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Organization Political Analysis of the Movie, "Up in the Air"

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Organization Political Analysis of the Movie, "Up in the Air"
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An Analysis of Organizational Politics in Film: Up in the Air
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Overview
“Up in the Air”, starring George Clooney (Ryan) as a corporate downsizer for the Career Transitions Corporation (CTC), features many themes related to the subject of organizational politics. This report will discuss and analyze such concepts within the context of the characters and various political dilemmas displayed in the movie. The following are the political topics that are most predominant in the film: * Need For Power * Ethics * Sources of Personal Power * Sources of Departmental Power
Following the discussion of the topics listed above, this paper will offer recommendations for Networking and Persuasion techniques that Ryan could have implemented to improve the political climate that he was engaged in.
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Need For Power
The film provides a few observational examples that Ryan has achieved a high modicum of organizational power. * He feels so strongly regarding his doubts about the computer termination initiative that he does not temper his opinions in discussions with his supervisor, Craig, and the new employee, Natalie. * Ryan does not exhibit any stress and exudes a high degree of being in control; he appears to be unflappable. * He is able to perform well in his job while taking a side career as a motivational speaker. This endeavor suggests a high degree of mastery of his current corporate position and suggests that his performance is such that his employer has given him tacit approval to engage in this other career.
Some of the outward manifestations for the perception that Ryan has a high need for organizational power can also be seen by: * Ryan’s large portfolio of major corporate
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