Management Metaphors

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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.

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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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End of description Management Metaphors. An explanation.