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Exposing Enron: Media representations of ritualized deviance in corporate culture

Oklahoma State University, USA

Jason S. Ulsperger

Arkansas Tech University, USA

Summer Cummins

Elaina Osteen

Oklahoma State University, USA

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.

Key Words: corporate culture • organizational deviance • structural ritualization theory • white-collar crime

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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Knottnerus, J. D. Articles by Osteen, E. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?