Mr Taylor Goes to Hollywood: Misbehavior in Film and TV

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this chapter is to enhance understanding of misbehavior through an exploration of film and TV treatments of workplace relations.

Methodology/approach – Analysis of examples of misbehavior drawn from film and TV within a theoretical framework informed by formal and substantive rationality.

Findings – Workplace definitions of misbehavior are multi-faceted, contextually specific, and both perspective- and power-dependent. They are constructed within workplace settings, where expressions of formal and substantive rationality intersect with everyday working practices.

Research limitations/Implications – The discussion is limited by the mainly fictional character of the resources used.

Practical implications – The chapter illustrates how representations of organizations as “rational” are limited and how more complex understandings of rationality might contribute to a more nuanced view of the co-production of workplace misbehavior practices by managers, workers, and/or unions.

Social implications – The chapter illustrates how multiple rationalities may be expressed and socially embedded within specific workplace settings.

Originality/Value of chapter – The focus on mainly fictional examples drawn from popular culture to interpret workplace behavior is the chapter's most distinctive feature.

Citation

Lafferty, G. (2012), "Mr Taylor Goes to Hollywood: Misbehavior in Film and TV", Barnes, A. and Taksa, L. (Ed.) Rethinking Misbehavior and Resistance in Organizations (Advances in Industrial & Labor Relations, Vol. 19), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 85-109. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0742-6186(2012)0000019007