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What are the causes of negative workplace relationships?

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Question added by Divyesh Patel , Assistant Professional Officer- Treasury , City Of Cape Town
Date Posted: 2014/04/29
Vinod Jetley
by Vinod Jetley , Assistant General Manager , State Bank of India

Engagement

When workers enjoy their jobs and are happy to come to work, they usually are easier to get along with. It’s those employees who are unhappy with their lot who create the friction and tension that leads to negativity and difficult relationships. According to the "Gallup Business Journal," only29 percent of American workers are engaged at work and feel good about their positions and the work they do. The rest are either just going through the motions or overtly miserable – and letting you know it.

Friendships

Even if your employer encourages workplace friendships, they don’t always happen. Instead, jealousy and outright hostility often replace the closeness that some employees develop with their co-workers. The negative relationships can be caused by any number of factors, ranging from distinct personality differences to preconceived notions and prejudices. When workers aren’t engaged or into their work, they tend to take a dislike to those employees who are happy. Instead of trying to find out what they can do to be happier at work, they pull away and say that they are not at work to make friends, and that being too familiar with fellow workers only leads to problems.

Miscommunication

Too many times, bad relationships are formed because of incorrect assumptions. Instead of talking things out to find out why someone is stand-offish, you often may jump to conclusions. “She thinks she’s better than me,” or “She has it in for me,” are common reactions when a coworker isn’t friendly. This can cause you to return the animosity with your own brand of negativity, which leads to mistrust and poor working habits. The cycle continues until it becomes nearly impossible, without intervention of some kind, to form any kind of positive working relationship.

Too Personal

Relationships can turn sour after coworkers become too friendly and end the relationship. Dating coworkers, for example, often break up and carry their animosity and hurt on the job when they continue working after a stormy breakup. Even if the employees didn’t necessarily have a romantic relationship, maybe they were just gossip buddies or going-out-for-a-drink-after-work friends who ended up getting in a fight over political views or perceived slights. Friendships gone bad outside the job leach into the workplace and can be a major cause of negative vibes back at the office.

 

Sidrah Nadeem
by Sidrah Nadeem , Global Marketing Manager , Hill & Knowlton

  1. Lack of communication
  2. Cultural bias' not taken care of
  3. Key issues ignored, as opposed to resolved

Ghanendra Mishra
by Ghanendra Mishra , Social Worker , International Organization for Migration

Miscommunications and jealousy.

zafar abbas minhas
by zafar abbas minhas , Freelance Writer , DAILY MASHRAQ

I AM SURE YOU ARE NOT ASKING ABOUT FLIRTS ???

Mir Mujtaba Ali
by Mir Mujtaba Ali , Internal Audit Manager , Confidential

Many possible reasons, unethical behavior to be rated on top

padmakumar pathiyil
by padmakumar pathiyil , Marketing Consultant , Management Consultancy

Misunderstanding and usage of ineffective communication skills are some of the reasons for Negative work place relationships.

Elke Woofter
by Elke Woofter , Project Assistant , American Technical Associates

most are jealous ... think you have an advantage ... some are scared you could get their job.... scared loosing their job.... to many political games played in the company 

Kathy Mustafa
by Kathy Mustafa , Personal Assistant to CEO- Managing Sales and Marketing Departments , Saudi Kinda Real Estate

Miscommunication is the #1 reason for negative workplace relationships followed by jealousy. 

Alex Al Yazouri
by Alex Al Yazouri , General Manager , Al Mushref Cooperative Society

Lack of good management.

Too much politics.

Conflict of interests.

Personal issues involved as a results such as gossip, jealousy.......

 

 

Amir khusroo
by Amir khusroo , PROCUREMENT OFFICER , AL RUSHAID PETROLEUM INVESTMENT COMPANY

Many reasons for negative workplace relationship, Misunderstanding, Interference in other space, Lack of communication, Insecurity.

VENKITARAMAN KRISHNA MOORTHY VRINDAVAN
by VENKITARAMAN KRISHNA MOORTHY VRINDAVAN , Project Execution Manager & Accounts Manager , ALI INTERNATIONAL TRADING EST.

Mainly internal as well as external politics. Some motives often neglect human values.

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