Management Metaphors

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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. Start a new topic about Management Metaphors Share your knowledge here (or ask a question)   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   🔥 NEW 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

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

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