Aims

In a society defined and patterned by multiple discourses on ‘how to organise’, the media represents perhaps the most influential voice of all. Individually held perceptions and expectations of organization and work, and our own likely (and hoped for) roles in them (and our resistance to them) are greatly influenced by media content such as film and television however they are delivered. The media offers us insights into organisations, but only from particular and often limited perspectives. The importance of the perceptions and expectations subsequently encouraged, lies in the fact that, once established, they are then able to influence how organisations (and ultimately society) are themselves patterned. Our expectations of the organisations we become a part of will ultimately help to shape them.

This module seeks to raise awareness among students of management/organization of how certain theorists have emphasized the influence of media/culture over representations, and therefore understandings of and expectations for, management and organisation. It also seeks to develop the abilities of students to be critical analysts, an aptitude which is in high demand by today’s employers and social organizations.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus will cover a range of themes including: introducing Culture; Representing Organisation/Management in Popular Culture; Critical (e.g. Marxist; Feminist) approaches to Popular Culture; Semiotic and Discursive analytical approaches to cultural texts; Entrepreneurship and Popular culture; Representation of Organisation in children's stories; Representation of professional workplaces in TV drama; Representations of future organisation; Hollywood representations of female business people.

There will also be space for preparing students for the module assessment.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures, planned as present-in-person, combine the setting out of key ideas and concepts that underpin the module’s knowledge outcomes in lecture mode with a high level of interaction via practically-focused activities, giving students the opportunity to discuss in small and larger groups the module's themes, drawing on their own multi-cultural experiences. Hence, these activities will support students in achieving the module’s skill (as well as knowledge) outcomes. Lectures also provide students with the opportunity to consider the relationship between the module material and the module assessment. Guest speakers with specific research expertise in relation to the module's core topics may contribute to the module dependant upon their availability.

Students will also be expected to broaden their knowledge of the module's debates through engaging with the wider reading list.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assignment will test the students ability to structure and present a theoretically based analysis, and test the student's broader knowledge of the techniques and approaches taught on the module.