ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a description and exploratory analysis of the social interaction which took place within a small work group of factory machine operatives during a two-month period of participant observation. Revelation of how the group utilized its resources to combat that “beast” should merit the attention of those who are seeking solution to the practical problem of job satisfaction, or employee morale. It should also provide insights for those who are trying to penetrate the mysteries of the small group. Introduction to the new job, with its relatively simple machine skills and work routines, was accomplished with what proved to be, in my experience, an all-time minimum of job training. With one exception, job status tended to be matched by length of workday. Banana time followed peach time by approximately an hour. Sammy again provided the refreshments, namely, one banana.
