The phenomena of workplace romance in 5 star hotels in North Cyprus

Abstract

This research intends to find out about the existence and policies of a new phenomenon of human resource management, “workplace romance” in North Cyprus by comparing with the worldwide practices. Qualitative and quantitative data were used among 160 employees at front-line departments in 5 star hotels, and in-depth interviews were conducted with four directors of human resources departments of a 5 star hotel to find and assess the significance of the nature of workplace romances through addressing the existing situation and trend in the hospitality industry in North Cyprus. The researchers also highlighted the availability and need for the human resource (HR) policies regarding workplace romances from the sample studies. The findings of this study lead to the statement that there is a different perception from HR managers and employees towards workplace romances in the North Cyprus hospitality industry (among the 5 star hotels). In addition, managerial policies and actions are very limited in viewing workplace romances in North Cyprus. Essentially, the results show that HR managers acted with indifference on the subject of interfering or managing the balance of workplace romances, suggesting that this specific part of the job is the function of the distinctive department; in particular, the department manager considers and perceives such cases as personal disputes and a private matter.