Yay Or Nay? A Media Analysis Of How Deception Is Utilized As A Leadership Tactic In The Television Show Sons Of Anarchy

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the portrayal of deception and leadership in Sons of Anarchy. Specifically, this study will look at how relationships, both professional and personal, will affect how deception is used. This is important because once personal relationships start to intertwine with professional relationships, it could start to bring negative consequences to the organization. The characters which will be analyzed within Sons of Anarchy are Clay and Jax. These characters are both leaders but have different motives for their actions. Moreover, Clay is the stepfather to Jax, so, in addition to learning about their workplace relationships, there will be a look into their personal relationship as well. These two characters have a close relationship, and this may be a cause of why the tensions between both leaders arise at times. I want to discover how deception works within an organization, and I believe some of the deceptive practices by both characters are done in spite of one another since their relationship is close. This would allow me not only to see how deception affects professional relationships but additionally, personal relationships. Therefore, I think it is essential to examine both professional and personal relationships with this study and see how it affects deception as a leadership strategy.