What Does The Film "AVATAR" Have To Do With HR? [
Posted by: Margo Rose on Jan 17, 2010


Today I saw the movie “AVATAR.” Seeing the 3D IMAX film was indescribably vivid! Images leap off the screen, jump on your lap, and stare into your eyes. If I were in my office, and my colleagues were IMAX images, I’d say they are invading my personal space. I could develop an entire instructional design for diversity, and sensitivity training on this topic alone. As I watched the film, I had flash backs of almost every colleague, client, and manager I’ve ever had. It made me laugh, it made me think, and it made me remember all the symbolism, and allegory of the struggles employees have when they want to rage at the big machine and “stick it to the man.” I imagined the people of Pandora as union members, and the corporate scientists and marines as management. I wanted to create a dispute management system, with an anonymous tip line-and-processes through which communication processes could mitigate eminent disaster. It makes for an interesting twist for an employee relations plot.

The back story:

The blockbuster movie – which has already taken more than $1billion at the box office – tells the story of a disabled marine sent on a mission to a planet called Pandora, home to a race of giant blue aliens. They are a peaceful people who embrace nature, and are stewards of their environment and community.
The Hero is an archetypal character who goes under cover to do reconnaissance. He learns that the people of Pandora a wonderful beings. Once he sees the corporation’s selfish true colors, he feels compelled to fight back. By now, I’m sure you are wondering:

What does the movie AVATAR have in common with human resources dilemmas?

1. An epic conflict takes place between disparate groups.

2. The conflicts are based on misunderstandings between cultures.

3. ADA issues arise, and the differently-abled rise above adversity.

4. A serious conflict brews between labor, management and interdepartmental strife abounds.

And, what say you of potential resolution? If an HR Executive worth her salt were in charge, she would ensure that preventative measures were in place where a few power hungry people weren’t allowed to dominate the environment and cause group think. Training wouldn’t necessarily be the answer, rather a systems revamp would be in order. The corporate culture would have to shift to allow for different viewpoints, life styles, and roles are valued. In fighting can often be prevented in communication and resolution systems are in place. I’m not talking about binding arbitration where everyone loses, rather a system that would include collaborative bargaining where everyone can be heard, and problems can be settled before escalating to litigation.

Would a dispute resolution system prevented the war in the movie AVATAR? Probably not, the greed was beyond compare. An interesting rhetorical question must be asked, is there really such a big difference symbolically between the conflict that took place in the film that different than the conflicts in modern corporations? You decide. Please comment and discuss.

Your twitter pal,

@HRMargo Margo Rose Compassionate HR