platoon answers

Exam 1: “Platoon”
Classical Approach:
The classical approach can be understood easily if we compare the organization to a machine. This concept, formulated during the industrial period, was the subject of study for people who thought science could solve every issue and tried to apply it to different types of organizations. Researchers such as Weber, Taylor and Fayol wanted to determine if there is a way to make workers operate in a scientific manner in order to maximize profits. The assumption is that an employee is part of a machine, which can perform a specialized job when properly trained, conscious of the fact that every “part” of the machine can be replaced. Taylor studied different workplaces and under what circumstances workers are more or less productive. He also believed that there was only one way on how to perform a job and one way to explain it. Taylor’s key points of scientific management can be divided into three core concepts:
1) There is one way to perform a specific job.
2) There has to be a fit between the job and the worker, and therefore the workers have to be selected and trained according to the job they will have to perform. Also, only efficient workers should be selected in order to maximize the production.
3) There is an “inherent difference” between the manager and the worker (manager thinks and organizes the job, the worker executes it)
An evidence of the classical model in the movie “Platoon” is when, toward the end, Captain Harris calls for troops once the Vietnamese Army is taking over the American troops. This scene is extremely dynamic and shows how Sgt. O’Neil, Chris, Junior and Bunny are holding the Vietnamese fire while hiding in bunkers. The situation degenerates because there are too many Vietn...

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...organization, in particular one as strict as the army, Barnes and Elias are key to the success and progression of the group. We can see that Barnes exhibits the “bad guy” figure, while Elias signifies a good character. With the death of Elias it is apparent that the organization will be changed for the worse. Factors that become adjusted are, most importantly, strategic direction. The organizational culture, as a result, morphs into one that diverges in public opinion. This becomes an issue because a large organization such as the army must remain a team to succeed. It is not surprising, therefore, that they end up losing to the Vietnamese by the conclusion of the movie. The task of the individual becomes muddled because every man begins to look out for himself and only himself. There is distrust in the managerial department, and survival tactics shift accordingly.