The film Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005) dwells upon the case of Enron which is seen as the largest scandal in the corporate world of the USA. The film can have a number of implications. In the first places, it can be utilized for educational and training purposes. Clearly, any business person has to watch it at least once in his/her life to be aware of the outcomes of irresponsible behavior in the corporate world. It is possible to consider implications of the film to understand its effectiveness as a training tool.
As has been mentioned above, it can be used in education. Notably, this use is not confined to higher educational establishments only. Young people can be exposed to the issues discussed in high school. Thus, students of a high school can be shown extracts from the film (as well as entire film) and start a discussion of a variety of issues. One of the major problems to be discussed is, of course, ethical and responsible behavior in business. Students interested in law, accounting, management can benefit from exploring the issues revealed in the film. The teachers can put the episodes where stakeholders of the case comment on their behavior and their feelings as these episodes are thought-provoking and appealing (Enron: The Smartest Guys).
When it comes to college students, the focus should be made on particular business issues as well as ethical ones. The film reveals certain actions of Enron’s top managers that led to the company’s debts and bankruptcy (Enron: The Smartest Guys). First, students should discuss the way the company tried to respond to the challenges it faced. Secondly, students may also try to develop their own strategies which could have been helpful for the organization.
Again, students can concentrate on various facets of the case. Some may focus on legal issues while others can try to analyze marketing or human resources strategies exploited. Students may also try to develop regulation to prevent companies from acting in irresponsible ways. It is also possible to try to trace companies that tend to act in a similar way. Therefore, it is essential for students to be aware of details of the case and understand hazards of irresponsible behavior of managers.
As far as training is concerned, human resources mangers can find the film very helpful. They can utilize certain extracts from the film to highlight wrongdoings and their possible outcomes. It is possible to develop a variety of activities and discussions to share ideas on the matter and develop proper behavioral patterns. It is also possible to use the film when developing the company’s culture and focusing on the organization’s values. It is possible to address to certain episodes form the film as a contraposition of values which should be the basis of any organizations’ culture.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that the film in question can have numerous implications in education and training. The case of ENRON can shed light on legal, business and ethical issues. Students and employees have to remember about the scandal to avoid getting involved in similar situations. Human resources professionals can use the film to develop the company’s culture and make sure employees share the organization’s values. Finally, the film should be a reminder for any employee who should understand that certain wrongdoings lead to particular outcomes.
Works Cited
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room. Ex. Prod. Alex Gibney. Dallas, TX: Magnolia Pictures. 2005. DVD.