Summary
Contents
Subject index
Taking issue with functional approaches to communication, Understanding Organizations through Language offers a viable alternative based on `webs of meaning'. Instead of viewing communication as a thing that can be unproblematically controlled and managed, the authors use semiology as a theoretical bedrock to develop a new metaphor for communication. Understanding Organizations through Language applies this approach to areas of interest, including: metaphor, story-telling, discourse, gender, leadership and electronic communication. Spanning the gap between highly theoretical organization studies texts and highly prescriptive communication texts, the book talks to the reader in a sophisticated yet approachable style. This style is complemented by a range of examples, activities and mini case studies. Also included are chapter summaries and further reading suggestions, making this a useful text for both academics and students. Advanced undergraduates and postgraduates will utilize this book for any course dealing with communication, particularly courses in HRM and organizational behaviour.
Understanding Organizations through Stories and Narratives
Understanding Organizations through Stories and Narratives
The previous chapter provided an overview of metaphor as a way of understanding organizations. In this chapter we look at the way we can use (organizational) stories or narratives to develop our understanding of meaning making in organizations. Like metaphors, we can use stories to explore otherwise tacit organizational meaning systems. They can provide a window into the symbolic realities as experienced and constructed by organizational members.
First, we introduce the role and function of stories as cultural accounts and depositories of meaning: stories are viewed as part of the cultural heritage as well as providing individuals with a means to express and shape their identities. This section is followed by a discussion of the ...
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