Seeing one’s corporation from the other side

The CBS reality series “Undercover Boss” follows high-level chief executives as they slip anonymously into the rank and file of their companies. The purpose of this show is to show the CEOs of these large corporations what it’s really like working in the lower levels of the company. By the end of the episodes, these CEOs and high-level execs see the effects their decisions have on the entire company, right down to the lowest level employee. This show relates to our Corporate Communication class because it depicts the lack of communication that so often exists between upper level management and the lower level employees. By experiencing first-hand the hard work that their employees do, the CEOs realize that there needs to be improvements in their company’s communication strategies.

The pilot episode featured the CEO of Waste Management, Larry O’Donnell. After working among the garbage collectors of his company, O’Donnell recognized the need to solicit advice from his garbage collectors before launching company-wide initiatives. O’Donnell clearly learned from his experience on “Undercover Boss.” Corporate Communication involves actively communicating and engaging with stakeholders. By listening to his employees’ needs, O’Donnell is helping shape Waste Management’s corporate reputation into a positive one. Corporate Identitity should reflect upon employees’ values and feelings about the company. Larry O’Donnell is working towards a strong corporate identity for Waste Management by simply listening to his employees and communicating their values throughout the company.

Ari Nateman

Fran Greene

Lacey Inman

Megan Regele