The social aspect is encouraged in most work environments as a means to make the workplace more enjoyable. When the workplace is a monotonous nose to the grindstone place, most people do not perform well over a long period of time. However when the coffee hour breaks and water cooler talks turn into the predominant communication methods, there is a problem. Setting performance measures in place that place accountability and move the company forward toward the quarterly or yearly objective should allow for periodic social interaction, yet keep the employees focused and productive. The key is periodic objective measurement and quickly recognizing, then resolving any bad habits that form.

I think that this speaks more to the lack of real "LEADERSHIP" in the workplace today. In most corporate cultures, both large and small, real and creative thinking and decisiveness are frowned upon. Everyone is afraid to put themselves out there so they cannot be hurt by the predatory purveyors of mediocrity (The PPMs). These PPMs will do anything to protect their position within the power structure of an organization by stifling change that might unseat them from their position at the table. These are the first people to think of reasons "not" to do something creative. They are the first ones to use statements like; we tried that before and it didn't work, no one else is doing that, etc. Those folks that are beneath them (in the chain of command) are rewarded for mediocrity and stasis, and punished for creativity and decisiveness. Therefore " organizations can reward mediocrity, poor performance, and bad behavior". The old go along to get along.

Yes, I think at times we forget why we are at work. We get paid to be productive, not to chit chat. We need a balance of an enjoyable environment but we need to set an expectation and keep people accoautable to this expectation. Is it worth all of us being out of work instead of handling those who are highly unproductive? No, we're at work to be productive.

It is truly unfortunate when social relationships in the workplace drive cooperation. If you are not "in the club" You will not get assistance on any level. I am polite and civil, however, I am not interested in a lot of personal disclosure and chit chat with my colleagues. I observe incredible low performance/ reduced productivity as colleagues spend 25-50% of the workday in friendly/playful banter rather than working toward achieving goals or accomplishing most basic of tasks. These people have standards,they are just low. It is very discouraging to work in this environment.