Group and Organizational Behavior: Insights from Top Gun and Apollo 13

Introduction

From Top Gun to Apollo 13 an array of ideas, concepts, and themes were presented within the two movies pertaining to group and organizational behavior. The positive influence group and organizational behavior shares toward individuals and group dynamics is extremely valuable and when it’s implemented efficiently and effectively, the value is even greater. From my observation, these two movies truly captured the idea that when individual behavior and group behavior is applied together, there is an even greater opportunity for achieving the ultimate goals set forth. Whether the cast was managing their stress levels, or simply testing their courage and strength, Top Gun and Apollo 13 shared a variety of similarities. Along with these

Each movie showed that no matter what challenges were placed before them that giving up was not an option; instead, as individuals and as a group they must focus on coming together to make things happen and to reach success. Additionally, these two movies recognized stress can help us rise to the challenge. Whether it was Maverick and Goose assisting their teammate Cougar when he was locked in by another jet, or the Apollo 13 astronauts locking into the hard-dock, these stressful moments were manageable and they were able to rise to the challenge. Another comparison between Top Gun and Apollo 13 was the influence of individual and group behavior. For example, in Top Gun the instructors and commanders worked with the fighter pilots to meet graduation needs through teaching the pilot’s new skills, and for Apollo 13 the control center and astronauts worked together in order to get the astronauts home safely. As mentioned previously every individual has their own differences, but if we see them positively and utilize each uniqueness to the fullest the opportunity for achievement is