Leadership

In Deep Impact the president uses the political and symbolic frame.  There is ambiguity or uncertainty about what to do with information that has been obtained in advance by a reporter.  According to Bolman and Deal (2008), “when ambiguity increases, the political and symbolic perspectives become more relevant” (p.318). The president weighs his options and attempts to influence and persuade the reporter to delay her from delivering the news that will impact the people, when he feels that she may proceed despite his request to delay, he appeals to her using the nation as a symbol to attach significance.  The president then attempts to negotiate with the reporter and intimidates her with posturizing while reminding her of his position in the hierarchy.

In the movie 300, provided by Nunarri, Canton, Goldman, Silver and Snyder (2006), under threat that Sparta would be invaded by Persians, Leonides, King of Sparta exhibits all four modes:  structural, political, human resource and symbolic.  While it is recommended that the movie be viewed in its entirety, two links are provided as a glimpse to what can be expected  

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Leonides realizes that he must deal with a conflict and make a choice, either submit to oppression or fight for the people of Sparta.  He uses his position as king to gain support from Congress and seeks guidance from an oracle. Lacking support, Leonides makes the decision to organize a small army (300 of his best men) and makes clear that their roles are to fight to the end so that the people of Sparta can have a future.  The Spartan army is unique and has developed a recognizable identity as a result their intense training and strategies. They work in teams when it comes time to battle.  Leonides reminds them of the strength they possess through unity and uses effective combat strategies when they fight as group.  Shields, spears and long red coats are used as symbols to represent who they are.  Leonides uses the credo, “Spartans never retreat! Spartans never surrender!” as an affirmation to his team and others that they will not give up.  While all 300 men encounter their demise, through his leadership, the army and the people of Sparta, are remembered as a fierce group with a determination to survive.  The scenario reflects what Bolman and Deal (2008) emphasize, that as leaders or managers we must think, weigh and analyze which frame(s) will be best suited for the situation at hand, while understanding that there are risks and benefits in choosing a frames(s).  Reframing is to view the same situation from different angles and know when to change; it should become automatic as one’s skills are developed (Bolman & Deal, 2008).  It seems from the readings that while both leaders and mangers have their share of responsibility towards the organization, it is more challenging for managers because they must handle more of the day to day operations while trying to determine which frame(s) to use, whereas leaders are less involved in day to day operations.  This allows leaders to use more of the political and symbolic frames to manage business relationships that contribute to the survival of the organization. 

References 

Bolman, L. and Deal, T. (2008).  Reframing organizations. San Francisco, CA: John 

Wiley & Sons, Inc.  

Nunarri, G., Canton, M., Goldman, B. and Silver. J. (Producers) and Snyder, Zack (Director). 

(2006). 300. United States:  Warner Brothers Pictures.  Retrieved from 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Prc1UfuokY

Nunarri, G., Canton, M., Goldman, B. and Silver. J. (Producers) and Snyder, Zack (Director). 

2006). 300. United States:  Warner Brothers Pictures.  Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgFK5PJSLUo

Shafritz, J., Ott, S., Suk Jang, Y. (2008). Classics of organization theory.   Belmont,CA: 

Wadsworth Publishing Company