Consensual boss-subordinate dating is when a boss and one of the subordinates enter into consensual dating relationship with one another. Each party enters into the relationship based on some potential gains. The boss might simply seek erotic satisfaction, while the subordinates seek to achieve employment, promotion, money/material gains, professional development, and rise to a position of authority or power. The entering into boss-subordinate relationship might be initiated in many ways. It could be initiated through coercion and intimidation, and the subordinate succumbs later to consensual relationship in order to achieve desired goals. It could also start with the boss enticing the subordinates with potential gains and the subordinates agreeing to the enticement. In few cases, it might start with conscious efforts made by the subordinate to lure the boss into a relationship for some personal gains. Each boss-subordinate dating initiation methodology carry potential risks during the life time of the relationship. The risk of consensual relationship falling apart will depend on whether the party’s goals are being met and/or the presence or absence of another parallel relationship with one or both parties and whether such parallel relationships was declared or not at the beginning of the dating. In many cases, boss-subordinate dating occurs secretly and hidden from intra-organizational operations and from the larger public. Despite the secrecy of these relationships, the possibility of things going wrong and exposure of the relationships to the internal organization and the public might occur.

Consensual boss-subordinate dating that was initiated with intimidation or coercion has high potential for failure once the exploited party is empowered to opt out or when the level of exploitation is fully comprehended or when the subordinate becomes psychologically and mentally matured to make better choices and decisions. Subordinates who were young and naïve are more likely to have entered into boss-subordinate relationship unknowingly as the coerced or intimidated partner. They are therefore, more likely to become disgusted with the relationship once they attain mental and psychological maturity to understand that the relationship was founded on exploitation. In addition, changing times and empowerment of women across all aspects of humanity could provide safe environment for women already in exploited relationships to expose and exit the relationship. If the consensual relationship was initiated by enticing the subordinates with material benefits and the benefits were not achieved, the relationship is bound to have grave issues. Failure to deliver on promised gains may be perceived in two ways. First, is the feeling of being violated for erotic gains, and second, is the perception of victimization or exploitation of the powerless and vulnerable based on false promises. In some instances, the promised gains may be fulfilled, but the subordinate may want to renegotiate the terms of the benefits. During renegotiation, things might go wrong leading to exposure and scandals. In very few instances when the boss was lured into the relationships by the subordinates, blackmail and demand for ransom may rear its ugly head and could lead to accusations and/or harassment.