Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Robert Liu: Office Space

Q&A:
What could the management of Initech do in effort to provide more motivation to its employees?

First of all the management could definitely realize that they are dominating and attempt to change that. If the employees feel more in control and not overpowered by management they would ultimately do a better job because they would see the benefits of the work they provide. In addition, management could find different communication methods other then how Peter’s boss Bill communicates to them all. If Bill asked more questions other than giving answers or suggestions, he would have a better understand of what is going on and the employees would have more respect for him.

Quote:
“It's a problem of motivation, all right? Now if I work my ass off and Initech ships a few extra units, I don't see another dime; so where's the motivation? And here's something else, Bob: I have eight different bosses right now.”…“I have eight different people coming by to tell me about it. That's my only real motivation is not to be hassled; that, and the fear of losing my job. But you know, Bob that will only make someone work just hard enough not to get fired.”

This quote definitely stood out to me because I believe that motivation is one of the most important attributes to have while doing anything. Without the motivation/or perks to enhance the motivation, a person would not feel any urge to do anything just as Peter does. Peter is definitely experiencing a resistance to domination. With having 8 different bosses Peter is only left to feel dominated because he ultimately has no say in anything. If he makes a mistake just as he did with the TPS Reports he gets reminded 8 different times. How can one stay motivated with he is consistently being reminded of everything he is doing wrong. There is no positive reinforcement and with that, Peter goes through something similar of the resistance narrative by only doing what is necessary to not get in trouble or not get fired. His “out” is to just do the bare minimum while venting to his friends (Michael and Samir) at Initech.

No comments: