"Where there is love there is life." -- Ghandi
The ouster Monday of Boeing CEO Harry Stonecipher over an office romance raises a host of interesting and troubling questions that could affect many employees at many companies.
First, it's clear that Boeing wants to keep a spotless reputation, but it does not have a policy banning such romances. The unnamed woman did not report to Stonecipher, but when you're a CEO, everybody reports to you. That's his first strike.
Second, Stonecipher, who is married, has been noteworthy for his campaign to improve the ethical image of Boeing after a number of earlier scandals. And while he didn't violate any policy, the fact that he put himself at risk of a compromising situation was enough for the board to ask for his resignation.
Still, Buzz knows that office romance is more common today than ever before, with few companies (this one included) having any policy against workplace romances/relationships/affairs other than between a boss and a subordinate.
This Buzz writer dated a woman at an office years ago and is now happily married to her. There are many more stories like that here and at other workplaces.
So what do you think about the Boeing situation? Do you think Stonecipher should be treated more severely than a regular employee? What is your workplace like? And for that matter, have you ever had an office romance? Did it cause you any problems?
Let us hear from you.