Standard Operating Procedure

Standard Operating Procedure follows Sam Berger, a college student in New York City during the late 1960s who takes a summer job at a large chemical company. Working in the purchasing department, Sam processes paperwork and interacts with various employees across different levels of the corporate hierarchy. During his time at the company, Sam observes the inner workings of a major corporation and its workforce, from entry-level clerks to high-ranking executives. His position grants him access to internal documents and conversations that reveal the true nature of corporate culture and decision-making processes. As the summer progresses, Sam becomes entangled in workplace politics and must navigate ethical challenges that arise from his discoveries. The narrative tracks his development from an idealistic student to someone who understands the complexities of corporate America. The book examines themes of personal integrity versus institutional loyalty, and questions the moral compromises people make to succeed in business. Through Sam's experiences, the story illustrates the gap between ethical ideals and corporate practices in American business culture.

According to reader reviews online, Kunen's 1975 novel has a niche following but hasn't been as extensively reviewed as his earlier work "The Strawberry Statement." Those who've read it note its unconventional diary-style format and raw portrayal of police work. Readers appreciated: - The authentic depiction of daily police operations - Kunen's direct, unfiltered writing style - Personal insights into law enforcement culture Main criticisms: - Dated references and cultural context - Fragmented narrative structure - Limited character development Platform Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (12 reviews) Notable reader comments: "Offers a rare window into 1970s police procedures" - Amazon reviewer "The diary format makes it feel real but sometimes disjointed" - Goodreads user "Worth reading for historical perspective on policing" - LibraryThing review [Note: Limited review data available online for this title]

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🔹 Author James Kunen gained national attention as a student activist when he wrote "The Strawberry Statement," a diary of the 1968 Columbia University protests, at age 19. 🔹 "Standard Operating Procedure" explores Kunen's experience working in corporate America at Time Warner, where he witnessed the controversial AOL-Time Warner merger firsthand. 🔹 The book reveals how Kunen was fired from Time Warner after 12 years, despite creating award-winning employee training programs that were praised throughout the industry. 🔹 The narrative shifts between Kunen's corporate experiences and flashbacks to his activist past, creating a stark contrast between his idealistic youth and the realities of corporate culture. 🔹 After leaving Time Warner, Kunen became an English teacher in the New York City public school system, a journey he also documents in his later writings.