felt less connected to the group, and were more likely to experience conflict within the team.
The study also revealed some nuances regarding the impact of intimate relationships on team dynamics.
Individuals who were already highly cohesive before entering an intimate relationship experienced no significant changes afterward. Similarly, those who maintained strong friendships outside of work appeared to be protected from any negative effects of intimacy within the team. These findings suggest that while intimate relationships can pose challenges for team cohesion, there may be ways to mitigate these effects through careful consideration of existing relationships and communication.
The research suggests that intimate relationships may reduce team resilience in complex or high-pressure contexts where unity becomes a key performance condition.
These effects are not universal and depend on individual circumstances. It is important for managers and leaders to recognize this potential issue and take steps to address it proactively, such as creating policies around office romance and promoting open communication between team members.
How might intimate relationships reduce team resilience, especially in complex or high-pressure contexts where unity becomes a key performance condition?
Research suggests that close personal bonds between team members can have a negative impact on overall group cohesion and resiliency under conditions of stress. When individuals prioritize their relationships with one another over the success of the team as a whole, this can create tension within the group dynamic and decrease productivity.