Movie Review (“Boiler Room”)
Discuss leadership values and ethics shown in Boiler Room.
Relate to leadership theories and ethics from the readings.
Include any personal or business examples of ethical dilemmas and resolutions.
2.
3. Film Clip Review – 20 points
Choose a short clip (TV or movie) illustrating organizational culture.
o Find an article about organizational culture and leadership (from NU Library). Just pick anything good..
o Attach the article copy.
o Length: 2–3 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt).
o Format: APA (Title page + Content + Reference page).
o Content:
Summarize the article’s main points.
Explain its importance or “breakthroughs.”
Give personal evaluation (clarity, missing info, impact on your understanding).
Explain how it connects to organizational leadership/culture and your own workplace success.
The primary value system is encapsulated by the mantra of "Greed is good," reminiscent of the Machiavellian perspective where the ends (massive commissions) justify any means (deception and manipulation). The firm’s leadership exemplifies Machiavellian Leadership Theory, which is characterized by emotional detachment, a willingness to exploit others, and a single-minded focus on achieving organizational or personal power (Yukl, 2013). This is seen in:
Transactional Focus: Leadership provides clear financial rewards (commissions, status) for performance (closing fraudulent deals) and immediate, harsh punishment (public humiliation, firing) for failure. There is no focus on moral guidance or shared purpose beyond profit.
Ethical Breakdown: The entire operational methodology—the "straight line" sales pitch—is a systematic lie, forcing new recruits like Seth Davis to practice severe cognitive dissonance. The leadership structure not only tolerates unethical behavior but mandates it, creating a culture where moral corruption is a key job requirement.
The film serves as a powerful cautionary tale, contrasting sharply with positive ethical frameworks such as Authentic Leadership or Servant Leadership, which prioritize integrity, moral clarity, and the well-being of stakeholders (Northouse, 2021). The moral failure shown in Boiler Room is rooted in leadership’s explicit rejection of ethical considerations for both customers and employees.
Sample Answer
Leadership, Ethics, and Culture: An Analysis of Boiler Room and Organizational Dynamics
Student Name: [Your Name] University Name: [Your University Name] Course Name: [Your Course Name] Date: October 9, 2025
1. Leadership Values and Ethics in Boiler Room
The 2000 film Boiler Room offers a stark and intense depiction of a predatory, high-pressure brokerage firm built entirely on unethical, illegal, and destructive transactional behavior. The leadership values explicitly celebrated and enforced by firm founder Jim Young and sales manager Greg Weinstein are centered on radical egoism, hyper-competitiveness, and wealth acquisition at any cost.