Between Culture and Conduct: Workplace Romances and its Implications in the Jordanian Context

Abstract Book of the 10th International Conference on Advanced Research in Management, Business and Finance

Year: 2026

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Between Culture and Conduct: Workplace Romances and its Implications in the Jordanian Context

Arwa Al-Twal, Hala Alsamarat

ABSTRACT:

This study investigates the multifaceted impact of workplace romances on individuals and organizations within Jordanian workplaces, with a particular focus on the role of Human Resources (HR) departments. A storytelling qualitative approach was employed, analyzing six in-depth narratives collected from professionals across diverse sectors in Jordan. The narratives demonstrate that workplace romances can foster emotional support, increase motivation, and influence career decisions, particularly in relation to organizational policies. However, they also present significant challenges, including interpersonal conflicts and career disruptions, especially when policies are unclear or unevenly applied. HR departments emerged as pivotal actors in shaping policy, ensuring confidentiality, resolving disputes, and supporting employees involved in such relationships. The findings underscore the need for HR departments to develop clear, culturally sensitive, and consistently enforced policies regarding workplace romances. Training programs in conflict resolution, ethical management, and emotional intelligence are recommended to mitigate risks and support a respectful and equitable organizational culture. This study fills a gap in the limited academic literature on workplace romance in Middle Eastern and collectivist cultural contexts, particularly within Jordan. It contributes original empirical evidence on how socio-cultural norms and institutional practices intersect with personal relationships at work. The findings offer transferable insights for HR professionals and scholars in other emerging economies and culturally conservative environments, where workplace romances are often stigmatized or under-regulated. The study also invites broader discussions on how globalization and evolving workplace dynamics challenge traditional HR practices across different regions.

Keywords: Workplace Romances, HRM, Culture