Negative Relationships in the Workplace

Abstract

A workplace is a network of various relationships, each with their own distinctive features. Negative coworker relationships, such as bullying relationships, may cause significant long-term emotional and psychophysical strain for the individuals involved, the coworkers who observe such relationships, and the entire organization. In contrast to an isolated workplace conflict, a negative relationship can include recurring patterns of dismissive and offensive communication or the perceived threat of such. This chapter explores nonvoluntary relationships that the participants are, to a certain extent, forced to maintain due to their shared office space and organizational goals. Because ending these relationships is not an option in the foreseeable future, the chapter discusses their maintenance. Ways of initiating discussions of relational problems are also discussed.