It's common to hear people describe their work organizations as a "family." And that description is often made as a proud statement, as if to imply that an organization should operate or feel like a family. But that's problematic, as we discuss in this episode. Specifically, we explore:
- Why our use of metaphors for organization matters
- How the way in which we talk about things can create or reinforce cultural norms
- Why “family” is a problematic way to think about your work organization
- Implications for people, leaders, and organizations
Links and other information
Örtenblad, A., Putnam, L. L., & Trehan, K. (2016). Beyond Morgan’s eight metaphors: Adding to and developing organization theory. Human Relations, 69(4), 875-889. Click here
Gareth Morgan’s seminal book, Images of Organization
Harvard Business Review article by Joshua Luna, “The Toxic Effects of Branding Your Workplace a ‘Family’”
Article by David Burkus: “Why a company is not a family — and how companies can bond with their employees instead”
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