MODULE III : (INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS)
1. Interpersonal relationships :-
Interpersonal relationship at workplace is nothing but close relationship between two employees working at the
same place. Interpersonal relationships require good effort from the employees to nurture and maintain. A healthy
interpersonal relationship gives an employee the most joy and satisfaction.
A strong association among individuals working together in the same organization.
Ought to share a special bond for them to deliver their level best.
It is essential for individuals to be honest with each other for a healthy interpersonal relationship and eventually
positive ambience at the workplace.
Interpersonal relationships can include your partner, loved ones, close friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and many
others who make up the social connections in your life.
Interpersonal relationships for an individual are–
Personal growth and development Growth and enjoyment Sense of security Context of understanding Interpersonal
needs Establishing personal identity
Interpersonal relationships for manager/leader –
Understanding self Building a positive functional multidisciplinary team Improving intra and/or inter team
communication, coordination and cooperation Improved decision making and problem solving
2. Importance of Interpersonal relationships at workplace :-
a) Problem solving- allow people to discuss problems
b) Alignment with business goals- communication is better to communicate goals
c) Trust- improve trust and workplace communication
d) Change management- better understand change and align with it
e) Company culture- helps improve organization culture
f) Employee recognition- recognize good work and give constructive feedback
g) Workplace miscommunication- less miscommunication due to open communication environment
h) Personal relationships- helps build healthy relationships
i) Effective management and leadership- poor interpersonal relationships can avoid confusion and poor
communication with their employees
j) Employee success- helps employees do their job successfully.
k) Conflict management- resolve conflicts in a calm and timely manner
l) Career development- bring career progressions
m) Remote work- continue to drive engaging workplace conversations
n) Crisis management- ability to drive interpersonal communication within the workplace
3. Stages of interpersonal relationships
In a 1980 study psychologist George Levinger identified the five stages of interpersonal relationships: (ABCDE)
1. First Stage – Acquaintance
Acquaintance refers to knowing each other. To start relationship individuals need to know each other well.
Two individuals might meet at some place and instantly hit it off. People feel attracted to each other and decide to
enter into a relationship.
Common friends, social gatherings, same organizations also help people meet, break the ice, get acquainted with
each other and start a relationship.
2. Second Stage – The Build up Stage
This is the stage when the relationship actually grows. Individuals are no longer strangers and start trusting each
other.
Individuals must be compatible with each other for the relationship to continue for a longer period of time.
Individuals with similar interests and backgrounds tend to gel with each other more as compared to individuals from
diverse backgrounds and different objectives.
The build up stage in a relationship is often characterized by two individuals coming close, being passionate and
feeling for each other.
3. Third Stage – Continuation Stage
This is the stage when relationship blossoms into lasting commitments. It is when people after knowing each other
well decide to be in each other’s company and tie the knot.
Trust and transparency is essential for the charm to stay in relationship forever.
4. Fourth Stage – Deterioration
Not all relationships pass through this stage. Lack of compatibility, trust, love and care often lead to
misunderstandings and serious troubles in relationship.
Individuals sometimes find it extremely difficult to adjust with each other and eventually decide to bring their
relationship to an end.
Compromise is an integral part of every relationship. Individuals failing to compromise with each other find it
difficult to take the relationship to the next level.
5. Fifth Stage – The Termination Stage
The fifth and the last stage is the end of a relationship.
Relationship terminates due to any of the following reasons
Death of any one partner
Divorce
Separation
