Mr Taylor goes to Hollywood: misbehavior in Film and TV

Purpose – The purpose of this chapter is to enhance understanding of misbehavior through an exploration of film and TV treatments of workplace relations. Methodology/approach – Analysis of examples of misbehavior drawn from film and TV within a theoretical framework informed by formal and substantive rationality. Findings – Workplace definitions of misbehavior are multi-faceted, contextually specific, and both perspective- and power-dependent. They are constructed within workplace settings, where expressions of formal and substantive rationality intersect with everyday working practices. Research limitations/Implications – The discussion is limited by the mainly fictional character of the resources used. Practical implications – The chapter illustrates how representations of organizations as “rational” are limited and how more complex understandings of rationality might contribute to a more nuanced view of the co-production of workplace misbehavior practices by managers, workers, and/or unions. Social implications – The chapter illustrates how multiple rationalities may be expressed and socially embedded within specific workplace settings. Originality/Value of chapter – The focus on mainly fictional examples drawn from popular culture to interpret workplace behavior is the chapter's most distinctive feature.