Recontextualizing Anthropomorphic Metaphors in Organization Studies: The Pathology of Organizational Insomnia

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

In this article, the authors discuss critically the use of anthropomorphic metaphors in organization studies (e.g., organizational knowledge, learning, and memory). They argue that, although these metaphors are potentially powerful, because of frequent usage they are at risk of becoming taken for granted and contextually disconnected from their source domain, the human mind. To unleash the heuristic potential of such metaphors, it is necessary to take into account the inherent dynamics and bidirectionality of metaphorical language use. Therefore, the authors propose a methodology for the context-sensitive use of metaphors in organization studies. They illustrate this approach by developing the new metaphor of organizational insomnia, which is informed by recent neuroscientific research on human sleep and its disruptions. The insomnia metaphor provides an alternative way of explaining deficits in organizational knowledge, learning, and memory, which originate in a state of permanent restlessness.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Management Inquiry
Volume22
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)435-450
Number of pages16
ISSN1056-4926
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10.2013
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • Management studies
  • organization theory, organizational communication, metaphor, sleep, insomnia

DOI

Recently viewed

Publications

  1. Double-fading support - A training approach to complex software systems
  2. Switching Dispatching Rules with Gaussian Processes
  3. Assessing Quality of Teaching from Different Perspectives
  4. Legitimizing Digital Transformation: From System Integration to Platformization
  5. A Multilevel Inverter Bridge Control Structure with Energy Storage Using Model Predictive Control for Flat Systems
  6. Trajectory tracking using MPC and a velocity observer for flat actuator systems in automotive applications
  7. Global fern and lycophyte richness explained: How regional and local factors shape plot richness
  8. Failing and the perception of failure in student-driven transdisciplinary projects
  9. Editorial: Machine Learning and Data Mining in Materials Science
  10. Optimization of waste management systems by integrating material fluxes, agents and regulatory mechanisms
  11. Clause identification using entropy guided transformation learning
  12. The Benefit of Web- and Computer-Based Interventions for Stress
  13. A Study on the Performance of Adaptive Neural Networks for Haze Reduction with a Focus on Precision
  14. ℓp-norm multiple kernel learning
  15. Neural network-based estimation and compensation of friction for enhanced deep drawing process control
  16. How does telework modify informal workplace learning and how can supervisors provide support?
  17. Performance of an IMU-Based Sensor Concept for Solving the Direct Kinematics Problem of the Stewart-Gough Platform
  18. Development of high performance single-phase solid solution magnesium alloy at low temperature
  19. Effect of thermo-mechanical conditions during constrained friction processing on the particle refinement of AM50 Mg-alloy phases
  20. From Knowledge to Application
  21. Bridging the Gap: Generating a Comprehensive Biomedical Knowledge Graph Question Answering Dataset
  22. A Structure and Content Prompt-based Method for Knowledge Graph Question Answering over Scholarly Data
  23. Assessing Effects Through Semi-Field and Field Toxicity Testing
  24. Effects of diversity versus segregation on automatic approach and avoidance behavior towards own and other ethnic groups
  25. Green software engineering with agile methods
  26. Multiphase-field modeling of temperature-driven intermetallic compound evolution in an Al-Mg system for application to solid-state joining processes
  27. Controlling a Bank Model Economy by Using an Adaptive Model Predictive Control with Help of an Extended Kalman Filter
  28. Passive Rotation of Rotational Joints and Its Computation Method
  29. A Theoretical Dynamical Noninteracting Model for General Manipulation Systems Using Axiomatic Geometric Structures