Structure, Human Resources,Political & Symbolic Frames

9 to 5 Movie (1980)

This movie is about three women who are brought together by their shared hatred for their boss. They take matters into their own hands and improve the

work environment for all of their coworkers. 9 to 5 Movie Trailer

Frames

Structural – how to organize and structure groups and teams to get results

Human Resources – how to tailor organizations to satisfy human needs, improve human resource management, and build positive interpersonal and group dynamics

Political – how to cope with power and conflict, build coalitions, hope political skills, and deal with internal and external politics

Symbolic – how to shape culture that gives purpose and meaning to work, state organizational drama for internal and external audiences, and build team spirit through ritual, ceremony, and story

Bolman & Deal (2008)

“Structure needs to be designed with an eye towards desired ends.” P.59

“Understanding linkages among goals, structure, and strategy requires a look

beyond formal statements of purpose.” P. 66

“Reorganizing, or restructuring, is a powerful but high-risk approach to improvement. An

organization’s structure at any moment represents its resolution of an enduring set

of basic tensions or dilemmas.” p. 69

Structure

Consolidated Companies was a vertical organization, top-down management

Autonomy vs. Interdependence Dilemma◦CC was too stringent with employees, they

could not have personal items on their desksToo Tight vs. Too Loose Dilemma

◦Management had too much power On Judy’s first day of work she was not sure of the

pay, it had to be discussed with the boss The boss took advantage of his employees such as

Doralee filling his car with gas and Violet running errands for him

Structure (Cont.)

Restructure – Doralee, Violet, and Judy come together and they restructure their department to a more collaborative environment. ◦Staff were more satisfied with their jobs

Bolman & Deal (2008)

“The human resources frame centers on how characteristics of organizations and people shape what they do for one another.” P.111

“The misuse of human resources depresses profits as well as people.” P. 132

“When the fit between people and organizations is poor, one or both suffer; individuals may feel

neglected or oppressed, and organizations sputter because individuals withdraw their efforts or even work against organizational

purposes.” P. 137

Human Resources

Organizations are as good as their peopleWhen the relationship is poor it impacts

staff, the work place, and productivity◦Doralee was sexually harassed◦Judy’s job was threatened because she could

not work the Xerox machine◦The boss called the women girls

Once the women changed the structure morale and productivity improved◦They took employees needs into consideration◦They added daycare, job shares, and fair pay

Bolman & Deal (2008)

“The political frame views organizations as roiling arenas hosting ongoing context of

individual and group interests.” P. 194

“At every level in organizations, alliances form because members have interests in common and believe they can do more together than

apart. To accomplish their aim, they need power.” P. 201

“Positive politics without an ethical framework and moral dialogue is as unlikely as bountiful

harvest without sunlight or water.” P. 228

Politics

The position of power is held by the boss which puts the staff at his mercy◦Management is discourage that start of a union◦Employee is fired on the spot for talking about

salaries◦Violet’s promotion dependant on the boss, she

holds back not to jeopardize her chances◦The boss stole an coding idea from Violet and

passed it as his own to his boss

Politics (Cont.)

The women have a shared interest in creating a positive work environment. They come together to shift the position of power◦They change the environment to a more

welcoming space◦They meet the needs of staff members with

shared jobs and daycare◦They provide fair pay which changes the

morale◦These changes positively impact the

productivity which is notice by the President of the company

Bolman & Deal (2008)

“It [the symbolic frame] puts ritual, ceremony, story, play, and culture at the

heart of organizational life.” P. 21

“Symbols carry powerful intellectual and emotional messages: they speak to both the

mind and the heart. The symbolic frame focuses on how humans make sense of the

messy, ambiguous world in which they live” P. 240

“A unifying culture reduces conflict and political strife.” P.321

Symbolic

Sexism – was a strong message in this movie◦Boss called the women girls, talked about their

looks, made unwanted advances, and said it was not worth promoting a woman

Work – showcased in term of how hard the women worked from 9 to 5◦The feet walking, hands typing, clocks

Woman power◦Joining forces, changing the work environment making it better for all

References

Bolman, L. G. & Deal, T. E. (2008) Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership

9 to 5 Movie Trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV7W9vWVCtw