Movie title: Office Space (1999)

Acknowledgement

We thank Sir Mohd Aidil Riduan Bin Awang Kader for letting us analyze selected film
through the lens of Organisational Behaviour’s knowledge and discipline. This experience
gives us indirect exposure to these important topics, greatly enhancing our knowledge.

This assignment serves two purposes: it relaxes us while also stimulating our current ideas.
We relax while we study the movie' complex topics. The combination of pleasure and
intellectual exploration makes the task both fun and enlightening.

By critically viewing these films through the lens of Organisational Behaviour, we can see
how theoretical principles play out in practice. This practice encourages us to apply these
theories to the situations depicted in the films, which deepens our comprehension.

Overall, this opportunity from Sir Mohd Aidil Riduan Bin Awang Kader expands our
academic horizon and sharpen our analytical and critical thinking skills. We value this chance
to engage meaningfully with the project, gaining valuable perspectives that would
undoubtedly benefit our future academic and professional paths in the coming years.
Introduction

Office Space, a 1999 comedy film directed by Mike Judge, gives a funny depictions at how
people behave at work. The story is about Peter Gibbons, a bored software programmer at
Initech who shows many important work behavior ideas.

At first, Peter is unhappy and feels alone. He doesn’t care about his job and thinks it’s
pointless, showing how job unhappiness can affect motivation and performance. After a
hypnotherapy session, Peter becomes relaxed and doesn’t care about work, showing how
stress at work can change how employees act.

The movie shows how the company is poorly organized and has bad communication. Initech
is shown as a place with too many managers (eight bosses micromanaging Peter), causing
inefficiency and unhappiness among employees. Misunderstandings and unclear goals are
shown when Peter’s boss, Bill Lumbergh, often asks him to work on weekends without clear
instructions or deadlines.

Office Space also shows leadership and power in a company. Bill Lumbergh is an ineffective
leader—bossy and out of touch with his employees’ problems. In contrast, Joanna, Peter’s
girlfriend, has a kind and inspiring leadership style. Joanna encourages Peter to follow his
dreams and challenge the status quo, showing how supportive leaders can boost employee
happiness and engagement.

The movie also talks about changes in a company and how people resist them. When Initech
hires efficiency experts to cut jobs, employees become worried and resist, fearing job losses
and more work. Peter and his friends’ efforts to fight back show how hard it is to manage
changes in a company and the importance of addressing employee worries during these times.
Issue identification

1) Cramped working spaces

Dividers were put up to make sure people didn't work together much. This way of keeping
people apart has made the supervisor start bullying some workers.

2) Leader was not concentrating on work that has a direct impact on the company's
growth

The company has a lot of boring tasks that seem like they're getting things done, but they
don't really help reach important goals. Everyone, especially the boss, should focus on
activities that help the workers move forward and aim for long-term goals that make real
progress.

3) Empty and non meaningful office culture

Overuse of flair or batch and memento which were not give any impact or significant
advantages in the organization.

4) Too much micromanaging and layers of bosses

Managers at different levels are telling employees different things, which is making it hard
for them to focus on the company's main goals.

5) Indirect solution of problem

Putting off fixing problems and saying it's better to let things happen on their own, even
though that's not a good reason.

6) Using unclear message difficult to understand and to follow

he company's motto is used too much, so it has lost its meaning. A motto or slogan shouldn't
be too general or boring. Instead, it should give clear direction for what to do and how to act..

7) Unhealthy business hours

There is a bullying problem at work when managers push employees to work extra hours to
help finish tasks that could wait until tomorrow..
8) No Job Satisfaction

The movie is about how some workers feel unhappy and unfulfilled at their jobs. It shows
boring tasks, the same routines every day, and feeling stuck in a job that makes them
miserable. Many office workers might feel the same way.

9) Workplace Politics
The movie shows office politics, favoritism, and power struggles that can happen in some
companies.

Discussion

1) "When there isn't enough room to work, team members might have trouble talking and
working together. With limited space, it's hard for employees to have private talks or group
meetings without bothering others. This can make it tough for teams to work together well,
make decisions, and do good work."

2) Leaders might focus more on things that need to be done right away or that everyone can
see, instead of tasks that are really important for the company to grow in the long run. This
could happen because of clients needing things quickly, worries about financial situation, or
not knowing how some activities affect the company's growth in the future.

3) When the office culture doesn't feel meaningful, employees might feel disconnected from
their work and the company's mission. This can make them less interested in their jobs, not
wanting to do more than the basics, or not doing their best effort.

4) Micromanagement can slow things down and make work less productive. Employees
might spend more time asking for approval or direction from their layers of managers instead
of getting their tasks done quickly.

5) Delaying solutions means missing chances to make the organization better and keep
employees happy. Waiting too long to take action can stop the company from adapting to
changes or taking advantage of growth opportunities.

6) "Unclear messages make it hard for employees to match their work with the company's
goals. Without clear directions, employees might work on tasks that don't help the main
goals, causing inefficiencies and wasted effort."
7) Long or irregular work hours can make employees feel burned out. This means they get
very tired, don't work as well, and start feeling negative about their job. Burnout can make
employees less happy, lower their spirits, and hurt the company's performance.

8) Employees who are unhappy with their jobs might not feel motivated to do their best or
take on extra tasks. This can lower productivity and overall involvement and contribution in
the company.

9) Office politics can affect how decisions are made in a company. People or groups might
use tricks like forming alliances, lobbying, or hiding information to get what they want. This
can sometimes lead to decisions that focus on personal gain or power instead of what’s best
for the company.

Suggestions/Recommendations

1) Flexible Work Arrangements:

Use rotating shifts or hybrid work schedules to reduce crowding during busy times and make
better use of the workspace. To help everyone feel comfortable, create a relaxation area or
social area where all staff and bosses can take breaks.

2) Performance Expectations:

Clearly explain what the leader should do to help the company grow. Set goals that can be
measured and use benchmarks to track progress. Use a strategy based on Key Performance
Indicators (KPIs).

3) Create Meaningful activities:

Create special activities or traditions that show the company's values and bring the team
closer together. This might include team-building games, parties, or helping out in the
community.

4) Hierarchy review

Make sure each manager and supervisor knows exactly what their job is and what they're
responsible for in the company. Check that there's no overlap or confusion about who does
what. Look at how the company is set up with managers and think about if we really need all
those layers of management. Make the way information is reported simpler to cut out extra
steps.

5) Progress monitoring

Set up ways to keep track of how we're solving problems. Check on our goals, deadlines, and
what we achieve to make sure we're responsible and solve problems on time.

6) Clear Policy with On-ground implementation.

Give enough context and background info so that people can understand the importance and
relevance of the message. Explain the information clearly to help with decision-making.
Clearly state the outcomes and results connected with the message. Help people see how the
information impacts their roles, what they need to do, or the entire organization

7) Hybrid Work policy

Foster a positive organizational culture that values employee health, well-being, and work-
life balance as essential components of organizational success. To implement alternate days
‘Work From Home’ or WFH and other hybrid working shift to improve positive working
hours, time management and family time.

8) Recognition and appreciation

Establish both formal and informal programs to recognize employees' hard work and
achievements. Celebrate milestones, successes, and outstanding performance. Additionally,
use regular feedback channels like performance reviews, town hall meetings, or suggestion
boxes to gather ideas and address issues promptly. Consider appointing a third-party auditor
to review the HR department and collect feedback from employees.

9) Removing self-interest attitude

Establish and enforce rules that forbid gossip, undermining colleagues, and using information
for personal gain. Encourage employees to report unethical behavior or office politics.
Address concerns promptly and take necessary actions to fix issues. Implement a
whistleblower system for reporting unethical actions.
Conclusion

Office Space uses humor and satire to address these organizational challenges. By the end of
the movie, it advocates for empowering employees, improving job design to make tasks more
meaningful, and fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration. The film
suggests that organizations should prioritize employee well-being and happiness to enhance
overall performance and success.

In summary, Office Space humorously critiques organizational behavior, offering insights

into the complexities and absurdities of corporate life. It also highlights strategies and
principles that can create a happier and more productive workplace.
References

https://www.studocu.com/ko/document/international-university-of-korea/cellular-molecular-
biology/about-ob-movie-review/15675664

https://study.com/academy/lesson/organizational-behavior-theory-in-business.html