Complicating Connection: Unpacking Affection, Attraction, and Intimacy at Work

Increasingly we hear of the importance of relationships in organizations: that in a world of disconnection and loneliness, workplaces provide a place for seeking and finding connection; that strong relationships provide the foundation for more effective collaboration and idea generation; and that employees who feel more supported and connected to others at work perform better. Thus, our research and theories suggest the positive impact that high-quality connections and relationships can have in organizations; yet they often stop short of fully theorizing the complications and challenges that can arise in high-quality relationships at work, which may be characterized by varying degrees of affection, attraction, and intimacy. Especially given the current environment of workplace dynamics around gendered-relationships and sexual harassment, it is timely to explore the consequences, both positive and negative, of fostering affection, attraction, and intimacy at work. In this panel symposium, we will explore h...