organization man
Noun: * A person, especially an employee, who conforms completely to the expectations, values, and norms of a large organization, often at the expense of personal identity, independence, or family life. This term describes an individual who prioritizes the goals and culture of the corporation or institution above their own individuality.
The term "organization man" is typically used in sociological or business contexts to describe a specific type of corporate employee and a cultural phenomenon. It often carries a critical or neutral-conformist connotation, highlighting the sacrifice of personal ambition and creativity for collective security and success. * It is commonly used with articles: an organization man, the organization man. * It can be used attributively: the organization man mentality.
- In the 1950s, the ideal organization man was loyal to his company for life.
- He was the quintessential organization man, always wearing the standard suit and never questioning company policy.
- The book criticized the mid-century corporate culture that produced the organization man.
- She refused to become just another organization man, choosing to start her own business instead.
- The concept is often linked to conformity, groupthink, and corporate loyalty in analyses of white-collar work culture.
- While historically gendered (using "man"), modern usage may apply the concept more broadly, though the original term remains fixed.
- Conformist (n): A person who conforms to accepted behavior or established practices.
- Company man (n): A very similar term emphasizing loyalty to a specific company.
- Bureaucrat (n): An official in a government department, often associated with rigid adherence to rules and procedures.
- Conformist
- Company man
- Team player (though this can be more positive)
- Bureaucrat
- Cog in the machine (idiomatic)
- Individualist
- Maverick
- Nonconformist
- Entrepreneur
- Rebel
- A cog in the machine: Someone who is a small, seemingly unimportant part of a large system or organization.
- He felt like just a cog in the machine, another anonymous organization man.
- To toe the company line: To conform to and express the official policy or opinion of one's organization.
- A true organization man always toes the company line.
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an employee who sacrifices his own individuality for the good of an organization
