More than a figure of speech: What metaphor use can reveal about collaboration in the workplace

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Effective strategy implementation can be helped or impeded by an organization's use of metaphors and other figurative language. Firms must consider standardized or more targeted approaches to different organizational groups to metaphor usage. This is likely to impact on the capacity of such linguistic devices to determine whether employees embrace or resist the strategy being introduced.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2019), "More than a figure of speech: What metaphor use can reveal about collaboration in the workplace", Strategic Direction, Vol. 35 No. 7, pp. 34-36. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-04-2019-0075