George Ritzer’s McDonaldisation

Question 1

Question:
Who is George Ritzer, and what is McDonaldisation? What are its main principles, and how does it apply to modern organisations?

Answer 1

Answer:
George Ritzer (b. 1940) is an American sociologist who developed the concept of McDonaldisation in his 1993 book The McDonaldisation of Society.
Inspired by Max Weber’s rationalisation, he argued that the principles behind fast-food restaurants now dominate many sectors of society and work.

Principle
1. Efficiency

Meaning
Quickest way from A to B

Example
Self-checkouts, fast food counters

Principle
2. Calculability

Meaning
Focus on quantity over quality

Example
“2-for-1” offers, number of calls handled

Principle
3. Predictability

Meaning
Standardised service and product

Example
Same Big Mac in London as in Dubai

Principle
Control

Meaning
Automation and human behaviour regulation

Example
Scripts, CCTV, limited choice

🏢 Where It Shows Up Today:
Call centres using scripts and KPIs

Retail stores with uniform layouts and employee routines

Education systems focused on grades over actual learning

Healthcare using standardised patient checklists

⚠️ Criticisms:
Dehumanises workers and customers

Reduces creativity, uniqueness, and satisfaction

Focuses on numbers, not meaning or depth

📈 Why It Matters:
McDonaldisation helps explain:

Why workplaces chase speed and efficiency

Why staff feel like “cogs in a machine”

How standardisation boosts profit but lowers engagement