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LEADERSHIP

Modern Corporate Relationship Theories

By Dr . Kellen Kiambati

When newly recruited employees join organizations they prefer to be perceived as likeable and friendly but also committed and serious . Therefore it is important to pay attention to theories that can help people achieve the objective of being likeable . To do so one has to pay attention to theories that support relationship development and maintenance . There are a few theories available to apply .

Attraction theory : In this theory it is urged that workplace relationships arise as a result of attraction and that is why we are drawn to some people and not to others based on issues like body structure , similarity in beliefs , financial resources , ambitions , communication skills and ethical considerations . These considerations are important to well-being and happiness . Similarity is also key in attraction theory because people who act , look and think in the same way are likely to be attracted to each other . However , there are times when people are attracted to opposites from a complimentary perspective for example dominant and submissive people . Additionally , Proximity or physical closeness and people who live near each other or work close to each other have the highest opportunity to interact hence becoming a factor in attraction . When it comes to reinforcement , people are attracted to those that affirm them and belief that the people are worth our efforts .
Relationship Rules Theory : Interpersonal relationships are largely dictated by rules that govern them and believing that adherence to those rules is what keeps the relationship glued together . The rules help to separate toxic and non-toxic relationships and they include stepping in for friends , celebrating success , emotional support and offering assistance . The rules also help people to cultivate skills for development and maintenance considering context , beliefs , norms and practices of a particular space .
Specifically workplace rules form part of corporate culture that can easily be learnt through observation and they include ; hard work , team work , confidentiality , politeness among others .
Relationship Dialectics Theory : Relationship dialectics theory deals with tensions that exist between two choices like going on holiday or spending holiday money on investments . On a day to day basis we experience these tensions where we have to make choices that pull us to opposite directions . In this theory there is the conflict between closeness and openness and wanting to experience exclusiveness yet also to relate with the larger group .
Social Penetration Theory : Social penetration theory is anchored on an explanation of why relationships develop and how they grow . The nature of relationship is based on topics that people discuss on a day to day basis . The people who identify with a topic of discussion will be drawn to each other and in the process strengthen penetration into inner personality .
Social Exchange Theory : Social exchange theory operates like business where people create relationships that have optimal benefits . The theory begins with the following equation : Profits = Rewards – Costs . Reward is viewed as anything that people are willing to pay for in order to obtain and they include status , goods and information . On the other hand costs are things that people try to avoid in a relationship like unwillingly working overtime and over the holiday . Profit therefore is subtracting costs from the rewards .
Equity Theory : Equity theory has a close relationship with social exchange theory however it includes proportions arguing that people should receive workplace relationship rewards equal to the effort they put in . Equity theory claims that people will develop , maintain , and be satisfied with relationships that are equitable therefore the greater the inequity , the greater the dissatisfaction and the greater the likelihood that the relationship will end .
Politeness Theory : In this theory , workplace relationships are developed through mutual respect acknowledging strengths and weaknesses and using indicators like praise , compliments , and positivisms in general to grow the relationship . There should be consideration of positive aspects that raise self-esteem and autonomy to control own behavior . This way people feel valued and respected and relationship needs are met .
In conclusion , workplace relationship are largely based on effective communication and there is need to master the strategies that one can use to develop and maintain workplace relationships . They are : Be Friendly : One has to be friendly and cheerful and be prepared to compromise even if it means self-sacrifice ; Continuous Engagement : This is important to keep the workplace relationship going and generally keeping in touch ; Openness : Direct conversation and listening to others so as to offer meaningful advice and guidance ; Assurances : The importance of the workplace relationship should be continuously affirmed and explained ; and Being Positive : People want to engage and be around those oozing positive energy and optimism .
Kellen Kiambati holds an MBA in Strategic Management from the Kenya Methodist University and a PhD in Business Administration with a focus in Strategic Management from JKUAT . She is a member of the Institute of Human Resource Management of Kenya . She can be reached via : Kellenkiambati @ gmail . com .
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