The office: A Dramaturgical Analysis

Abstract

If all the world is a stage, then all of human kind are the actors in this play we fondly call life. There is a theory called dramaturgical analysis that was developed by Sociologist Erving Goffman (1922-1982) as a means of explaining our performance on the stage of life. In dramaturgical sociology it has been noted that one has formulated ideas as to how one wants others to perceive us and we use these everyday to communicate those ideas. Goffman called the efforts of managing impressions that others received as "Impression Management", in fact in his book titled " The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life" (1959); Goffman was quoted as saying:

"All the world is not, of course, a stage, but the crucial ways in which it isn't are not easy to specify"

If our actions are dependent on time, place and our audience and the way one presents themselves is based upon their culture values and expectations, then this report will not examine the cause of this human behavior but the context of:

* Status and Roles of Co-Workers

* The Stages: Front Stage - Back Stage

* Role Playing, Conflicts, Teamwork, Impression Management and Role Strain

The review and report of Dramaturgical analysis is based on those three bullet points.

Status and Roles of Co-Workers

Jim is the Global Reporting Lead in the company. In his role, he supervises 5 local employees and 4 off site employees at another location. Jim is responsible for instilling the creativity of his employees to produce high quality reports of data gathered that will bring value to the business. Jim is a thirty-something, newly married, first time manager. Jim has also a long history with the company.

Charles is the Site Owner of the Rosemount location. In his role, he also supervises 7 employees on site - he has no global responsibilities. Charles is responsible for the estimating and scheduling of all projects within the company. Charles is in his forties, married with 3 boys and has been a manager for many years with other employers.

Bethany is a Contract Manager with the Purchasing Department. In her role she supervises no one. She is responsible for reviewing contracts and making sure the best interest of both parties are cared for and protected. Bethany is in her forties, married and has no children.

Daran is a Procurement Manager with the Purchasing Department. In his role he supervises no one. He is responsible for purchasing parts, supplies and equipment for a portion of the projects within the company. Daran is married and has 2 daughters.

In all four individuals - all are salary based employees and each has their own unique style and personality.

The Stages: Front and Back Stage

Henslin cites Goffman in that everyday one plays their own assigned roles, roles as in plural form as life brings many roles each day. Bethany in her position often plays Front Stage in her role; she continually makes sure that everyone knows when something was her idea, or how much money she saved the company. Her role often becomes that of the martyr, and she is very verbal and emotional and informs others how hard she works. She often closes her door to her office during the day to retreat into herself when the day has been particularly trying from her emotional outbursts. When she emerges, she is contrite for the remainder of the day.

Daran, however generally believes that he always plays back stage. He sees his role as that of a supporter, doing his job the best that he can, flying under the radar and while he would like recognition for the parts he plays, he believes