Workplace Romance: A Research on Flight Attendants in Aviation Industry

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine different aspects of workplace romance experienced by flight attendants in the aviation industry. Qualitative research method was used to examine the research subject in depth. The research was guided by using the phenomenology design, which is one of the qualitative research designs. The sample of the research was determined according to purposeful sampling and saturation point methods. In this context, the sample of the research consists of 11 flight attendants working in different airline companies in Turkey. Online interview method was used as a data collection tool. The data obtained was subjected to content analysis using MAXQDA 24 qualitative data analysis program with an inductive and descriptive approach. As a result of the content analysis, the research findings were collected under five themes. These themes include: factors affecting workplace romance, factors obstructing workplace romance, types of romantic relationships at workplace, results of workplace romance and management of workplace romance. According to the findings, the reasons why male and female employees have romantic relationships at work differ; It has been observed that different romantic relationships emerge depending on the position of the partners and the reasons for the relationship, and that workplace romance have positive and negative results individually/organizationally. It is thought that the research results will contribute to the literature on the concept of workplace romance and organizational behavior in the aviation industry.