For this assignment, you will observe workers. Go somewhere where you can observe workers but also take notes. Some places that may work well are coffee shops, fast food restaurants, fast casual restaurants and the library. Spend at least 30 minutes observing and taking notes. Take notes on everything you see, such as what the workers look like, how they interact with each other, how they interact with customers, what their work duties appear to be and how the workplace is set up. You will attach your notes to your assignment. Then, spend 1-2 pages writing about what you observed. First, describe the workplace and the workers. Next, answer at least 2 of the following questions, using at least 2 terms or concepts from the textbook, readings, or lecture.
1. Does this workplace use scientific management? How? How do you think this affects the workers?
2. Do you think the workers experience emotional labor? Describe.
3. Do you think the workers experience alienated labor? Which type(s) of alienation? Describe.
4. Do you think these workers have autonomy? What makes you think that?
5. Could this job be automated? Would this be a good or bad thing? Why?
6. Who is the target customer of this business? Do the workers match this target market?