Writer:- Ellen Goodman
Summary
“The Company Man” is an essay written by Ellen Goodman, published in 1976. It describes the life of a typical corporate employee who dedicates his entire life to his job. The essay focuses on the life of a man named Phil, who worked for a company for more than twenty years and was considered to be a “company man.”
The essay describes Phil’s life, both at home and at work. At work, Phil was always available to take on more responsibilities and was known for his dedication and hard work. He often worked late nights and weekends and was always available to the company, even during his vacation time. At home, Phil was distant from his family and was often preoccupied with work-related matters. He rarely took a break from work and even worked during his children’s birthday parties.
The main theme of the essay is the impact of corporate culture on the lives of employees. The essay explores how a company’s values and culture can become ingrained in an employee’s life, to the point where the employee sacrifices their personal life for the sake of the company. It highlights the pressure that corporate employees face to conform to a certain standard of behavior and how this can lead to the loss of personal identity.
Overall, “The Company Man” is a commentary on the impact of the corporate world on personal lives and the danger of losing oneself to the demands of a company.
Understanding
1. What attitude does Phil`s wife have toward him?
Ans: Phil’s wife’s attitude toward him is portrayed as one of resignation and acceptance. She is described as having adapted to Phil’s workaholic lifestyle, knowing that his job is important to him and his company, and as a result, she has learned to adjust her life and the family’s schedule around his work demands.
2. What point does the writer make about the general situation of which Phil is only a part?
Ans: The writer makes a point about the culture of corporate America and how it can lead to a lack of work-life balance and emotional detachment. The writer describes the corporate culture as one where employees are expected to put work above everything else, including their personal lives and well-being of which Phil is only a part.
4. What is implied by the boss`s question at the end of the essay?
Ans: The boss’s question implies a sense of detachment and disregard towards Phil. Despite Phil’s long and dedicated service to the company, the boss and other executives seem to view him as just another employee who can easily be replaced. The question also suggests a lack of empathy and recognition for Phil’s contributions to the company, reducing him to a nameless and insignificant entity.
5. Why was no one surprised when phil died?
Ans: No one was surprised when Phil died because his life was defined by his work at the company, and he had sacrificed everything else for it. He worked long hours and was always available to the company, even during his vacations and weekends. He had no hobbies, interests, or activities outside of work, and he neglected his family and personal health.
Rhetoric/Language/Writing
1. What is the structure of the essay?
ans: The essay “The Company Man” by Ellen Goodman follows a chronological structure that traces Phil’s life from his youth to his death.
The essay begins with a description of Phil’s life and his work as a corporate executive. Goodman then delves into Phil’s work habits, his dedication to his job, and how it affects his personal life.
The second half of the essay focuses on Phil’s death and its aftermath. Goodman describes how the news of Phil’s death was received by his colleagues and family, and how they reacted to it.
Throughout the essay, Goodman uses flashbacks and anecdotes to illustrate Phil’s character and how his workaholic nature affected his life. The essay is also divided into sections with subheadings that highlight the different aspects of Phil’s life and personality.
Overall, the structure of the essay allows the reader to get a clear understanding of Phil’s life and how his dedication to his job affected his personal life and relationships.
2. Write an essay explaining what it means to be a company man or company woman.
ans: Being a “company man” refers to an individual who is fiercely loyal to their employer and is willing to put their company’s interests above their personal interests. This type of person is committed to their organization, and they prioritize their work above everything else. While being a company man has its benefits, it can also have significant drawbacks, such as work-life imbalance, burnout, and lack of personal fulfillment.
The company man is usually driven by a desire to succeed within the organization, to climb the corporate ladder, and to achieve recognition and status. They are willing to work long hours, put in extra effort, and make personal sacrifices to get ahead. In return, they expect job security, career advancement, and financial rewards.
However, the downside of being a company man is that this type of individual is at risk of becoming a workaholic. Their dedication to their work can lead to a lack of work-life balance, which can harm their personal relationships and health. Additionally, they may become so focused on their career that they lose sight of their personal goals and aspirations.
Furthermore, being a company man can also lead to a lack of innovation and creativity. Since the individual is so focused on the company’s interests, they may not be willing to take risks or think outside the box, which can hinder their ability to come up with new ideas.
In conclusion, being a company man has its advantages and disadvantages. While it may lead to career success and financial rewards, it can also result in work-life imbalance, burnout, and a lack of personal fulfillment. Therefore, it is essential to find a balance between work and personal life and not lose sight of personal goals and aspirations. Being loyal to one’s organization is admirable, but it should not come at the expense of one’s well-being and personal growth.
Discussion
1. What character of the Type A personality does Phil possess?
ans: Phil is portrayed as a classic example of a Type A personality. The Type A personality is a term used to describe individuals who are ambitious, competitive, workaholics, and perfectionists. They are usually driven by a sense of urgency and tend to be impatient, aggressive, and hostile when faced with obstacles. Phil possesses many of the characteristics associated with the Type A personality.
Phil is portrayed as an ambitious man who is completely devoted to his job. He works long hours and is always on call, even on weekends and holidays. His dedication to his job is so intense that he hardly takes time off to spend with his family. This trait is common among Type A personalities who value achievement and success above all else.
2. How do you think a company can reduce their stress level?
ans: One way for a company man to reduce their stress level is by practicing stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness practices. These techniques help to lower stress hormones and promote a sense of calmness and relaxation.
It is also important for a company man to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. This means not bringing work home and taking breaks throughout the day to engage in activities they enjoy, such as taking a walk, reading a book, or spending time with family and friends.
Another way to reduce stress is to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities to others when possible. This will help to alleviate the pressure and workload on the individual and allow them to focus on the tasks that require their expertise and attention.
Additionally, it is important for a company man to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity. This can help to boost energy levels, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
3. Discuss the various characteristics of contemporary corporate world?
ans: The essay “The Company Man” by Ellen Goodman presents a picture of contemporary corporate culture.
One of the key characteristics of contemporary corporate culture is the emphasis on productivity and efficiency. Companies place a high value on workers who are able to produce more with less, and who are willing to work long hours and sacrifice their personal lives in the process. This emphasis on productivity can lead to a workaholic culture in which workers prioritize their jobs over everything else in their lives.
Another characteristic of contemporary corporate culture is the pressure to conform to company culture. Workers are expected to follow the company’s rules and policies, and to prioritize the company’s goals over their own personal goals. This pressure to conform can create a sense of alienation and isolation, as workers feel that they must suppress their individuality in order to fit in with the company’s culture.
Finally, contemporary corporate culture is characterized by a focus on the bottom line. Companies prioritize profits over all other goals, and workers are expected to contribute to the company’s financial success. This focus on profits can create a high-pressure environment in which workers are constantly striving to meet quotas and deadlines.
