Management Metaphors

Knowledge Center

What are Management Metaphors? Meaning.

Management Metaphors are used often by managers to communicate and clarify the meaning of complex things or concepts, such as a strategy, a strategic vision, a mission statement and, last but not least, a management method or philosophy.

A metaphor (from Greek metapherein - to transfer) is a comparison which imaginatively compares one (complex) thing with another dissimilar (well-known) thing, and transfers or ascribes to the first thing (the tenor or idea) some of the qualities of the second (the vehicle or image). Typical for a metaphor is that one thing is likened to another dissimilar thing not using like, as, than, etc.

A metaphor is not merely an expressive device, but an integral part of the function of language as a definer of reality as well as a reflector of reality.

This form of figurative language can help to convey meaning to widely dissimilar things. Below some examples of frequently used metaphors in management:

• Metaphors for Managers

  • He is the architect of this plan.
  • She is a rising star.
  • He is an unguided missile.

• Metaphors for Organizations

  • This organization is a well-oiled machine, a hub, a chain, a Network, a parent company.
  • A Business Incubator.
  • A Bureaucracy.
  • A White Knight.
  • A Garbage Can.
  • Organizational DNA and many similar terms from biology.
  • Sacred Cows in organizations.

• Metaphors for Concepts / Methods

  • Tversky's Framing uses 7 techniques, including the metaphor, and the word itself is also an example of a metaphor.
  • Porter's Diamond Model.
  • Prahalad's Bottom of the Pyramid.
  • Lewin's Force Field Analysis.
  • De Bono's Six Thinking Hats.
  • Kelly's Network Economy.
  • Aaker's Brand Personality.
  • Etcetera.

Metaphors are extremely powerful communication mechanisms, and their relevance in management, the media and society as a whole can hardly be overestimated. This can be both positive and negative. For example if we need to change an organization, a carefully chosen metaphor can be a powerful change agent, but if the employees keep referring to the organization using an old metaphor, that old metaphor can be a strong barrier to change.

When crafting an organizational metaphor it is advisable to be very alert for Cultural Dimensions.

Forum Forum about Management Metaphors. Below you can ask a question about this topic, share your experiences, report a new development, or explain something. Examples of Using Metaphors in Management. Quotes Hi, do you know of a remarkable, humorous quote by a famous person or any other nice example of using metaphors in management?Please enter a reaction to share it for other people to enjoy! Please use ... 2   🔥 Book on Metaphors of Organizations: Images of Organisation (Morgan) No discussion of metaphors in business would be complete without mention of Gareth Morgan’s book: "Images of Organisation" (first published in 1986). Morgan, Professor of organizational behavior and i... 1   Functions of Metaphors in Management Methaphors can play an important role in organizations/organizational theory. They broadly have two major functions or impacts, which are summarized by Foropon and McLachlin: 1. Explanatory effect: A... 0   Start a new topic about Management Metaphors

Information Sources Various sources of information regarding Management Metaphors. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops.

Research Links Jump to further research sources regarding Management Metaphors. News Videos Presentations   Books Academic More

Compare with: Framing  |  Metonymy  |  Cognitive Bias  |  Storytelling  |  Positioning  |  Catalytic Mechanisms  |  Six Thinking Hats  |  Brainstorming  |  Strategy Maps  |  Mind Mapping  |  Garbage Can Model

Return to Management Hub: Change & Organization  |  Communication & Skills  |  Knowledge & Intangibles  |  Leadership  |  Marketing & Sales  |  Strategy & Innovation

More on Management  |  Return to Management Dictionary

This ends our Management Metaphors summary and forum.