Spectacles of resistance and resistance of spectacles

Abstract

This paper explores organizational controls in an era dominated by spectacles, images and pictures and seeks to identify some forms of resistance that subvert and undermine these controls. It develops the metaphor of today’s organizations a ‘glass cages’ in juxtaposition to the Weberian ‘iron cages’ that summed up some of the qualities of organizations of yesteryear. The paper analyses new forms of resistance, such as whistleblowing and subvertizing, that are particularly aimed at besmirching an organization’s image and reputation. It is argued that, with the decline of trade unionism and organized labour opposition, many employees have lost their collective voice – instead, they occasionally raise their individual voices in opposition, cynical rejection or questioning of managerial practices and discourses. More often, however, they resort to exit – seeking employment elsewhere. In this way, they handle their choices at the workplace in a way directly echoing the choices of consumers – accept what is on offer or look elsewhere, without having to offer explanations and justifications. It is argued that many of today’s forms of workplace resistance (including whistleblowing, distance, cynicism and exit) mirror similar forms of resistance employed by individuals as consumers in questioning, disrupting and, at times, challenging the claims of consumerism.