Team Members:

1. Office Romances Our Management Philosophy: We believe employees should not partake in office romances in the case that it creates a conflict of interest or prohibits a comfortable work environment Team Members: Christie Montague Marketing Concentration Graduating May 2012 Jen Riebesehl Human Resources Concentration Graduating May 2011 Andrew Owens Marketing Concentration Graduating May 2012 Meredith Kelly Business Administration Graduating May 2012

2. Office Romances • H-P in the News • Mark Hurd, CEO of H-P, 2005-2010 • Harbored “secret relationship” with an unknown woman from Fall 2007-Fall 2009; hired as H-P’s independent marketing contractor • Hurd falsified expense reports for meals, travel, and unperformed services • Reports of sexual harassment against Hurd • Proved false • Board of directors gave Hurd ultimate decision • Hurd resigned with disclaimer • Ben, Worthen & Tam Pui-Wing. H-P Chief Quits in Scandal. The Wall Street Journal, 7 Aug. 2010. Web. 6 Feb. 2011. <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703309704575413663 370670900

3. Office Romances SAS’s Code Of Ethics “Conflicts of Interest:  The term “conflict of interest” describes any circumstance that could cast doubt on our ability to act objectively regarding SAS.  We must avoid situations that we know, or should know, create actual or potential conflicts of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, and immediately disclose them to the company if they arise.  This includes instances where an employee, or a member of his or her family, receives personal benefits as a result of his or her position with SAS.  We cannot use company property for personal gain nor take for ourselves business opportunities that arise through the use of company property, information or position.” • This part of SAS’s Code of Ethics best describes our management view on Office Romances. • It describes Personal Virtues and Contributing Liberty. The SAS Code Of Ethics. Web. 12 Feb. 2011. <http://www.sas.com/company/csr/ sascodeofethics_2006.pdf>. Hosmer, Larue T. Brief Summary of Ten Ethical Principles. The Academy Of Management Review. Web. 12 Feb. 2011.

4. Office Romances The previous code describes that an employee should not put themselves in a position where they can receive gain from a relationship in the workplace. • Employees should not take part in an office romance if it is a Conflict of Interest. • This should be the guideline that the company goes by and if something more specific occurs, that can be handled accordingly. • It is important that we do not have a code of conduct that explicitly says “Office Romances” and tells the employees how to handle office romances. • We have hired the employees because we feel they are responsible, professional people that will not let office romances get in the way of the workplace. • We understand that it is only natural for office romances to occur, so with this guideline in place we can make sure that it does not interfere with the general ethics of the organization.  

5. Office Romances Advantages of this ethics governance excerpt for a business to build reputational capital with its critical stakeholders in this situation Lovers will be in different parts of the organization so there’s no worry about unprofessionalism. They don’t report to one another so no need to worry about favoritism All activities at work will be work-related No office gossip about a romance about a boss and employee Stakeholders won’t have doubts about our ability to get the job done

6. Office Romances • Lacks examples of “Conflicts of Interest” and specific situations • Difficulties with relocation of employees • With allowing office romances, there can always be conflicts like break-ups, relationship issues, and harassment suits • Relies on employee judgment • Allows for possible waste of work hours and company $$ in order to socialize, etc. Disadvantages of this ethics governance excerpt for a business to build reputational capital with its critical stakeholders in this situation

7. Office Romances • Include specific examples and situations and end with saying that each situation is “unique” • Add a “What If…” to explain options for employees and management if relocation is NOT possible • Ensure that employees sign and understand a “Love Contract” • Conduct workshops about professionalism, acceptable behavior, and/or time management in the workplace Recommendations to improve ethics management in order to reduce or eliminate the disadvantages Love Contracts Spell Out Office Romance Rules. St Petersburg Times. Web. 10 Feb. 2011. <http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/workinglife/ article979108.ece>.