30A Note: A Workplace Is Not a Family
AFTER HEARING FROM MEGAN, LUCKEY, Martin, and Farah, and considering who is writing this book, it is important to note that while family can be a part of business, a business is not a family. We spend a lot of time at work, but it is disingenuous and potentially dangerous for a leader to characterize work as a family. The label is often used in job postings or to welcome new arrivals (Welcome to the UnMarketing family!). To some, a family might denote respect, open communication, and shared vision—but that is taking a whole lot of things for granted. A family means different things to different people.
A family atmosphere can create an environment where roles are blurred and accountability is difficult to achieve because of an overexaggerated sense of loyalty. Employees can be taken advantage of and work beyond their capacities, leading to burnout. Furthermore, in a family environment, it is hard for constructive feedback not to feel personal. “You don't fire a family member, nor do you put them through performance improvement plans. Relationships between employees and employers are temporary in nature and at some point, have to come to an end. So to liken the relationship to a family creates an allusion that the bond will last indefinitely” (Luna 2021).
When workplace scandals are in the news, we often learn that “everyone knew” what was going on, and ask why more people didn't come forward to report. Their silence can be seen as selfish ...