Organizational Behavior in the “Troy” Film

Concepts

The current study examines theories of motivation and leadership and their implementation in the film “Troy” because the plot of the picture is based on the war between two large armies. Every army is a complex organization with hierarchical structure what makes it an ideal example for the analysis of organizational behavior. The film “Troy” is a dramatized interpretation of the Trojan War depicted in “the Iliad” by Homer.

The story is remarkable because many characters act as living embodiments of leadership types. The plot revolves around a paternalistic leader, Achilles and his Myrmidons fighting the Greeks. Nevertheless, the film presents a good depiction of other leaders including Hector and Menelaus. The current study uses theories of motivation and leadership presented in two works: “Organizational leadership: A conceptual analysis” by Surya (2015) and “Organizational behavior 1: Essential theories of motivation and leadership” by Miner (2015).

In her study, Surya (2015) explores the development of concepts and describes different approaches and styles of leadership. The film “Troy” presents both types of leadership outlined in the study: authoritarian and paternalistic. Menelaus, King of Sparta, acts as an authoritarian leader. According to Surya (2015), “an autocratic leader keeps strict, close control over followers by keeping close regulation of policies and procedures given to followers” (1798).

This type of leader does not take into account the value of human life or someone else’s opinion. The word of the king is the highest law that should be obeyed without any doubt. People must fulfil his orders with all their commitment not asking for the reasons. In case of the cruel king, this style of ruling makes people fear and hate their leader. They want to betray him at any moment but hide their true attitude under the veil of respect.

Fear acts as the only motivation for people to obey his ruler. Miner (2015) defines this approach as power motivation that is often accompanied by low affiliation motivation. Even Queen Helen leaves the King in disgrace fleeing with prince Paris. The leader of Sparta presents example of a wrong management implemented in an organization.

Achilles presents the second style of leadership, being a paternalistic ruler. According to the name of the style, he acts as a father to his soldiers and feels responsible for them. He also demands obedience and fast fulfilment of his orders, but leads his warriors into battle showing them an example of courage and fortitude. According to Surya (2015), “workers under this style of leader are expected to become totally committed to what the leader believes and will not strive off and work independently” (1798).

A paternalistic leader allows his subordinates to talk and consult with him about all their problems without restrain because they should feel his support to remain loyal and motivated to obey his orders. Achilles knows everyone among his soldiers by name and values their lives as his own. Due to his commitment to his warriors, he earns their unlimited trust. His organization is firmly built on unity and motivation to achieve mutual goals.

Goal setting is crucial for the motivation in the organization. People feel confidence when they know exactly what their aim is and understand its value. In his book, Miner (2015) examines the goal-setting theory and claims that “through goal setting managers may facilitate the operation of a superordinate goal to guide those who work for them” (172). Goal setting is the most effective approach when people are already motivated for the type of activity they are assigned to do.

A wise leader can motivate his people to accomplish a goal that demands full commitment of all members even in the most difficult circumstances. Workers are usually accustomed to working at a low level of performance individually, but a motivated team can sacrifice everything for a mutual goal. Achilles uses his personal motivation for conquering the Troy to set an ultimate goal to his warriors. At the end of the film, he gives a speech to his soldiers, telling them basically that they are all going to die in the battle. Nevertheless, the men roar in support of their leader. Their readiness to sacrifice themselves is based on the right goal-setting approach implemented by Achilles.

They are already motivated because he has always showed them the example of courage. The soldiers value his opinion and respect him for making good decisions in battles. They know how to fight and understand what he is asking for. The warriors of Achilles are not frightened to walk in to certain death because their leader has promised them immortality and goes first into battle. The combination of patern