OGL 481 Pro-Seminar I:

PCA-Human Resource Frame Worksheet

Worksheet Objectives:
1. Describe the human resource frame
2. Apply the human resource frame to your personal case situation

Complete the following making sure to support your ideas and cite from the textbook and other
course materials per APA guidelines. After the peer review, you have a chance to update this and
format for your Electronic Portfolio due in Module 6.

1) Briefly restate your situation from Module 1 and your role.

I am a senior project Manager at Warner Bros, I oversee all studio divisions as well as
partnerships with brands. Since May 2nd writers have been on strike causing certain
television and film productions are using reruns or have gone dark. The Writers Guild of
America argues while the streaming has skyrocketed, pay for the people who write the
movies and shows has not. This is affecting my role and the organization because movies
and shows like Wonder Man, Thunderbolts and Stranger Things are currently put on hold
or getting cancled, there is a lot of money at stake. Projects have no definite date as of
now so a project scheadule can’t be created, the biggest contingency is there is no writers
available. As a project mananger working on many projects at the same time I am at a
stand still trying to scramble engaging in conversations with as many team members as
possible to speak on project commitment. Since May 4th Hollywood started cutting pay
for producers mid strike, writer-producers under contract will no longer get full pay.
Communication is key in my role to keep things together until the strike ends, More than
11,000 film and television writers say their compensation doesn’t match the revenue
generated in the streaming era.

2) Describe how the human resources of the organization influenced the situation.

The human resources of Warner Bros. played a significant role in influencing the writers' strike,
they refused to guarantee any level of weekly employment in episodic television, attempted to
pivot late night writers to a day rate, stonewalled on free work on script revisions for
screenwriters, and refused to even discuss our proposal on the existential threat AI poses to all
writers. The conflict between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion
Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) arose due to disputes over several issues, including
compensation for digital media usage and jurisdiction over reality and animation writing. As the
strike unfolded, Warner Bros. faced challenges in managing their human resources effectively to

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navigate the situation. The decisions made by the company's HR department, such as
negotiations with the WGA and their handling of affected employees, had a direct impact on the
course and outcome of the strike. The company's human resources policies, practices, and
strategies shaped the relationship between the studio and the striking writers, influencing the
duration and intensity of the strike.

Throughout the strike, Warner Bros.' human resources department had to balance the interests of
the company with the concerns of the writers. Their actions and decisions influenced the
engagement and morale of both the striking writers and the non-striking employees. The HR
team played a pivotal role in communicating and implementing the company's stance, policies,
and contingencies during the strike. They had to address issues related to employee benefits,
payroll, and alternative work arrangements to minimize disruptions and maintain productivity.
How effectively Warner Bros.' HR department managed the human resources aspects of the
strike had a direct impact on the relationship between the studio and the striking writers, shaping
the overall dynamics of the labor dispute and its eventual resolution.

3) Recommend how you would use the human resources for an alternative course of
action regarding your case.

In dealing with the influence of Warner Bros.' human resources on the writers' strike, I
would recommend leveraging the power of effective communication and empathy.
Firstly, it is crucial for HR to foster open and transparent channels of communication,
ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of the writers are heard and understood. By
actively listening and empathizing with their needs, HR can build trust and create an
environment where meaningful dialogue can take place.

Secondly, HR can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of collaboration and

compromise. This involves working closely with both the company and the writers' union
to find common ground and explore alternative solutions that address the underlying
issues. HR can encourage creative problem-solving and facilitate negotiations that
prioritize the interests of all parties involved.

By taking a human-centered approach, HR can help foster a sense of belonging, respect,

and understanding within the organization. This not only promotes a healthier work
environment but also paves the way for finding alternative courses of action that foster
positive relationships and support the overall well-being of employees and the company
as a whole.

5) (Reflect on what you would do or not do differently given what you have learned
about this frame.

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Based on what I have learned about the human resources frame and its impact on the writers'
strike at Warner Bros., there are a few key considerations that I would take into account for
future situations like this one. Firstly, I would prioritize proactive communication and
engagement with the writers and other stakeholders. By being more attentive to their concerns
and actively involving them in decision-making processes, I can mitigate potential conflicts and
build a stronger foundation of trust.

Additionally, I would focus on strengthening the employee support and welfare systems within
the organization. This includes fostering a positive work culture, providing adequate resources
for creative expression, and ensuring fair compensation and benefits for all employees. By
prioritizing employee well-being and satisfaction, I can contribute to a more harmonious and
productive work environment, reducing the likelihood of future conflicts.
Overall, my approach would revolve around embracing a human-centered perspective, valuing
the voices and contributions of all individuals involved. By fostering open communication,
empathy, and a supportive work environment, I can work towards preventing or resolving
conflicts in a manner that benefits both the employees and the organization as a whole.

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 References
Striking writers will picket Warner Bros. Discovery CEO at BU commencement

https://www.boston.com/news/college/2023/05/12/striking-writers-picket-warner-bros-
discovery-ceo-bu-commencement/

‘South Park’ Licensing Deal Sparks Lawsuit From Warner Bros. Discovery Against Paramount Global-

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/south-park-lawsuit-warner-bros-paramount-
1235333707/

Warner Bros. Television’s massive job cuts worsen WBD’s diversity problem.

https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/12/23400388/warner-bros-television-studio-cuts-19-percent-
workforce-layoffs

Warner Bros. CEO booed at commencement speech over writers’ strike-

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/05/21/writers-strike-boston-university-zaslav/

Warner Brothers American film studio

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Warner-Brothers