Proceedings of the 56th International Academic Conference, Lisbon

LEADING WITH PURPOSE: FRAMEWORK FOR RECONTEXTUALIZING ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH METAPHORS

DOMAGOJ HRUŠKA

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.

Keywords: Leadership, change management, governing metaphor, sensemaking

DOI: 10.20472/IAC.2020.056.003

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