Expert: Ms. Heartbeat - 6/27/2000

Question
I`ve just learned that someone I know is seeing her manager outside of work. I`ve tried to tell her that this is unethical on his part, dangerous to her continued employment and a potential for conflict of interest. But she seems oblivious to the dangers. Even though she is good at her job, I expect, office politics being what they   are, any promotion will be perceived as a product of that relationship. Is there a standard code of business ethics that is observed by all/most large companies?  

Answer
No, there is no one rule or standard of behavior adopted by ALL organizations or corporations.  Some (believe it or not!) have no policy against employee fraternization of any sort, only against sexual harassment.  Some don't even have that!  She's a big girl, and if she wants to expose herself to this kind of negative opinon at the workplace, even after you, as a caring friend, have pointed out the error of her ways, then she just has to take the lumps that are coming.  Step back so none of them hit you!