Is it ok for a boss to sleep with his (or her) subordinates? I guess it depends on if you're a so-called mysterious (or old) French lover. If you're the lascivious, really gross boss with coffee breath and lunch stains on your tie, don't even think about it.
The Wall Street Journal weighed in on the topic in light of IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn's recent dalliances with a young'un at the office. Surprisingly, the WSJ doesn't actually take a position in the article (while it wasn't an OP-ED, that hasn't stopped them in the past).
The decision not to punish DSK for his behavior is surprising; the claim was that the affair was consensual (hardly a consolation to Mrs. DSK). However, is the fact that it wasn't a rape sufficient? I'm no prude, but my understanding is that a boss can't sleep with a subordinate because that is the textbook definition of sexual harassment. Of course, the IMF isn't subject to American laws, so he may enjoy immunity from any such questions.
Still, take a look at the man in question. It's almost enough to give one nausea just thinking about him in the throes of pleasure. He certainly had to be aware of his position of power (no pun intended) and sphere of influence over the younger woman. For those feminists who are offended by asserting that she walked into a trap or wanted something other than love and affection, all I can say is that the story stinks.
Nevertheless, DSK is the winner here. He got what he wanted, and he gets to keep his job.