Work friendships are often tenuous and can depend on the quality of one’s productivity in the workplace environment. When the work suffers, then the friendship can quickly turn volatile. Sociologists often report that people will more likely fake their friendships at work not to upset their career prospects (Vernon, p. 27).
In at least 350 words total, please answer each of the following, drawing upon your reading materials and your personal insight. In this week’s reading material, the following philosophers discuss their views on this topic: Aristotle, Russell, Smith Ferguson, Marx and Simmel. Make sure to incorporate their views as you answer each discussion question. Think about how their views may be similar or different from your own as you answer the following questions:
- To what extent do you personally agree with the sociologist’s findings and distrust the sincerity of your work colleagues?
- What has been your own experience with enacting friendships of utility and/or feigning friendship in order to secure your employment or future career prospects? Do you believe this is ethical? Explain your answer.
Many companies are aware of the research that indicates that friendships at work increase productivity and overall job satisfaction (p. 17). People with friends at work are even twice as likely to believe they are well-paid (p. 17). Those who share friendships at work are more likely to share ideas, be innovative, and feel like their work has real meaning and purpose (p. 17).
In reality, commercial society encourages friendliness but not strong alliances, which can undermine the authority of industry. In short, strong friendships can prove time consuming and produce less productive workers, as well as contribute to nepotism and cronyism (p. 39). Other thinkers and critics have noted the drive toward individualism and competition that commercialism promotes, which undermines genuine connection.
Consider the concepts from the Module 4 readings as you participate in the module’s discussions and complete the poll. Be sure to cite the textbook or other sources in your work.
References:
Cooley, D. R. (2002). “False Friends.” Journal of Business Ethics. (195-207). Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Vernon, M. (2010). The Meaning of Friendship. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Chapter 1: Friends at Work
