Introduction

The conflict between Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park characters Dennis Nedry and John Hammond illustrates the complex dynamics between an employer and employee, particularly in the context of large-scale corporate ventures. This article delves into the reasons why Hammond may be seen as unreasonable and reasonable, offering insights into the characters' motivations and the broader implications of their actions.

Reasons Hammond Might Be Seen as Unreasonable

Employee Satisfaction: Dennis Nedry, as the lead programmer, played a critical role in Jurassic Park's systems. Feeling undervalued, Nedry might have harbored a lack of satisfaction. Given his importance, one could argue that Hammond’s failure to recognize his worth may have led to Nedry's subsequent sabotage.

Financial Investment: The massive financial investment in Jurassic Park weighed heavily on the project. Hammond could have seen a small increase in salary as a minimal cost to secure Nedry's commitment and protect against potential sabotage. Dismissing Nedry's request as negligible may have been short-sighted.

Nedry's Skills: Nedry's expertise was crucial for the park's operations. Neglecting to address his concerns could have jeopardized the park's functionality, ultimately leading to disaster.

Reasons Hammond Might Be Seen as Reasonable

Business Philosophy: Hammond’s character embodies a visionary entrepreneur who prioritizes his vision over individual employee demands. In his mind, the park’s success was paramount, and he couldn’t afford to cater to every employee's financial needs. Dismissing Nedry's complaints as irrelevant may have been part of his strategic approach.

Budget Constraints: Hammond might have been bound by strict budgetary constraints. Given the park’s high operational costs, increasing salaries could have strained resources and jeopardized the overall project.

Trust Issues: Hammond was wary of Nedry’s motivations. Suggesting a salary raise might have encouraged further demands or created a sense of entitlement. He may have felt that Nedry was more interested in personal gain than the park's success.

The Discrepancies Between Film and Book Versions

Characterizations in the Film: In the movie, Hammond is portrayed as a grandfather-like figure with a strong ethical compass. His decision to yell at Nedry for wanting more money seems reasonable given Nedry’s obnoxious behavior and his insistence on financial demands. This portrayal emphasizes Hammond’s paternalism and dedication to the park's success.

Characterizations in the Book: In the book, Hammond’s character is quite different. The film’s portrayal of Gennaro, the lawyer, is contrasted with a more sinister version of Hammond. In the book, Hammond is portrayed as a greedy and corner-cutting individual who prioritizes profits over ethics. He is not just a caring grandfather but a manipulative figure who exploits his workers. This portrayal presents Hammond as a character driven by profit motives and a disregard for his employees' well-being.

Nedry's Plight

Nedry's Backstory in the Book: Nedry’s character in the book is far more sympathetic. He was given vague directions and faced impossible deadlines. The company's lack of communication and support led Nedry to feel undervalued and overworked. His motivations were not purely financial, but he also had valid concerns about job security and fair compensation.

Nedry's Actions in the Film: In the film, Nedry is portrayed as an out-and-out loudmouth who turns against InGen out of sheer greed. However, in the book, Nedry’s actions have a more nuanced motivation. His sabotage is driven by a combination of financial desperation and a sense of betrayal, fueled by the company’s unethical practices and lack of transparency.

Conclusion

The decision to dismiss Nedry’s demands represents a complex ethical dilemma in the context of running a landmark project like Jurassic Park. While Hammond’s actions were driven by business philosophy and financial constraints, Nedry's motivations were rooted in a sense of being exploited. Both versions of the story highlight the importance of employee relations and the potential consequences of neglecting them. This conundrum underscores the need for balance between corporate profitability and employee satisfaction.