Respondents also experienced a great deal of anxiety about speaking to close friends about substandard work. A basic rule of friendship is being non-judgmental and accepting your friends weaknesses, but giving critical performance feedback conflicts with this.
“We also found issues related to confidentiality practices, which could mean friends have to refrain from sharing information. This can be really challenging for close friendships that have norms of openness and disclosure,” Dr. Morrison said.
Dr. Morrison said organizations should try to provide friendly environments and encourage workplace friendships, but have policies in place to manage potential difficulties.