This chapter talked about a "dwelling place" in an organization. The book defines this place as, "a gathering of communicative practices and stories that gives an organization a sense of uniqueness, supporting a specified organization from others within the same industry." (138). My idea of this dwelling place is that it's a place where people share ideas and stories related to the organization's common good. I notice myself in the dwelling place when it comes to my job.
I'm a server and at work we all have a common goal of making sure the customers extra good service. Our manager has been strict on how we do a lot of things at the restaurant from making sure you offer drink to being friendly to answering questions and to smile. We servers work together and split tips and we talk to each other in this "dwelling place" a lot. This is a place we learn and receive information related to our common goal. In this place I can say to my coworker, "hey, don't clear table 4 because they are still working on everything."
This is a good example of dwelling place, and thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't work a restaurant, I do work in retail (Nordstrom Rack), and the pace of both environments (and the stress that comes along with it) can be palpable. Dwelling place as described in the book stresses the importance of finding an employing organization that can provide a sense of fit and potential dwelling place, and high volume workplaces like restaurants or retail stores can surely test our individual patience. You can bust your butt as much as you can for your employer, but I think at the end of the day, if you're not doing something that'll advance your career or your position in life, of if your employer isn't investing the same kind of effort to developing you as much as the effort you're putting into helping the good cause along, then it's not worth beating yourself up for it. While the paycheck is essential of course, sometimes no amount of money is worth your physical and mental well-being.
Other factors definitely play a role in dwelling place, such as good coworkers, good synergy with your coworkers, and good management. And I think all three of those things need to work harmoniously in order to ensure a good sense of fit and belonging in the work dwelling.
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ReplyDeletethat's really great how you guys make your "dwelling place" in a friendly environment. i have never worked in a restaurant before but it's really good knowing that you guys share the tips equally and that you guys can remind each other of what should and should not be done. this is a very good example of how people in dwelling place share the same goal and if they work together it would make everything easier and much more enjoyable.
ReplyDeletealthough dwelling place is a home and sometimes we don't feel comfortable in our home, it is great to see that at least we enjoy one of our dwelling places and that we have a good relationship with people that share that same dwelling place as us