Leaders In Cinema

The leadership paper should be no longer than 7 pages, double-spaced, APA 7th edition format. The paper is based on the following:

You are to select and view ONE of the below movies or TV shows:

  1. Darabont F. (1994). The Shawshank Redemption. Columbia Pictures
  2. Osborne, M & Stevenson, J. (2008) Kung Fu Panda. Paramount Pictures
  3. Miller, B. (2011). Moneyball. Columbia Pictures

4.McKay, A. (2015). The Big Short. Paramount Pictures

  1. Nolan, C. (2023) Oppenheimer. Universal Pictures

TV series:

  1. Game of Thrones (you may use one or more episodes, just make sure to properly cite the reference). This one has many excellent leaders to write about.
  2. Sons of Anarchy (you may use one or more episodes, just make sure to properly cite the reference). There are a lot of great struggles for leadership and control in this movie.
  3. The Walking Dead, (you may use one or more episodes, just make sure to properly cite the reference). I highly encourage you to use this series, it has numerous excellent examples.
  4. Peaky Blinders (again you may use one or more episodes, just make sure to properly cite the reference).

A. After viewing the movie or TV show, select one of the supervisors (leaders).

B. Discuss THREE supervisory techniques, using specific examples from the movie or TV episode. Do not spend too much effort explaining the background or details of the scenario, get to the point of how they lead (or don't).

C. Make sure to discuss the following topics:

i. Which of the supervisory techniques were effective? Why?

ii. Which supervisory techniques were not effective? Why?

iii. Pick one scene and discuss what you would have done differently as a supervisor and why.

iv. How does a high-stress environment affect supervisory techniques, as compared or a less stressful environment?

Full Answer Section

   
  1. Negative reinforcement. Lumbergh also uses negative reinforcement to motivate his employees. For example, he threatens to fire Peter if he does not meet his sales quotas. He also humiliates Peter in front of his co-workers, which is a form of negative reinforcement.
  2. Lumbergh is a micromanager, which means that he closely supervises his employees and gives them detailed instructions on how to do their jobs. For example, he tells Peter to "pound the phones" and "sell, sell, sell," even though Peter knows how to do his job. Lumbergh's micromanagement makes his employees feel like they are not trusted and that their work is not valued.

All three of these supervisory techniques are ineffective in motivating employees. Positive reinforcement can be effective, but Lumbergh's use of it is so insincere that it comes across as patronizing. Negative reinforcement is always counterproductive, as it creates a hostile work environment and makes employees feel resentful. Micromanagement is also counterproductive, as it stifles creativity and makes employees feel like they are not trusted.

The most effective supervisory techniques are those that are based on mutual respect and trust. Supervisors should provide their employees with clear expectations and feedback, but they should also give them the autonomy to do their jobs. Supervisors should also be supportive and encouraging, and they should recognize and reward their employees for their accomplishments.

 

Sample Answer

   

Here are three supervisory techniques that are used in the movie Office Space (1999):

  1. Positive reinforcement. Bill Lumbergh, the Regional Manager at Initech, uses positive reinforcement to motivate his employees. For example, he tells Peter that he has done a "great job" on a project, even though Peter knows that the project was not successful. Lumbergh also uses positive reinforcement to get employees to do things that they don't want to do, such as working overtime. For example, he tells Peter that he has been "promoted" to a new position that involves working more hours, even though Peter did not ask for the promotion.