Society expects men to conform to the rigid, narrow and often self-contradictory roles imposed on them. Traits like weakness, sensitivity, effeminate and others were in previous times never used to aid in the definition of a man. From an early age, men were taught not to cry as it showed weakness and phrases like ‘this is a man’s world if you can’t cut it, you do not need to be here’ were ubiquitous. As a result, most men in today’s generation face a lot of difficulties when it comes to self-identity (Vogel, Heimerdinger-Edwards, Hammer & Hubbard, 2011). Doug Cooper’s sentiments on identity which stated that one’s identity cannot be fabricated or found but voluntarily emerges from within once one has the courage to let go distinctly identifies the beautiful of one’s self-identity. This paper discusses the change in the earlier viewed perception of who a man is brought on by highly reliable oil platforms which were unprecedented. Men have shifted from been earlier emotionally detached to know been in tune with their feelings and emotions. Moreover, the mentality of working alone has completely changed to one that encourages teamwork and the free acknowledgment of one’s weaknesses.
Assertiveness, decisiveness, aggression, rationality, competition, autonomy and others are some of the traits that identified men. At the workplace, men would demonstrate their physical prowess and thus provided a platform for competition. Statements like “Tough men Farm” so that individuals may understand the type men needed for the tasks. Physical toughness was displayed and the face of catastrophe and sentiments like “We laugh at the face of danger” were convincingly spoken. The professional arena was another area where men demonstrated invulnerability by utter refusal to admit to the lack of knowledge, failures or mistakes. The skill to handle machinery and tools was believed to be naturally acquired especially for real men. Some lionized individuals who inevitably became role models of most men were known to always be stoic and cool under pressure irrespective of the situation. A fallacy was created that men should be emotionally detached, fearless and speak of problems they were facing was considered a demonstration of belonging to an inferior breed of men (Ely & Meyerson, 2010).
The case study of Rex and Comus two oil companies demonstrates the change in the male gender from one that was aggressive to one that supports a sensitive and docile man. Rex and Comus adopted a new policy who objective was to become safety-conscious. Data was collected using primary data collection methods such as the use of semi-structured interviews and observations. A team comprising of two men and three women assistance during the whole study was infallible. Further, the analysis was of an inferential nature whose primary focus was to determine the traditional masculine role was disregarded in the day to day interactions with men. With the change of direction of the two companies, the vulnerability was acceptable, and the need to display physical prowess was not there. Safety awareness has enabled men to watch out for one another in the attempt to reduce the number of accidents (Ely & Meyerson, 2010). Coworkers would intervene if a worker did not adhere to the safety rules set. For example, a new employee was reprimanded for not using safety equipment when working on top of a methanol tank that was thirty feet from the ground.
Workers at Rex and Comus revealed their incapability of performing a given responsibility to their fellow colleagues. Newcomers’ suggestions on how to improve production as well as fellow workers advice and feedback to team leaders were willingly accepted. Men at Rex and Comus listened to each other problems and advised one another on how to tackle the problem at hand. Moreover, the person who was undergoing a difficult situation from home was understood when they would be distracted while doing work. Advanced well-being for all, the elaborate definition of competence and maintaining a learning attitude toward work are three organization culture components in Rex and Comus that helped to propel the change of an era that had been obsessed with masculinity ideas.
The theories obtained from the primary data were not easy to test, and the assumption that safety initiative determined the selection and retention of male workers were some limitations faced while conducting the study. However, the article on the oil organizations of Rex and Comus correctly points out the revolutionary change in the perception of how men behave. By illustrating the need for men to demonstrate their weakness, the need to seek for assistance, working as a team and in need of encouragement and motivations helps individuals to readily accepts the once shy side of men. Moreover, the study reminds all people that men are human despite them being heavily built and possessing apparent capabilities not found in women.
Some of the implications derived from the study include the need for change at an individual level where men appreciated the importance of being attentive in personal and interpersonal relationships. Also, self- reflection was pointed out to have far-reaching benefits for the men, and a sense of self-worthiness was inevitably developed. As a result, Rex and Comus reduced the number of accidents in the company and enjoyed increased performance beyond the set industrial limit. The research has significant relevance for highly reliability organizations which are known to conflate masculinity traits that result in courageous and goal-oriented managers. Moreover, the study provides an area of further studies brought on by the debates on feminine and masculine traits contribution to leadership roles.
It is imperative that all individuals appreciate the need for self-reflection so that one would acquire excellent interpersonal skills. Men should only demonstrate their physical strength when it’s a matter of life and death and not when trying to prove a point or belittle his workmates.