Oh, if this is the usual boss thing, she has a need to be large and in charge. Doesn't want the underlings comparing notes; they might find the courage to stand up to her.
Most places that ding people for interacting are trying to keep them down (big box retail, for instance.)
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"I believe you find life such a problem because you think there are the good people and the bad people," said the man. "You're wrong, of course. There are, always and only, the bad people, but some of them are on opposite sides."
-- Terry Pratchett, Guards! Guards!