Case Study: Unmasking Manly Men

Case Study: Unmasking Manly Men
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Abstract
Unmasking Manly Men is a case that is based on how norms and roles define us as individuals. For instances, individuals working in oil rigs, which are demanding, dangerous, and dirty, are said to be masculine and daring. A change in behavior is needed to assist in changing these perceptions that are common among the people and especially the men in the areas that they can work. Management of different organizations is expected to foster safety measures for the employees and help the employees in the attitude shift. Enhancing the safety of employees will significantly reduce the number of accidents that are faced within a workplace. Other measures should also be put in place to encourage a work environment that has a mixed-gender to eliminate discrimination and increase productivity through working as a team. Sexual harassment at the place of work should be discouraged. The management should serve as role models to eliminate the culture of macho at the workplace.
Keywords: role, behavior, safety, attitude, mixed-gender
1. How do the concepts of roles and norms figure into this case? Explain
The concept of roles and norms are presented in this case regarding the “expected” behavior of an individual working on certain jobs. The roles represent expected a way of behaving. The history of the machismo culture in the oil rigs, a preconceived expectation of the behavior is common.

The job is viewed as dirty, demanding, and quite dangerous. Management should communicate the need to change and act as role models. Norms are termed as shared opinions, attitudes, actions, or feelings and guide the social behavior. The norm that the management wanted to change is prioritize well-being and the worker’s safety (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2016).
2. What is the implication for mixed-gender works groups? Is this a good way to combat sexual harassment? Explain
The mixed-gender work groups imply that the opinion of the women is likely to be less listened to because of interruptions from men. The macho culture exhibited in oil rigs is likely to have contributed to sexual harassment. Combating sexual harassment at the workplace will require a change in role and norms in the rigs (Kreitner et al., 2016).
3. Does this attitude shift make group think more or less likely? Explain
A groupthink is made less likely by the shift in attitude, roles, and norms. It is mentioned in the case where changes were to be made in regards to communication among the employees. The shift increases efficiency, enhances safety, and unity (Kreitner et al., 2016). There is a less likelihood of groupthink within an organization, due to the lack of peer pressure, stereotyped views, and invulnerability.
4. What are the takeaway lessons for men?
A key takeaway lesson that can be derived from the case is that gender role at the moment may not lead to organizational success. There is a need for men to alter their perceptions of firm’s success. Another takeaway is that integrating women in firms and the change of behavior are likely to prove to be productive for the organizations. The success of the organization is not necessarily based on gender roles but on how the contribution of each person will contribute to the success of the organization (Kreitner et al., 2016).
References
Kreitner, R., & Kinicki, A. (2016). Organizational behavior. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.