Intimate relationships can play an important role in the alignment of teams during periods of stress or organizational change. When individuals are going through difficult times, they may turn to their partners for support and comfort. This can lead to increased communication and collaboration between partners, which can translate into improved teamwork within the organization.
It is also possible that intimate relationships can cause team alignment issues if one partner feels neglected due to the demands of work or family life. In this case, there could be tension or conflict between team members, leading to decreased productivity and morale.
There are several ways that intimate relationships can impact team alignment. Firstly, when individuals are under stress or experiencing high levels of change, they may seek out intimacy as a way to cope. This can lead to increased emotional connection and understanding between partners, which can improve communication and collaboration within the team.
It is also possible that this increased intimacy can become too much for some people, leading to feelings of jealousy or resentment towards their colleagues who are not involved romantically. Secondly, changes in personal priorities can affect team alignment.
If one partner has a new baby or starts working longer hours, this can put strain on the other partner's ability to contribute to the team.
Changes in job responsibilities can lead to shifting loyalties and expectations, which can disrupt team alignment.
If one partner takes on more responsibility at work, they may feel less able to give attention to their relationship.
Intimate relationships can have both positive and negative effects on team alignment during periods of stress or organizational change. It is important for teams to recognize these potential challenges and work together to address them proactively. By openly discussing any concerns and finding solutions, teams can maintain alignment and achieve their goals even in difficult times.
How do intimate relationships increase the fragility of team alignment during periods of stress or organizational change?
Many studies have found that close relationships are crucial for human wellbeing, as they provide support, understanding, and encouragement during times of distress (Hamann et al. , 2018; Gillath & Shackelford, 2017).