The supervisor is using a smartphone to read a message. William is reading a message on a laptop.

Case Study One

Friends in High Places

Now William is left to believe that the post is about him and is fearful that his working relationship with his supervisor will be awkward and uncomfortable to say the least.

Is the supervisor’s invitation appropriate?

The correct answer is Maybe

The invitation itself may or may not be appropriate based on the organisation’s dating policies. Some organisations forbid supervisors from dating their subordinates, while others do not. Organisations that restrict dating between supervisors and their direct reports, or anyone they have authority over, do so because such relationships could expose the organisation to charges of sexual harassment and give the appearance of favouritism to other employees. All employees should learn and abide by their organisation’s dating policies.