Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • The Mcdonaldization Thesis

    Uploaded by

    delf2
    94 views14 pages
    The document discusses George Ritzer's McDonaldization thesis, which argues that the principles of efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control that were pioneered by fast food chains like McDonald's have come to dominate more aspects of modern society. The key features of McDonaldization that spread it globally include an emphasis on standardized "one best way" processes, quantification and measurement of all aspects of work, and minimal choices that maximize predictability and control for customers and workers. Critics argue that McDonaldization leads to irrational rationalization and a loss of creativity and humanity, though proponents note it satisfies global demand and the business interests of successful chains.

    Original Description:

    Original Title

    McDonaldization

    Copyright

    © Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)

    Available Formats

    PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Report this Document
    The document discusses George Ritzer's McDonaldization thesis, which argues that the principles of efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control that were pioneered by fast food chains like McDonald's have come to dominate more aspects of modern society. The key features of McDonaldization that spread it globally include an emphasis on standardized "one best way" processes, quantification and measurement of all aspects of work, and minimal choices that maximize predictability and control for customers and workers. Critics argue that McDonaldization leads to irrational rationalization and a loss of creativity and humanity, though proponents note it satisfies global demand and the business interests of successful chains.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    94 views14 pages

    The Mcdonaldization Thesis

    Uploaded by

    delf2
    The document discusses George Ritzer's McDonaldization thesis, which argues that the principles of efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control that were pioneered by fast food chains like McDonald's have come to dominate more aspects of modern society. The key features of McDonaldization that spread it globally include an emphasis on standardized "one best way" processes, quantification and measurement of all aspects of work, and minimal choices that maximize predictability and control for customers and workers. Critics argue that McDonaldization leads to irrational rationalization and a loss of creativity and humanity, though proponents note it satisfies global demand and the business interests of successful chains.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 14

    The McDonaldization thesis

    Can we trust Ronald McDonald?

    Overview

    Key features of McDonaldization


    Efficiency Predictability Calculability Control

    Links with globalization Paradoxical problems

    A message from our sponsor


    Hi folks, George Ritzer here! Thanks for taking an interest in my modern Sociological masterpiece, Im really grateful for the royalties. Nah Im only kidding you guys are alright! Basically what I want to tell you today is that classical management isnt just not dead its alive, its kicking and its taken over your daily lives. You can run but you cant hide But enough of my yakking

    In the beginning
    McDonalds was established by a pair of brothers in 1940 it remained a steady but not spectacular family business Taken over by Ray Kroc in 1955 who did two revolutionary things in the food service sector:

    Set up a franchise Applied classical management ideas

    Efficiency
    The one best way strategy Quickest way of satisfying hunger Pre-prepared food Drive through Self-service Computerised tills

    Calculability
    Quantification vital Cooking times and temperatures measured Regulated eating times Service targets

    Predictability

    Go wherever you want McDonalds is always going to be McDonalds


    Grimus only comes in purple

    Food Dcor Service Symbols Language

    Control

    Workers

    Low paid, low grade,

    Customers
    You do the queuing, you do the carrying, you tidy up Your choices are severely limited

    You are at the mercy of the machine

    Another message from our sponsor


    What in the tarnation? You just wait one Goddam minute you hear? Ray Kroc here - I built the greatest, most recognisable and most popular restaurant chain in the world and you guys complain? SFW? If its such a bad place then why are billions of people still loving it? Why do developing countries queue up for it? Why has every successful restaurant chain subsequently ripped me off? You Goddam Limeys

    Implications

    Globalization and homogenization

    Cultural phenomenon
    One best way of death? Who really benefits?

    Extension of bureaucracy

    Irrationality of rationality

    A conspiracy view of the world?

    Criticisms

    Typical lefty claptrap

    Its just Marxism in disguise


    Not trusting normal people to decide whether or not they like Creativity, humanity, etc.

    Intellectual snobbery

    Defends abstract notions

    What about the business???

    Questions
    Why is McDonalds in Middlesbrough now green on the outside and multicoloured on the inside? How far do these practices spread in your daily lives? Will we (or will we not) be fooled again?

    Links

    Interview with George Ritzer

    http://www.spannerfilms.net/?lid=940
    http://www.mcdonaldization.com http://www.georgeritzer.com

    The McDonaldization home page

    George Ritzers website

    You might also like