Do you think it is morally acceptable for an employer to make rules against dating in the workplace?

Essay by adharviUniversity, Master'sA+, May 2004

download word file, 5 pages 4.0

Dating in the workplace has always been an issue when it comes the U.S. military. In fact certain relationships are against the UCMJ (Uniformed Code of Military Justice) and can be severely punished by military courts depending upon the amount of damage caused including discharge from the military.

I can still remember having a crush on this lieutenant that was worked in another office at my first duty station. When I spoke to my supervisor about possibly asking her out it was explained to me that that type of relationship was inappropriate. In fact it was most frowned upon when a dating relationship takes place between a commissioned officer and an enlisted member. The main reason for this type of relationship is because it can cause a conflict of interest. A person that holds a position of authority as a commissioned officer has a relationship with an enlisted person it can cause several problems in areas such as morale and their ability to lead.

According to Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241 Volume I, "Professional relationships are essential to effective operation of all organizations, both military and civilian, but the nature of the military mission requires absolute confidence in command and an unhesitating adherence to orders that may result in inconvenience, hardships, or (at times) injury and death. While personal relationships between Air Force members are normally matters of individual choice and judgment, they become matters of official concern when they adversely affect or have the reasonable potential to adversely affect the Air Force by eroding morale, good order, discipline, respect for authority, unit cohesion, or mission accomplishment. AFI 36-2909 focuses on the impact of personal relationships on Air Force interests (Unknown, 2003)."

Utilitarianism is one theory that suggests an action is right if it maximizes happiness for the greatest number...