k that needs to be done. At lunchtime, Eric gives me an update on the attorneys' schedules for the rest of the day, then leaves for lunch. After lunch, I update Eric. Then there is the 3:00 "social break" to discuss between us things that are bothering us about the attorneys on that day. Interactions in the workplace lead to the formal and informal organization of the office. Formally, Del is the head attorney in the office. The other attorneys are secondary in the formal structure. I am next in the line of formal organization with Eric just below me. Eric's place in the formal organization will change to become equal with mine after he has been with the office for a few more months. Informally, there is a different organization in the office. In this structure, the reverse of the formal structure is true. Eric and I have control of the office. This is evident in the fact that neither of us can take a sick day without several panic-stricken calls from the attorneys. Also, Eric and I make the decisions for the office and plant them with the attorneys so they appear as their own ideas. This is done through the two female attorneys who then go to Del.As is the case in most places of work, there is a method for being socialized into the office family. The largest factor for socialization is time. It takes time for everyone to relax and be comfortable enough with a new person to trust them without keeping a close eye on them. For instance, the attorneys rarely check to see if my work is being completed or being completed correctly since I have been with the office for a year. However, Eric has been with the office for only a few weeks. The attorneys often check him on and they go over everything he does with a fine toothed comb. Also, you can only be socialized once you adopt the attitude that belongs in the office. This is a fairly relaxed atmosphere for an office, so if you do not have a sense of humor and take everyth...
