This research considers two different cafeteria settings in work environments, one with vending machines only and one a buffet style operation, and observes behaviors which take place in each. Social interaction and the interaction of individuals within the cafeterias are considered, and the research offers observations about the role that such spaces play within organizations.
Observation of a Setting--Cafeteria with Vending Machines
The cafeteria is in a rectangular room approximately 15 feet wide by 40 feet long. There are two doors in the middle of the long sides; one door opens to an engineering cubicle area, the other door opens to a production floor. The cafeteria has eight three-foot square metal tables with four metal chairs at each. There are bulletin boards on one side of the room (next to the door leading to the production floor) with information about upcoming employee events and current job offerings. Along one of the short walls is a kitchen facility with a sink, cupboards (containing paper goods for general use), two microwave ovens and a coffee maker which has the capability of making espresso. There is a bottled water container next to four five vending machines on the other long wall (next to the door leading to the engineering department). All of the machines accept one dollar bills. There is also a pay phone (next to the bulletin board) and a "white board" under a clock on the other short wall. The room is sometimes used for training staff members.
During the observation period, there were occasional visitors to the room who typically came in, prepared a cup of coffee or purchased a drink, and then left without examining any of the information on the walls or otherwise socializing. The key exception to this was when the production floor went on break. While the production group has a fifteen-minute break at the same time every day, the break is not announced by a bell or other announcement. At ...