Abstract:
In this paper, I examine the representation of organizations in the television cartoon series South Park. In
particular the South Park episode 'Gnomes' is reviewed - this episode contains a direct parody of the role
and conduct of organizations in society as its story revolves around a 'fictitious' coffee chain, Harbucks',
attempt at a hostile takeover of a small town coffee shop. Drawing on the episode's roman a clef (or
perhaps cartoon a clef) depiction of the global coffee retailing organization Starbucks, it is argued that
this popular culture representation offers opportunities to critique and debate organizational behaviour in a
way not available to modes of representation common to Organization Studies. Following Bakhtin's model
of the carnival, South Park is read as exemplary of a subversive culture of folk humour that mocks,
satirises and undermines official institutions - a culture rich in understandings of contemporary
organizations and their relationship with society.
