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2020 | Buch

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Human Resource Management in the Pornography Industry

Business Practices in a Stigmatized Trade

verfasst von: Prof. David M. Kopp

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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While pornography is stigmatized as “dirty work," it faces many of the same operational considerations as traditional industries. From increasing competition, new technology that impacts services, to health and workplace safety issues, the pornography industry also utilizes and applies HRM strategies that include recruiting, selecting and retaining the best (sex) workers. As a follow up to his last book on the social history of training and development (2018), Kopp writes this final installment of a system contained within an unconventional setting as he reflects and distills the facets of human resource management found in the pornography industry.

Specifically, this book explores traditional human resource management processes and practices, and examines how common HRM systems are contextualized in an “organization-as-pariah” venue. Topics covered include recruiting, career development, performance management and workforce diversity, offering readers a value-neutral, analytical assessment of the HR practices in the unconventional industry and stigmatized trade that is pornography.

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction: Counterintuitive Juxtapositions

Abstract

In this introductory chapter, the author establishes the context by first providing an overview of the ubiquitous pornography industry, including a modern history, definitions (e.g., Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, “I know it when I see it.”), as well as, describing the traditional business operation, which will introduce the reader to the human resource management (HRM) practices and how these traditional HR practices are utilized within this non-traditional industry. The chapter will also introduce the reader to the construct of so-called “dirty work” and the organization-as-pariah. This chapter will also give the reader an overview of the discipline of Human Resource Management.

David M. Kopp

Chapter 2. Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Talent

Abstract

In this chapter, the author describes the processes of how workers in pornography are recruited and/or endeavor to work in the porn industry. As the author has seen, like in traditional organizations, employers in pornography are looking for workers who are motivated, have a great attitude and good work ethic. For example, before they cast someone, producers of pornography want to tell a little bit about a prospect’s psychological state, too. How eager they are to do it? How motivated by money they are to do it, as opposed to the fun aspect? Specific worker profiles will be explored, as well as, worker turnover and retention.

David M. Kopp

Chapter 3. Managing Performance

Abstract

In this chapter, the author explores performance management and the skill sets needed to perform in adult films. Male performers, for example, have their own unique set of challenges. According to adult film producer and director, Dan Leal, “Every man is on penis pill supplements or injects…any guy who says he isn’t is lying. In the real world, you don’t have sex for this long; that’s the reality.” While performing, actors must focus on such things as timing, where the camera is, and what angle might be best for the camera. The author will seek out additional interviews using narrative inquiry to glean a day in the life of an adult performer and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to do the job.

David M. Kopp

Chapter 4. Career Development

Abstract

In this chapter, career management and development aspects will be explored. Length of tenure, job enlargement, and job enrichment are discussed. Also, how many workers in pornography endeavor to leave performing and go back to “normal” life. Some performers become producers and directors in the adult film business, as well as, start their own pornography companies. Others try to go onto mainstream movies and entertainment like Jenna Jameson and Traci Lords. Explored also is how mainstream celebrities became more popular or discovered because of the release of a sex tape. Examples of this are with Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, Montana Fishburne and in the case of Kim Kardashian, a sex tape led to an empire.

David M. Kopp

Chapter 5. Workforce Diversity

Abstract

In this chapter, the author investigates the state of diversity in the pornography workplace. According to Flory (2015), the pornography industry has a diversity problem. This hierarchy usually proceeds according to which sex acts are considered most taboo and, sometimes, most physically demanding for the female performer. However, “interracial” porn, which is frequently seen as the ultimate feat for an actress, is held out as more extreme not because of which body part goes where, but because the adult industry reflects the old attitude society still holds on to: that the color of a sexual partner’s skin can by itself make the act forbidden. The author explores the state of diversity and biases in pornography industry.

David M. Kopp

Chapter 6. Compensation and Benefits

Abstract

In this chapter, the author explores the compensation framework in the pornography industry. Using recent data, the reader will get a sense as to the remuneration of different jobs within the industry. For example, a recent CNBC survey of pornography workers that the more extreme acts command higher rates, and the most extreme acts can go for $1800–$2500. Some performers intentionally wait on performing extreme or taboo acts as they develop their brand and fan base. The author also discusses passive income that adult performers receive, as well as access to healthcare is discussed.

David M. Kopp

Chapter 7. Workplace Health and Safety

Abstract

In this chapter, the author explores the health and safety practices in the pornography industry. Adult film industry workers face serious health risks due to potential infection with HIV and other pathogens transmitted through sexual contact. The author will look into recent legislation impacting the pornography industry such as Proposition 60 in California which enforces the existing mandatory condom rule and provide other health protections for adult film performers. Also, OSHA and workers compensation is discussed.

David M. Kopp

Chapter 8. Porn and HRM: Axiological Issues

Abstract

The concluding chapter explores the overarching questions that are presented in the introductory chapter as well as lessons learned. One benefit of examining aspects of HR in situ within the context of a so-called pariah industry is that we are better positioned to reflect upon another theme proffered here, specifically, one that considers the axiology of human resources: is HR amoral? In other words, the construct of HR, like with food, water, and oxygen is—prima facie—value-neutral; that is, until seemingly placed into a context where it risks being rendered guilty by association. In sum, we contemplate the question, Does “dirty work” equate to “dirty HR”?

David M. Kopp

Backmatter

Titel: Human Resource Management in the Pornography Industry
verfasst von: Prof. David M. Kopp
Copyright-Jahr: 2020
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-37659-8
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-37658-1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37659-8