Management Metaphors

Description of Management Metaphors. Explanation.

Definition Management Metaphors. Description.

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.

  • Various living organisms from biology, such as a bacteria, viral marketing, an amoeba.

• 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

Comment on this Page

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  |  Strategy

More on Management  |  Return to Management Dictionary  | 

End of description Management Metaphors. An explanation.