Metaphors
Organizations are so complex that we all reach for simpler ways of thinking about them. We look to our life experiences to find entities and approaches in which we identify similarities to organizations. These entities and approaches begin to represent organizations. These metaphors become more than symbols for the organization. Often, when we think of organizations, we use the language and beliefs that are associated with the metaphor. We begin to assume that whatever is true for the metaphor is also true for organization. We are also less likely to consider information that does not fit the metaphor we prefer to use.
There are a number of metaphors commonly in use. People tend to prefer using one or a combination of two or three metaphors. Each metaphor has beliefs, values, words, and behaviors associated with them. Each metaphor leads to a unique set of desired outcomes, types of problems and strengths identified, and recommended action. Each metaphor has environments where it is particularly effective and organizational dynamics and conditions that it just does not see.
Seven of the most commonly used metaphors are: Aristocracy, Serf, Brain, Culture, Machine, Organism, and Political. The Metaphor Instrument measures the preferences people have for these metaphors. The stronger the preference, the more likely that metaphor will influence the observations, decisions, and actions of the individual. The weaker the preference, the less the metaphor will influence the individual.
The Essay on Cultural Metaphor
Cultural metaphors is a cultural system wherein people with the same beliefs, traditions, ideologies, morals or values associate with each other. People belonging to the same culture, share or participate in a particular interest activity, event, or organization, and any other means, that represents their culture is an example of a cultural metaphor. (Gannon, 2008) Moreover, these interest ...
Aristocracy and Serf Metaphors:
Organizations are similar to the aristocracy/serf relationships. Aristocracy/serf relationships have certain characteristics, such as:
o A small group or class of people control and benefit from the work of a much larger number of people
o There is a clear distinction between those in controlling group and those who are not
o The controlling group expends whatever resources necessary to maintain control by the group
o There appears to be an opportunity for those not in the controlling group to join it due to loyal and/or distinguished service
This metaphor ,when considered by those who identify more with the aristocracy, have certain characteristics:
o Because of capability or class position are ordained to rule
o Those not in the controlling group are expected to fulfill their roles without complaint
o Membership in this ruling group is important
This metaphor, when considered by those who identify more with the serfs, have certain characteristics:
o Individuals seek to join the group in power, join with others to counter the top group’s power, or resign themselves to their situation
o Labor, not dedication, is exchanged for money and other rewards
o Life outside of work is much more important than work
Brain Metaphor:
Organizations are assumed to be similar to the brain. Brains have certain characteristics, such as:
o Collect and process information
o Make decisions based on information
o Initiates and processes communication
o Learns from the collected information
o Holographic – all parts contain the capability of the whole
Culture Metaphor:
Organizations are similar to cultures. Cultures have characteristics, such as:
o Values operate as the foundation for the activities and aspirations of the people
o Heroes personify the culture’s values and provide tangible role models for individuals
o Ceremonies and rituals tie people together and provide visible and potent examples of what the culture stands for
o Standardized expectations of each other become the norms guiding daily activities
The Essay on What Affect On "Organization Culture"?
Metaphor is a fundamental force through which humans create meaning by using one element of experience to understand another. Metaphor becomes a tool for creating an understanding about what we now recognize as organization and management. Gareth Morgan suggests a way of thinking and a way of seeing organizations as multiple of metaphors e.g. organizations as a machine (mechanistic approach), ...
o People identify with and feel a part of a culture
o Cultures endure through generations providing continuity
Machine Metaphor:
Organizations are assumed to be similar to a machine, such as an automobile engine. Machines have certain characteristics, such as:
o Designed to produce something
o Made up of parts – when one fails, it is simply replaced with a part with identical capability
o Parts do their job without a consciousness of what is being produced or why
o Parts act as intended
o Machines have a finite capacity, when that capacity is exceeded, add more machines or have them work more hours
Organism Metaphor:
An organization is similar to a living organism. Organisms have certain characteristics, such as:
o Are alive and seek to stay alive
o Different species have adapted to different environments
o Success of the whole is dependent upon the activities of interdependent parts
o Have needs which they seek to satisfy
o Interact with and adapt to their environment
Political Metaphor:
An organization can be viewed as a political process. Political processes have certain characteristics, such as:
o Individuals seek to increase their personal influence
o Political campaigns are long-term activities
o Additional influence can be gained by exchanging favors
o Political bases must be constantly nurtured
o People are always waiting in the wings to exert their political power
Trust and Betrayal in the Workplace:
Building effective relationships in your organization
Dennis and Michelle Reina (1999)
Trust
A relationship of mutual confidence in contractual performance, honest communication, expected competence, and a capacity for unguarded interaction.
Capacity for Trust is our readiness to:
o Trust Ourselves
o Trust Others
Betrayal
An intentional or unintentional breach of trust or the perception of such a breach.
Betrayals occur on a continuum from major intentional betrayals to unintentional minor betrayals.
Effect of Betrayal on Our Capacity to Trust
Unintentional vs.Intentional
MinorAccumulation slowly decreases trust in others – become more wary over time and watch for patternsAccumulation quickly decreases trust in others, usually in particular people
The Essay on Trust
Lack of trust is a reoccurring theme through out the three cases. One might ask, why you need trust in any civil society? Lack of trust in a civil society has the society with no real stability. Trust in authority is lacking in each case. The approval rating for Bill Clinton is high. Does this mean that most Americans trust Bill Cliton? Most polls would tell that trust is a serious issue. So, ...
MajorDecreases our trust in ourselves as well as diminishing trust in othersDramatically decreases capacity to trust others and diminishes our trust in ourselves
Three types of transactional trust
Contractual Trust – Trust of Character
Do we do what we say we will do?
Contractual trust is:
o Managing expectations
o Establishing boundaries
o Honoring agreements
o Being consistent
Communication Trust – Trust of Disclosure
How are we in our interactions?
Communication trust is about our willingness to:
o Share information
o Tell the truth
o Admit mistakes
o Maintain confidentiality
o Give and receive constructive feedback
o Speak with good purpose
Competence Trust – Trust of Capability
Are we or others able to dow what is expected?
Competence trust is our:
o Willingness to trust the capability of ourselves and others
o Respecting people’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment
o Helping others learn
