The Devil Wears Prada Analysis
Jana Billington
COMM 3140
October 22, 2013
“The Devil Wears Prada” Analysis
As with nearly any group, organizations contain and operate among many different dynamics. Within these dynamics emerges the potential for creativity, diversity, teamwork, exploration, and success. Included in those dynamics, however, is also the potential for dangerous and/or unhealthy practices, which ultimately effect not only the organization but the individuals within the organization as well. Caustic or authoritative managed organizations can also attain success within a negative atmosphere. In fact some organizations thrive on these types of tactics to remain competitive in a particular industry. A fictitional example of this type of organization and the dynamics found within the organization can be found in the film “The Devil Wears Prada.” This essay will review and analyze the organizational structure within the magazine “Runway,” in the film. The film industry is filled with examples of the benefits of teams, the collective process, and success attained when working toward a common goal. On the other side of the spectrum, however, is “The Devil Wears Prada,” which provides illustration of potentially harmful and aggressive managerial practices used for the purpose of attaining perfection, esteem, and notoriety at all costs. One of the most constant themes within the film is the aggressive and tyrannical behavior of the Meryl Streep character Miranda, who is the boss at the magazine. Her expectations are so high, that everyone who works for her does so out of fear of disappointing a woman who appears to be unable to be pleased with anything. These fear tactics have not only caused extreme anxiety and stress within the workplace, but they have also fostered a culture that encourages such behavior. Throughout the film, Miranda degrades people within her organization, commenting on their inadequacies, her disappointment with individual performance, and lack of
COMM 3140
October 22, 2013
“The Devil Wears Prada” Analysis
As with nearly any group, organizations contain and operate among many different dynamics. Within these dynamics emerges the potential for creativity, diversity, teamwork, exploration, and success. Included in those dynamics, however, is also the potential for dangerous and/or unhealthy practices, which ultimately effect not only the organization but the individuals within the organization as well. Caustic or authoritative managed organizations can also attain success within a negative atmosphere. In fact some organizations thrive on these types of tactics to remain competitive in a particular industry. A fictitional example of this type of organization and the dynamics found within the organization can be found in the film “The Devil Wears Prada.” This essay will review and analyze the organizational structure within the magazine “Runway,” in the film. The film industry is filled with examples of the benefits of teams, the collective process, and success attained when working toward a common goal. On the other side of the spectrum, however, is “The Devil Wears Prada,” which provides illustration of potentially harmful and aggressive managerial practices used for the purpose of attaining perfection, esteem, and notoriety at all costs. One of the most constant themes within the film is the aggressive and tyrannical behavior of the Meryl Streep character Miranda, who is the boss at the magazine. Her expectations are so high, that everyone who works for her does so out of fear of disappointing a woman who appears to be unable to be pleased with anything. These fear tactics have not only caused extreme anxiety and stress within the workplace, but they have also fostered a culture that encourages such behavior. Throughout the film, Miranda degrades people within her organization, commenting on their inadequacies, her disappointment with individual performance, and lack of