September 15, 2023
Bloomberg Law recently published an article featuring Kabrina Chang, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Clinical Professor, Markets, Public Policy, and Law, discussing how CEO relationships gain prominence with the return to office.
Bernard Looney’s resignation as BB Plc CEO adds his name to a short yet prominent roster of corporate leaders who have violated company policies regarding relationships with subordinates. Although it wasn’t as easy to see, workplace romance still thrived during lockdown. With an increasing number of employees returning to the office, these relationships are likely to gain greater visibility.
“Perhaps one of the reasons this is making so many headlines is because we now know why a CEO of a multinational, multi-billion-dollar company is being asked to leave. And I do think people are always going to look for the salacious element,” Chang explains.
Ultimately, as people transition back into the office, the appearance of increased workplace romances may arise, but now it’s just more public. Concealing questionable conduct reflects a lack of effective leadership skills and increases the likelihood of encountering other issues.
