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Leading with Purpose: Framework for Recontextualizing Organizations Through Metaphors

Author

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  • Domagoj Hru?ka

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb)

Abstract

This paper is based on the assumption that the concept of organization and explanation of organizational life relies heavily on the foundation of metaphorical description. With the use of metaphors, leaders can simulate theories of action and find solutions for organizational problems. We propose that the sensemaking process is influenced by one element of flow of experience that is used for recognition of existing meaning as well as for construction of novel meaning. That element serves as a governing metaphor. Seen from the contextual perspective, the governing metaphor is the productive character of meaning construction that has a pivotal role in the problem solving process. This theoretical paper proposes four influences of metaphors in leading organizational change: they convey concentrated meaning, they provide incentives for sensemaking, they communicate novel perspective and finally determine level of strategic change. Further on, we argue that the process of extraction of the governing metaphor from flow of experience is conducted through the process of selective attention and propose an integrative model of change management based on leader's ability to recognize, extract and implement the novel governing metaphor.

Suggested Citation

  • Domagoj Hru?ka, 0000. "Leading with Purpose: Framework for Recontextualizing Organizations Through Metaphors," Proceedings of International Academic Conferences 11313240, International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences.
    • Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:11313240
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Haridimos Tsoukas & Robert Chia, 2002. "On Organizational Becoming: Rethinking Organizational Change," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(5), pages 567-582, October.
    2. Nonaka, Ikujiro & Yamanouchi, Teruo, 1989. "Managing innovation as a self-renewing process," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 4(5), pages 299-315, September.
    3. Joep P. Cornelissen, 2006. "Metaphor and the Dynamics of Knowledge in Organization Theory: A Case Study of the Organizational Identity Metaphor," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(4), pages 683-709, June.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Leadership; change management; governing metaphor; sensemaking;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M10 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - General
    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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