Free Ethnography Essay Sample

Every group in society has its unique qualities that define and give a sense of identity. For the ethnography project, one of the groups that I chose is the group of employee in the college restaurant. For about an hour is observed the group taking detailed and specific notes on the issues observed. The focus of this ethnography is to observe employees in the restaurant when the customers are around and when they are on their won. The place is a small restaurant where students take their meals. The restaurant sells snacks, fast foods, and soft drinks. The restaurant has a place where students can eat, while others order takeaway meals. The restaurant has a television set and radio.
One of the noticeable features of the employees is the aspects of dress code. The employees have the same uniform, except two employees. The employees put on a blue apron regardless of their gender. The other two employees were on the black suit. To my observation the two employees on the black suit were the supervisors. These could be observed on the way they worked. The employees had specific roles. There are those who cleaned, served, dishwashers, cooks, and those that took the order from the customers. The two employees in a suit were always at the corners of the restaurant, and occasionally they signaled the employees to clear the tables. The employees responded swiftly to customers request in the presence the supervisors, but they looked reluctant when the managers were not around.
The jobs among employees were distributed regardless of their sexes. They divided the jobs and ensured that none of the activities was left an attended. The employees seem to use more of sign language since, and each one of them seems to understand. The female employees worked on light jobs, and men seem to be the focus on heavy lifting jobs. The employees in the restaurant kept their eyes on the tables and seem to read the body language of the quests. The body language of the employees seems to communicate to the customers. The employees placed their hands behind or in front, especially when they were not carrying anything. The employees seem to follow up visits at the table.
The restaurant was filled with cool music that was soft to the ears. The moderate sound seems to create a calm environment for the customers. The aroma of the food was sweet. The arrangements of sets and tables in the restaurant are in a certain order. There is proper space between tables and the customers, and employees could easily pass through. The floor is clean and of good quality. At one point, some of the employees came and cleaned the floor. The organization and response of the employees seem to create a friendly atmosphere. In the absence of the customers, the employees could interact at some point and even crack jokes.
The employees seemed to be very organized and worked within the rules and guidelines. Each of the employees undertook their roles and responsibilities. In fact, observing how they carried out their work they looked very organized. The values and behaviors of the employees seem to decrease when the supervisors were absent. The managers did not border with what employees did when there were no customers. In fact, employees listened to music, cracked some jokes, and even used their cell phones. From the observation, it was evident that the behaviors of employees changed depending on the situation. The environment seems to have some improper and proper behaviors. The employees tend always to adhere to good behaviors. I believe that the culture of the restaurant took the center stage.