Research shows that individuals who are in romantic, platonic, or familial relationships tend to be more tolerant of perceived ethical violations than those who are single or divorced. This phenomenon is due to a variety of factors, including social pressure, shared identity, and psychological attachment. In this article, we will explore how these connections impact employee attitudes towards workplace infractions.
Let's consider social pressure. When an individual has a close relationship with another person, they may feel obligated to support them in their actions, even if those actions conflict with established norms or standards.
If a spouse takes money from a company account, an employee may be less likely to report the crime out of fear of hurting their partner's feelings or jeopardizing the stability of their relationship. Similarly, if a family member is caught stealing from the office, an employee may hesitate to take action for fear of damaging their reputation within the family. This can create a situation where employees become complicit in unethical behavior simply because they feel socially pressured to do so.
We must look at shared identity. Individuals who have strong ties to others often share similar values, beliefs, and experiences. This creates a sense of belonging and loyalty that can make it harder for them to judge their loved ones harshly.
If two co-workers have children together, one might forgive the other's mistakes because they see themselves as part of a larger group. They may rationalize any wrongdoing as part of a greater good, such as providing for their family.
There is psychological attachment. Those who are emotionally invested in someone else tend to view them more positively than those who are not. This can lead to a bias in favor of overlooking transgressions, especially if the person has done something kind or helpful in the past. Employees may excuse minor ethical violations as simple errors rather than intentional misconduct, even though the consequences could be severe.
Intimate relationships can influence how employees react to perceived ethical violations. Social pressure, shared identity, and psychological attachment all play a role in shaping attitudes towards workplace infractions. By understanding these factors, employers can better manage ethical issues and promote a culture of integrity within their organization.
How does the existence of intimate ties influence employees' tolerance for perceived ethical violations?
Research has shown that individuals who have strong social relationships with their coworkers tend to be more tolerant towards unethical behavior in the workplace (e. g. , Kahn & Sengupta, 2015). This is because having close friends at work can make an employee feel like they are part of a team, which may cause them to overlook or minimize transgressions by fellow colleagues.