The Economics of The Office
Learning economics from the world's best boss
Dunder Mifflin Infinity
In this clip (from deleted scenes) we can demonstrate a good example of structural unemployment. Due to an advance in technology the skills of the Dunder Mifflin accountants will no longer be needed. Obviously from here students may want to discuss cyclical and frictional unemployment (which can be demonstrated when Michael foolishly quits his job with no real plan for his job search in season five).
Season 4 Episode 3 "Dunder Mifflin Infinity"
Technological Change (O30) Unemployment (J60)
Conflict Resolution Part 1
In this clip, Michael attempts to resolve a conflict between Oscar and Angela. One application of this clip is to reiterate the idea that voluntary trade results in a "win win" situation. This clip also can be used when showing outcomes on an aggregate supply/aggregate demand framework. When we have a major increase in aggregate supply (something like the IT revolution in the 1990's) it results in lower levels of inflation and unemployment or a "win win" outcome. (maybe even win, win, win!)
Season 2 Episode 21 "Conflict Resolution"
Inflation (E31) Unemployment (J60) Trade (F10) Macroeconomic Models (E10)
Conflict Resolution Part 2
Similar to the applications in Part 1, the "win lose" outcome in this clip can be used to talk about the expected trade off between inflation and unemployment when many polices are implemented.
Season 2 Episode 21 "Conflict Resolution"
Inflation (E31) Unemployment (J60) Macroeconomic Policy (E60)
Cyclical Unemployment
Pam discusses her difficulty finding a job in a difficult economy.
Teaching of Economics (A20) Unemployment (J60)
Cyclical vs. Structural Unemployment
Michael quit his job (frictional unemployment) but finds out that the economy is in a severe downturn (cyclical unemployment). This demonstrates the idea that most workers are more willing to engage in a job search when cyclical unemployment is high ceteris paribus.
Season 5 Episode 14 "Two Weeks"
Teaching of Economics (A20) Unemployment (J60)
Michael Quits
Michaels quits his job with Dunder Mifflin. This example of frictional unemployment can be contrasted with examples of cyclic and structural unemployment that are shown later in the season. Thanks to Allison Anthony from the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for suggesting this clip.
Season 5 Episode 20 "New Boss"
Teaching of Economics (A20) Unemployment (J60)