McDonaldization of work in the Indian fastfood industry

Abstract

This study explores the nature of fast-food work in the Indian context using a qualitative casestudy approach. The production and service systems at an Indian fast-food chain outlet and employees’ experiences of these systems are analyzed. Standardization and routinization is not strictly enforced compared to multinational chains like Domino’s or McDonald’s. Workers from rural background with little education oppose these practices as they find it difficult to adapt them. Poor pay, hectic workload and limited potential for growth become acceptable to young and vulnerable workers due to lack of alternate job opportunities.