When our personal interests–family, friendships, financial, or social factors–compromise our judgment, decisions, or actions in the workplace, then a conflict can arise. The following are examples of situations in which a conflict can occur:
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- You or your family member either work for a company, or have an ownership interest in a company, that is doing business with UCF.
- You use your position to seek employment for your relative.
- You accept gifts from companies doing business with UCF or companies that want to do business with UCF.
- You use university students to support your outside activities.
Because we are employees of a public institution, we are required to comply with the Florida Statutes Chapter 112, part III Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees. These laws are designed to prevent our engaging in activities that will create a conflict of interest or a bias in decision-making, or that will give the appearance of a conflict or bias. The requirements apply to all of us and include the following prohibited actions or conduct:
Highlighted below are two university policies addressing personal relationships in the workplace:
UCF 2-004 Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence is a new university policy covering many types and forms of conduct, but for the purposes of this article, we’d like to focus on Section XII Inappropriate Amorous Relationships. The policy defines “amorous relationships” as intimate, sexual, and/or any other type of amorous encounter or relationship, whether casual or serious, short-term or long-term.
UCF 3-008.2 Employment of Relatives is a long-standing university policy that also addresses relationships in the workplace. The policy specifically prohibits the appointment of relatives (includes persons who intend to marry or with whom the employee intends to form a domestic partnership or other intimate relationship) to any position in which a direct or indirect supervisory relationship would exist.
People working in the same office often develop supportive friendships through their work interaction and association. But, what happens in the workplace when relationships get personal? The university does not want to interfere with the personal lives of employees, but some friendships, romances, or other personal relationships are inappropriate in the workplace. In fact, some personal interactions or relationships have the potential to violate laws, policies, or regulations that apply to our university.
