Popular culture promotes norms related to organizational life. With the proliferation of television providers, viewers are exposed to more diversity in television programming today than in earlier eras. The critically acclaimed Amazon show Mozart in the Jungle illustrates organizational communication theories that provide insight into organizations, diversity and leadership that go beyond those seen in mainstream shows such as The Office.
Mozart in the Jungle centers on Rodrigo, a brash orchestra conductor from Mexico, who was hired to revive a fictional orchestra in New York. The series follows Rodrigo as he becomes the leader, and examines how unionized musicians and management of the orchestra deal with change. Season 1 Episode 6, “The Rehearsal,” features an unorthodox decision by Rodrigo to take the orchestra to an outdoor venue in an economically depressed area of the city to encourage the musicians to look at work in a different way.
The episode links to concepts of diversity and leadership in organizations. The episode illustrates the definition of organizational diversity, characteristics of diverse organizations, organizational culture, and the benefits of a diverse organization (Miller, 2014). The episode raises questions about how Rodrigo presents a diverse viewpoint not often welcomed in the culture of an orchestra organization. The episode demonstrates how Rodrigo’s diversity of worldview allows the group to change perceptions about their work.
The episode illustrates major bodies of leadership theory (Miller, 2014). The episode exemplifies types of leadership as displayed by Rodrigo and by Gloria, the orchestra’s president. Rodrigo displays transformational leadership while Gloria displays task/authoritarian leadership. The episode raises questions about which style of leadership is most appropriate in the context of the organizational change.
Unpacking depictions of diversity and leadership helps the viewer and student of organizations understand how members of organizations may encounter and navigate issues of diversity and leadership.
About the presenterMaxine Gesualdi
Maxine Gesualdi is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication and Media at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gesualdi earned her Ph.D. in the Media and Communication at Temple University in Philadelphia. She earned her MA in Communication Studies from West Chester University and a BS in Journalism from West Virginia University. A former public relations professional, her research focuses on roles enactment and shared resources in organizations.