The opportunity for friendship in the workplace: An underexplored construct

Abstract

This paper hypothesized and tested a theoretically-based model of the relationship between perceived friendship opportunities in the workplace and work-related outcomes. The empirical findings are based on the survey responses of 174 employees in a small electric utility. Results indicate that employees' perceptions of friendship opportunities in the workplace have direct effects on job involvement and job satisfaction, as well as indirect effects on organizational commitment and intention to turnover. Management implications of friendship opportunities and social features within the workplace are discussed.