Wallstreet Analysis

Decision making is an important factor in WallStreet. When faced with a decision, a well structured problem is ideal because the outcome is clear, and how to get from one point to the next is apparent (359). However, in WallStreet, both Gekko and Fox were faced with ill structured problems – problems which have no clear solutions (360). Gekko was put in situations where he needed to decide which company to invest in, which to back away from, and how to achieve insider knowledge to obtain this information. Fox was faced with deciding whether to do business with Gekko, even though he was aware of the consequences, whether to go against his father’s advice, and choosing to accept all of Gekko’s offers. Both these characters were faced with problems that were risky and unique. There was no obvious answer for either of them. These types of problems, as Gekko and Fox would realize, normally cause controversy amongst the people involved in the decision (360).

Both characters in WallStreet had or obtained power to influence throughout the film. Gekko has legitimate power which comes from his position in his organization (393) which gives him authority over everyone who works under him. It is seen later on that his legitimate power is backed up by reward power – his ability to influence others by providing positive outcomes (393).This was seen especially through his interactions with Fox. Gekko presented Fox with a lavish lifestyle, a beautiful girlfriend and a promotion at his company. This promotion led Fox to gain legitimate power. Gekko was able to control Fox because of all the positive outcomes he was receiving.

To obtain power, people need to do the right things, and make the right decisions to get power for themselves. Both Fox and Gekko received power by engaging in extraordinary activities (395). Fox did more than what was required of him at his job to be noticed by his superior, as did Gekko. Just doing great at a usual job, will not lead to obtaining