ABSTRACT
The quality of an organization is virtually inextricable from the quality of relationships among the people who comprise the organization. Focusing on the role of communication, this chapter provides an overview of four primary types of workplace relationships: supervisor–subordinate, peer, friendship, and romantic workplace relationships. As one of the most frequently studied topics in organizational communication research, we discuss the evolution of supervisor–subordinate relationship research, highlighting leader–member exchange theory and the role of communication. The chapter also provides a state-of-the-art overview of research on peer relationships, workplace friendship, and romantic relationships. This chapter concludes with a discussion of the various conceptualizations of organization and communication that have guided workplace relationship research.
