OB Film Project

Norma RaeGroup-F

Flow of presentation

Basic details about the film -Story plot, star cast, main characters.

Character Analysis Film analysis relating Organizational behaviour Summary Signature scenes and related clippings

Basic details and story plot The movie was released in March,1979 Director: Martin Ritt In the film Norma Rae, the struggle that community

members must endure to become unionized is highlighted. When an enthusiastic union representative imposes himself on the community to get workers at a textile factory better working conditions, an uphill battle is in store for everyone. The main characters, Reuben, the union representative, and Norma Rae, a factory worker whose entire family works at the factory as well, spend hours around the clock trying to make a difference in the quality of pay and representation available for the factory workers.

Star CastName Role played DescriptionSALLY FIELD Norma Rae Webster She is a worker in the textile mill, has to

manage two kids, fight for unionization of the mill.

BEAU BRIDGES Sonny Webster Marries her accepting her two kids, works in the same mill

RON LEIBMAN Reuben Warshowsky Representive of Textile Workers Union of America, came here to unionize the mill other cast is working in.

PAT HINGLE Vernon Father of Norma rae working in the same mill

NOBLE WILLINGHAM

Mr. Mason Boss of Norma Rae

Character analysis

In this film there are two main characters: Norma rae and Reuben

There are some similarities like leadership and vision, social concern, Dedication towards their work and openness.

There are some different aspects of nature that they both carries.

Let’s evaluate these two characters…

Norma rae

Norma rae along with her parents works in the mill for many years, she has always been demanding compared to other workers when the health and better work environment is concerned. She was shown as a single mother initially of two kids, but she marries sonny(who also works in the same mill) afterwards. After her involvement in union setting activities, she was threatened by organization, her personal life also was on stake, even her character was being judged. Inspite of all these troubles the movie is about her journey to become a leader and getting what she was fighting for long.

Norma in simple terms

0utgoing Intelligent venturesome Self assured Assertive Forthright Self sufficient(Considering 16 P-F model)

Reuben Reuben came in the town to unionized the mill in which Norma

works. He is a good leader and tries to connect and unify the workers to let them understand the function and importance of union.

He has to face cultural differences, prejudices, he did not get response initially as workers feared the losing of their job. But his communication, dedication and clear goal let him achieve the target. Norma rae was a great help for him. Movie parallaly shows the journey of reuben as a leader and as guide for Norma and similar others.

Reuben in simple terms

Good communication Initiator High self awareness Empathy Self-motivated Forthright Neutral, Takes stand when needed even against his

boss

Analysis considering OB As we have already analysed two main characters considering 16 p-

f model provided by by R.B. Cattell and evaluated their leadership skills considering ‘What makes a Leader’ by deniel goleman.

We have relate some basic theories from the book- Udai Pareek (2011);Understanding Organizational Behaviour.

Following theories has been connected :1. Adult learning theory2. Maslow’s needs of hierarchy3. Organizational politics4. Organizational change-sequential process

Adult learning theory

In Adult Learning Theory there are two main theories: Theory of Andragogy and Cross’s theory of adult learning.

They combiningly states following assumptions for adult learning: 1. Adults need to know why they need to learn something. 2. Adults approach learning as problem solving 3. Adults learn best when the topic is of immediate value. 4. Adult learning is problem oriented rather than content oriented. 5. Adult learning should adapt to the aging limitations of the

participants. 6. It considers language, cultural and educational aspects.

Analysis

In his speech, he gives example of his grandfather and the ‘big family’ he had. Then he links it to the unity of workers in order to put their demands in front of the management and let them listen to it. This part contains the first three features of adult learning.

He even mentioned the racism and cultural differences prevailing there and let them connect socially and emotionally.

Maslow’s needs of hierarchy

Analysis

As far as the basic needs at the base of pyramid are concerned, the work environment, safety, supportive higher management everything was not at all available there.

The wages were very low as compared to the work they put in.

Maslow says that when the fundamental needs are not satisfied, it affects the overall psychological motivation of a person regarding job satisfaction and self-actualization.

Through out the film, the exploitation of workers can clearly be seen which is killing the basic needs suggested by Maslow

Organizational politics

Divide and rule: When Norma is offered a promotion as supervisor, the basic idea of her boss is to keep her away from the support of other workers as it is an usual tendency to dislike the person putting your performance on paper.

Manipulate classified information: initially the management keep the notice regarding union out of eyesight. When the initiative of unionizing the mill accelerates, they showcase a false notice saying the blacks will get all the powers if union comes. This is also under divide and rule

Make a quick showing, attack and blame others: When Norma was taken to her boss’ office, she was blamed for her personal phone calls which was irrelevant for that purpose, whenever Reuben or Norma takes any step the management appears quickly to stop or accuse them.

Organizational change-Sequential process

Analysis The introduction of concept of unionization, the meetings

and motivational speeches, the struggle to aware others, the fight with the management, and finally the unionization of the mill-whole journey through the film indicates various steps of process of organizational change.

Learnings Stand for your family, friends and co-workers. Stick to your decision and demands if you are true. Keep balance of your personal and professional life. Your leadership building stand tall only with the support of

your co-workers. Look after them and save their rights. People will create hindrances in your way, you only

succeed when you overcome them. Maintain transparency, it is a key to trust.

Summary The movie effectively portray the journey of unionization

of the textile mill along with parallel journey of Norma and reuben.

Reuben was already a leader but Norma revolves from a minimum wage worker to the face of union for the management , from a rebel to the well guided leader for her co-workers, from single mother to a wife.

P.s.: The story is originally based on Crystal Lee Sutton's life as a textile worker in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, where the battle for the workers' union took place against a J.P. Stevens Textiles mill. She has written ‘union’ on a cardboard and stood on her worktable until all machines are silent. although she was fired from her job, the mill was unionized.