Organizational Analysis

For your mini-organizational analysis, you will choose an organization from a film,documentary, or your own personal life experiences to analyze. There is a list of options
on Canvas, but you may choose another film, provided there are relevant examples of
course concepts. You will analyze the organizational communication you’ve observed in
a mini-case study by defining and describing examples of key concepts and theories.
You should focus on one or two critical issues (or chapters) identified in your research
question. For example, if you are analyzing Pixar’s organizational culture as
represented in documentaries, you might apply concepts primarily from Chapter 4 & 5.
You might ask, “What artifacts, rituals, stories, and values are evident in Pixar’s
organizational culture?” In this example, “organizational culture” is the communication
phenomenon in question (specifically artifacts, rituals, stories & values), and Pixar is the
organizational context. You should provide enough detail and background information
that someone unfamiliar with the organization or film will be able to understand the
examples. Use proper APA in-text citations and references when reviewing course
concepts. In this course, you do not need to use in-text citations for your personal
experiences.
Section 1: Introduction & Research Question
● Describe the importance and/or significance of the organizational
communication phenomenon.
● Research question is stated clearly and concisely, and corresponds with the
analysis. The RQ should specify the organizational communication
phenomenon and context.
● Which organization is the focus of this case study? Describe the goals and
functions of the organization. Why is your organization an appropriate or
important site to study this phenomenon?
● 1-2 pages, double-spaced
Section 2: Review of Literature
● Research is synthesized thematically, not summarized individually.
● 5 articles from peer-reviewed communication studies journals are cited and
summarized. You can cite the textbook, which will count as one of these
citations.
● In-text citations follow APA 7th edition guidelines.
● 3-4 pages, double-spaced
Section 3: Analysis
● Apply 3-4 key concepts to analyze your organization and respond to the
research question.
● Highlight each key concept.
● Suggest 1-2 specific communication practices for others. How could
communication be improved? What communication behaviors are particularly
effective?
● 3-4 pages, double-spaced
Many of these suggestions below include examples outside of the chapter they’re
listed under – feel free to expand your analysis beyond the chapter suggestions.
Chapter 2: Organizational Structure & Process
1. Chernobyl (2018) HBO Series
2. Call Me Intern (2019) Kanopy
https://sdsu.kanopy.com/video/call-me-intern
Links to an external site.
Chapter 3: Rationality, Decision Making, and Abuses of Information
1. Self Made: Inspired By the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (2020) Netflix
2. Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, Kanopy
https://sdsu.kanopy.com/video/america-gilded-age-and-progressive-era-1911Links to an external site.
https://aflcio.org/2018/3/25/lessons-triangle-shirtwaist-fire-are-still-relevant-107-ye
ars-later
Links to an external site.
Chapter 4: Organizational Culture & Socialization
1. Disney Insider, Docuseries on Disney+
2. Pirates of Silicon Valley
https://archive.org/details/PIRATESOFSILICONVALLEY
Links to an external site.
Chapter 5: Identity & Identification
1. The Big Short (2015) Netflix
2. The Pixar Story (2007)
Chapter 6: Social Relationships & Networks
1. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011) Netflix
2. The Office TV series
Chapter 7: Leadership
1. She Did That (2019) Netflix
2. The Social Network (2010) Netflix
Chapter 8: Participation, Teams & Democracy
1. Challenger: The Final Flight (2020) Netflix
2. Apollo 13 (1995) Hulu
Chapter 9: Power & Control in Organizational Life
1. Office Space (1999) Hulu or Amazon Prime
2. Don’t Get Sick After June: American Indian Healthcare
https://sdsu.kanopy.com/video/don-t-get-sick-after-june-american-indian-healthca
re
Links to an external site.
Chapter 10: Conflict
1. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGAnfP7MRAE
Links to an external site.
Chapter 11: Organizational Change
1. American Company (2018) Netflix
Chapter 12: Technology
1. Space Force, (2020) Netflix
2. Media Companies
https://sdsu.kanopy.com/video/digital-disconnect
Links to an external site.
Chapter 13: Globalization
1. Mondovino
https://tubitv.com/movies/506270/mondovino?utm_source=google-feed&tracking
=google-feed
Links to an external site.
Chapter 14: Ethics
1. Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood (2008) Kanopy
https://sdsu.kanopy.com/video/consuming-kids
Links to an external site.