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American Factory Documentary

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Instructor

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American Factory Documentary

1. The culture of the US-born workers employed to work in the Fuyao Factory

The U-S born workers are not as hardworking as the Chinese –born workers. They refuse

to work overtime and during the weekend. The Chinese workers describe the American

workers as inefficient and fat-fingered. According to the film, American workers expect

eight-hour days with vacations and benefits. They have great respect for local laws and are

careful about their health and safety [ CITATION Iza19 \l 1033 ].Americans do not also place

great importance on outfits and attire. Americans are also depicted as individuals who like to

show their children with praise. In one meeting the Chinese management notes that American

workers are overconfident because American children are overly showered with praise.

2. The culture of the Chinese-born workers and management who were brought to

Ohio.

The Chinese-born workers are portrayed as hardworking. They work for longer day and

even during the weekends without any complains. At the same time, they are portrayed as

individuals with little respect for local laws, a lax approach towards health and safety.

3. Additional OB concept

One additional organizational behavior that relates to the film includes the dignity of

labor in an organization. The concept notes that workers need to be treated with respect. It

includes fair wages a good working environment for the workers, employee involvement in

decision making and other activities that show that the top managements value the dignity of

labor. In the film, the company’s chairman convinces the workers that a union will affect

their well-being in the company. In a conversation with his fellow Chinese employees, he
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tells them, ‘if a union comes in, I am shutting down’ [ CITATION Ste19 \l 1033 ] . This is

because a union will affect the company’s efficiency hence hurt he company, bringing loss to

the employees.

4. What did you learn about organizations from watching the film?

There are several things about organizations that I learned from watching the film. First it

is important to value employees and attention to their grievances. Also, whenever issues

begin to arise in an organization proper communication is required. Miscommunication in an

organization decreases employees’ motivation hence leads to lower productivity.

Miscommunication also leads to employee conflict.

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References

Bognar, S., & Reichert, J. (Directors). (2019). American Factory [Motion Picture].

Kaminska, I. (2019, August 25). American Factory, Netflix — harsh truths about the new world of work.

Retrieved from ft.com: https://www.ft.com/content/d5fe4b3c-c4cb-11e9-a8e9-296ca66511c9