Sejong University professor publishes book exploring organizations through film

Lee Chang-gil, a professor in the Public Administration department at Sejong University, has released a new book, "Stories of Organizations in Movies." The book delves into the fundamental nature of organizations and human behavior by examining scenes and characters from a wide array of films.

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The book explores the essence of organizations and human nature through scenes and characters from various films.

Published after over a decade of Lee's lectures and research connecting cinema with organizational theory, the book uses diverse organizational and character portrayals in movies to encourage readers to view their own daily experiences with organizations from a new angle. It prompts reflection on the present and future of organizational structures.

The book analyzes not only visible organizations like companies, governments, and militaries, but also the dynamics of power and human relationships. Lee focuses on how films, by distorting and exaggerating reality, can make familiar situations appear unfamiliar, thus bridging the gap between cinema and organizational theory.

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Movies, by distorting and exaggerating reality, can make familiar situations appear unfamiliar, thus bridging the gap between cinema and organizational theory.

"Stories of Organizations in Movies" is structured into 13 chapters, featuring 26 films that span various eras and genres. These include "The Godfather," "Inside Men," "Modern Times," "Lincoln," "12 Angry Men," "The Fortress," "Assassination," "Moneyball," "The Admiral: Roaring Currents," "The Intern," "Les Misérables," "Joker," "WALL-E," and "The Creator." Through these cinematic examples, the book explores key organizational themes such as leadership, power, decision-making, conflict, cooperation, organizational culture, and innovation. It poses questions like, "Why does power fail without obedience?" and "What will future organizations look like in an age of irrationality?" guiding readers to connect film narratives with real-world organizational contexts.

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Why does power fail without obedience?

Lee highlights how films sensitively capture societal changes, depicting the dissolution of traditional organizations due to rising individualism and presenting new ways of working and relating. He suggests that movies can serve as a unique window into understanding organizational evolution and the future. The book is designed for a broad audience, including academics, leaders, organizational members, and film enthusiasts, encouraging self-reflection and the discovery of personal solutions rather than offering a single correct answer.

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What will future organizations look like in an age of irrationality?