Title
Exposing Enron: Media representations of ritualized deviance in corporate culture
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2006
Abstract
This article argues that rituals are an important part of corporate culture. However, they can involve deviance. Employing multiple media sources, this study identifies symbolic themes expressed through daily work rituals at Enron's corporate headquarters. The themes involve risk, gratification, pride, and fantasy imagery. Utilizing structural ritualization theory, this article suggests that ritualized symbolic practices expressing these themes extensively influenced Enron employees. They shaped their cognitions, patterns of behavior, and social interaction. They also led to the normalization and reproduction of deviance. The findings of this study contribute to research on organizational deviance and structural ritualization. © 2006 SAGE Publications.
DOI
10.1177/1741659006065405
First Page
177
Last Page
195
Volume
2
Issue
2
Publication Title
Crime, Media, Culture
ISSN
17416590
Recommended Citation
Knottnerus, J. D., Ulsperger, J. S., Cummins, S., & Osteen, E. (2006). Exposing Enron: Media representations of Ritualized deviance in corporate culture. Crime, Media, Culture: An International Journal, 2(2), 177-195. doi:10.1177/1741659006065405