FROM COWORKERS TO FRIENDS - THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEER FRIENDSHIPS IN THE WORKPLACE

This paper reports the results of our analysis of interviews with 38 i ndividuals (representing 19 peer friendships) in which we explored fac tors and communication changes associated with the development of work place friendships. We found that peer friendships experienced three pr imary transitions: from coworker/acquaintance-to-friend, friend-to-clo se friend, and close friend-to-almost best friend. The co-worker-to-fr iend transition was perceived to be caused primarily by working togeth er in close proximity, sharing common ground, and extra-organizational socializing. Communication at this transition became broader, yet rem ained relatively superficial. The friend-to-close friend transition wa s associated primarily with problems in one's personal and work experi ences. Communication at this transition became broader, more intimate, and less cautious. The close friend-to-almost best friend transition was associated primarily with life events, work-related problems, and the passage of time. Communication became less cautious and more intim ate. Results also provide insights into the role of communication in t he joint construction of relationship perceptions and highlight the im pact of the workplace context on friendship development.