This case is more evidence for existing double standards in the workplace. Both the case and the expert responses frankly made me quite irritated, if not blatantly angry. Women have to make sacrifices in their professional careers for male-favoring social or corporate norms, which are sadly also perpetrated by women, and the comfort of their male coworkers, who get significant slack. In terms of the ethics of the relationship, the CFO should’ve been more prudent in his relationships because they have real life consequences that leave indelible marks.
- Do I agree with the expert?
I agree with the main expert who suggests Elizabeth wait it out until she is more level-headed and lets her compensation package accumulate. I agree with Gayathri Sivasubramanian that Elizabeth has earned her position there through sheer passion and hard work. She is passionate about the growing company and is on track to be on C-Suite herself. These qualities, her history of achievement and passion for the type of work she and the company are doing, are not going to transfer easily to a new job. I am, however, frustrated that even the experts who are women are trivializing her struggles( “She dated Brad for two months, not two years. She can easily distract herself with the new professional opportunity and a second chance at love in the UK.”) or saying Elizabeth should’ve known better. Our tendency to place more responsibility on women to be more prudent just because men do not change is disheartening. Although the work environment is clearly toxic, I do not agree with those telling Elizabeth to immediately leave, for the reason that if the roles were switched, the man would definitely not switch and more urgency would be placed on the topic of ethics of workplace relationships. Elizabeth should discuss how unfairly she is being treated with her boss or perhaps other people to change this culture, and not leave until the decision optimizes her career and personal development as a good opportunity rather than settling for any random escape opportunity.
2. If I was a manager, and found out about the situation, what would I do about this?
I would absolutely discuss this with the CFO, CSuite, HR, and other employees. The new anti-fraternization policy seems insufficient for the boundless array of other relationship-caused tension that could arise and the culture that favors men in power is toxic. I would assure that Elizabeth’s position is hard-earned and safe, giving her ample time and space to recover and voice other complaints (it seems that she is quite rational), while distancing Claudia from Elizabeth for the time being.
