Edited by Melissa Zarda. See other bibliographies.
Contributors: Scott Martin

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• Blanton, K. (2005, March 8). Boeing ouster shows a tryst on job can be a risky affair.

Companies today employ policies barring office romances, stipulating that such activity causes office conflicts, and "creates issues" and can "cause embarrassment to the company". Harry Stonecipher, chief executive of Boeing, found this out the hard way when Boeing asked him to resign his position. It was disclosed that Stonecipher was having an extramarital affair with a fellow female executive. This article reports that Boeing holds a steadfast conviction to this policy and shows other companies attitudes towards this conflicting situation.

• Franklin, R. (2002, February 13). Office romances: Conduct unbecoming?

According to a poll conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), "81% of HR professionals and 76% of executives see office romances as "dangerous"". These professionals felt that "Romances sow the seeds of future office conflict". This article opens discussion as to why romance in the workplace is not appropriate, and why organizations need policies and guidelines for such behavior.

• Grossman, J. (2005, July 29). Can workplace sex create a hostile environment?

According to the California Supreme Court: Miller v. Department of Corrections, workplace sex can cause a hostile work environment. The court ruled that "wide spread sexual favoritism can create an actionable work environment", and remanded the case to a jury trial for determination of compensatory and punitive damages. This article explores the actions of those involved in this office conflict situation and the "dangers of permitting such obvious conflicts of interest to flourish".

• Holm, K. (2005, May 13). On-the-clock romance: Few businesses legislate workplace dating.

This article provides us with a good understanding of office romances and the conflicts that can arise from such relationships, be it good or bad. While some office romances have a happy ending, many relations are disruptive, leading to the employer to step in as "big brother". The author provides us with the pros and cons of office dating, relationships and marriage, and how couples and employers handle these conflicts.

• Kersten, D. (2002, November 12). Office romances can be risky, rewarding.

Although there are risks involved when romancing a fellow employee, there could be some rewards, if you're smart about the situation. Any conflicting situations in the office could risk your reputation, result in sexual harassment charges, and cause tension in the workspace, but at times this risk is worth the hassle. This article shows guidelines "to maintain balance between professionalism and romance".

• Loftus, M. (1995, Mar/Apr). Frisky business.

This article examines love in the workplace and why we "go for our colleagues. Business professional have learned that when love is in bloom, it can "break down the organizational structure" and formulates conflicting situations in the office. The author examines the conflicts, rules, and responsibilities of office relationships, and with the right approach "workplace romances can actually benefit companies".

• Lynem, L.N. (2003, February 14). Dangerous Love. An office romance could cost you your job.

This article explains that even though office dating is happening in many companies and organizations, human resource professionals are suggesting to "just keep it cool". Many surveys and studies mentioned in the article shows "workplace romances are dangerous" and "can lead to conflict within the organization". It's suggested that employees look "beyond your workgroup" to find that romantic relationship.

• Roberts, J. (2005, April 6). Experts: Office romances aren't wisest choice.

Surveys show that when it comes to office romances, 58 percent of employees have been involved with a fellow workmate. These surveys go on to show that 75 percent of companies have no policy that governs workplace romances. This article examines some of the conflicts arising from non-fraternization "policies" and how some couples are dealing with office relationships.

• Shellenbarger, S. (2005, March 31). Employers often ignore office affairs, leaving co-workers in difficult spot.

Since many employers ignore marital cheating amongst their employees, many are left to decide how to handle office conflicts that arise from office affairs. These romances can disrupt teamwork, affecting moral, and can result in "measurable on-the-job damage". Based on a 2002 survey, marital affairs amongst men have steadied at 22%, but cheating in the workplace for women has risen 10 point to 15%, with "more of these affairs…taking place in the workplace".

• Todorava, A. (2005, February 27). Romancing a Colleague.

With a 2003 survey on office romance showing that 30% surveyed have had office affairs, "it's not surprising that love is blossoming amid the cubicles". Still HR specialists believe that these types of relationships are dangerous and can lead to office conflicts. This article suggests ways to avoid losing your job and self-respect when involved in an office tryst.

• Waldman, A. (2005, August 10). The risky business of office romance.

The author shows in this article that even if the "workplace has some advantages over other venues for meeting potential dates" the workplace is often laden with problems if relationships bloom. Office relationships and even breakups resulting from these relations often form serious workplace conflicts and "is a risky business" that can affect your career. Waldman shows some avenues to avoid such conflicts.

• Waldman, A. (2005, August 11). Weighing the stakes of dating colleagues.

Dating a co-worker can result in serious consequences. Failures in these relationships can be damaging both "emotionally and professionally". Particularly true if that relationship is with your boss. This type of office dating leads to conflict within the organization, could lead in resentment from your peers, and set you up for sexual harassment allegations.