Metaphors in Management – Blend of Theory and Practice (New Horizons in Management Sciences)

This book will help managers understand organizations in non-quantitative manner. The modern-day managers are challenged with dealing with these constantly increasing complexities in the pursuit of efficiency and effectiveness. They must understand how constant changes influence their tasks so they can contribute to establishing a fast-reacting organization. The authors analyze how metaphors can serve as methods or tools that provide insight into how organizations function, and how best to deal with making them successful in a state of permanent change. Cover 1 Table of Contents 7 Part I: Theoretical aspects of metaphors in management 9 Introduction 9 1. The nature of metaphors 10 2. Cognitive typology of metaphors 15 3. Cognitive linguistics and conceptual metaphor 17 4. The social constructivism perspective 20 5. Is metaphor universal? 23 6. A critique of Conceptual Metaphor Theory 36 7. Metaphor in management and organization theory 38 8. Metaphors and communication in organizational settings 47 Part II: Practical applications of metaphors in management 61 1. Metaphors in economic discourse 61 2. Metaphors for organizations 65 3. Metaphors in organizational culture 81 4. Metaphors in strategic management 98 5. Metaphors in organizational conflict 106 6. Metaphors in knowledge sharing 118 7. Metaphor in negotiation 128 8. Metaphor in management consulting 138 9. Metaphors for creativity and problem solving 146 10. Metaphor in organizational change and innovation 153 11. Metaphor in executive coaching 156 12. Metaphor in entrepreneurship 162 13. Summary 171 Bibliography 173 Studying metaphors modern-day managers will be better prepared to understand organizations and how to deal best with the circumstances they are challenged. The authors analyze how metaphors can serve as methods or tools that provide insight into how organizations function, and how best to deal with making them successful.