Employment of Relatives

The employment of relatives in the same area of an organization may cause serious conflicts and problems with favoritism and employee morale. In addition to claims of partiality in treatment at work, personal conflicts from outside the work environment can be carried over into day-to-day working relationships.

Relatives of persons currently employed by Spelman may not occupy a position that will be working directly for or supervising their relative. Spelman also reserves the right to take prompt action if an actual or potential conflict of interest arises involving relatives who occupy positions at any level (higher or lower) in the same line of authority that may affect the review of employment decisions.

If a relative relationship is established after employment between employees who are in a reporting situation described above, it is the responsibility and obligation of the supervisor involved in the relationship to disclose the existence of the relationship to management. The individuals concerned will be given the opportunity to decide who is to be transferred to another available position. If that decision is not made within 30-calendar days, management will decide who is to be transferred or, if necessary, terminated from employment.

In other cases where a conflict or the potential for conflict arises because of the relationship between employees, even if there is no line of authority or reporting involved, the employees may be separated by reassignment or terminated from employment.

For purposes of this policy, a relative is any person who is related by blood or marriage, or whose relationship with the employee is similar to that of persons who are related by blood or marriage.

Policy No.  105  Effective Date:  9/1/2000  Revision Date:  2/26/2010